I may have stumbled upon a second career within the teaching profession. That of substituting for teachers within the building when there isn't one available. I can't say it is something that I particularly want to do, but it does present some opportunities. For one, it gives me the opportunity to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes, thus gaining a deeper appreciation for the unique challenges and rewards faced by others in this wonderful profession. Another benefit is that I may be able to earn a bit of additional money. I'm not sure how much this is, but I'm thinking it probably isn't much because I'm already there.
This was a short week for me. I stayed home sick with strep throat on Monday, then went to all day training for Everyday Math on Tuesday, and finally had all day professional development on Friday. It was nice to stay home and get some rest on Monday and I think it helped me quite a bit. The Everyday Math (EDM) curriculum seems well put together. They have designed the material to be presented to the students in a spiral fashion where students are introduced to a concept or procedure that they revisit often throughout their time using the curriculum. The materials are presented in ways that make the lessons easier to plan and implement, with assessment tools embedded throughout. I look forward to my second full day of training next week. In my math classes I'm struggling to balance rigor and engagement and I think some of the math games built into EDM may provide a key to increasing student engagement and maintaining rigor, I'll keep you posted.
As a computer teacher, I am blessed with the opportunity and the challenge of integrating technology and curriculum across the elementary grade spectrum (k-5). I had my first classes this last week and in most of my classes we went through the behavior expectations for the computer lab and discussed things we know/want to know as well as things we've done and want to do. The students learning goals matched many of the ones I wanted to teach anyways, so I'm excited to have that built in engagement. Some of the subjects things they are most eager to do include, working with video, making multi-media reports/presentation, and podcasting. Some of the challenges I'm face (as I suspect all teacher do) include ensuring that every student is being taught the materials they want to be taught, making sure the content aligns with State and school standards/objectives, aligning lessons with the classroom curriculum and presenting the lessons in a developmentally appropriate way.
On Thursday afternoon, I had the opportunity to sub for a first grade classroom in the afternoon. I found it to be a challenge as the class has several exceptional students on both ends of the spectrum. Having a diverse classroom wasn’t as much of an issue as not knowing what the procedures in the classroom are, and I’m talking the little things you don’t really think of, like walking to recess or a specialist, what we do when we finish an assignment, etc. I’m sure as I gain experience working with the different grade levels I’ll be able to develop a tool box which should allow me to meet the needs of my students and keep them on task and engaged. However, I don’t think this will come easily.
I went to my first TGIF on Friday and I had a great time. I’m glad I brought my partner who is also a teacher and by far my better half, she was able to engage my teaching colleagues in educational discussion as I got wrapped up in conversation with the boyfriend of a colleague who shared the same passion for technology as I. I feel bad about not taking the opportunity to further bond with my peers, though in my defense I would like to point out that the gentleman and myself were at the end of the table, somewhat removed from the bulk of the others. It really was a situation where a couple of people who obviously spend way too much time in front of computers meet, discover their mutual affection for technology, and proceed to engage in discussion. My apologies to all those with whom I did not get the opportunity to converse with more. I look forward to future opportunities and hopefully you will forgive me and engage me.
A quick update on my strep throat: I wish I could tell you all that I am feeling a hundred percent better, as the first doctor assured me I would be, but the truth is I'm three days from being out of antibiotics and I feel as if I have only recovered 70%. It probably goes without saying that I'll be spending this weekend trying to check in with a doctor and planning my lessons for next week.
