Change

We live in a very different world than the one we lived in a year ago. My colleagues insist that they are professionals, and the anxiety over RIF notices is not affecting their classrooms. On the other hand, they are not buying the supplies they would normally purchase out of pocket, they are emotionally drained from crying and complaining during their breaks, and their inboxes are filled with emails containing rumors and worst case scenarios. They can't help bringing this tension into their classrooms. I am holding on to the fact that these notices are for the coming school year. This year, at my best or worst, I am the only teacher my students have for my subject area. They deserve my best.

Thes Books Were Made for Walking

On the 3rd Wednesday of every month, Strumpet's Life hosts this meme which asks us to think about a topic that has to do with books and travel. Here's the topic for this month:

Is there a place that you have always dreamed of visiting specifically because of a book you read? It can be any kind of book: fiction, non-fiction, travelogue, you name it. If you have been to the place, did it live up to your expectations? If you haven't been, do you think you'll ever make it there?


This one was a little difficult for me. The locale was easy because I have longed to go to India for a little over nine years. I wasn't too sure I could attribute it to reading. Then I gave it more thought and realized it had everything to do with reading! My desire to visit India began during my first year teaching sixth grade ancient world history. The story of the Taj Mahal, the origins of Hinduism and Buddhism, and the beauty of the subcontinent drew me in. I guess you could say Houghtin Mifflin's textbook Message of Ancient Days and TCI's History Alive! unit on India sparked my interest in India.

Time with Mom

The dynamics between mothers and daughters sparks many discussions and lots of research, but their relationships are well worth every emotional moment.

After a totally exhausting week, I planned to stay in today. I woke up with a pounding headache. While waiting for the Motrin to kick in, the phone rang and, to make a long story shorter, I found myself racing to get dressed and meet my mother for lunch. It was a forty-five minute drive to the restaurant. I got there thirty minutes late (due to traffic and a poor sense of direction), but we had a great time eating and window shopping. The box of work I brought home was still in dining room when I got back (Just as I suspected it would be). I have learned that family is an important part of sustaining/maintained my balance as a teacher. The work will get done and I will be lot less stressed. Thanks Mom.

Totally Exhausted!!!

First day back with students. When it came to walking, I over did it. This was my first day back since the last spring. The young people in my classes seem great and the day went smoothly; I just need to ease back into the physical aspects of the job. I am going to skip tonight's workout (Technically, I have already had one!) and try to get into the gym later in the week.

It was interesting to see colleagues at varying levels of preparedness. Some seemed to be flying by the seat of their pants, while others had elaborate plans which included diving right into the curriculum. During the first few days, I find team building is extremely important and has rewards that last all year long. Beginning of the year assessments also help to inform my instruction when it comes to meeting individual student needs.

Exhausted!

I've been experiencing a huge computer problem since my last post. After 2 1/2 hours on the phone with various technicians, it is finally resolved, and I can my focus on being ready for the start of school in two days. For the past three days I have put in endless hours working on things for the first week and getting the necessary files, folders and websites updated in my classroom. It was rough not being able to do any of the computer stuff from home. People who are not educators will never understand all of the work that takes place in teaching when the students aren't there. There is no such thing as time off.