Tomorrow is Friday, and I could not be more excited! I really want to go out for a fish fry tomorrow(very Wisconsin), but we'll see. This week has been pretty exhausting, as it is the start of a new semester, but I'm overall happy with how it's gone.
1. I "reset" the expectations of my class. And the students actually responded pretty positively. I was really afraid my plan to limit cell phone use in class would epic fail, but it surprisingly didn't! Most students complied immediately and I hope it continues. I think part of the reason why I had success is because of the way I framed my cell phone "rules." I made sure to explain to students that I wasn't doing this to hurt them, or make their lives difficult, but rather, that I want them to be successful, and I'm keeping these expectations in place to help them be successful. I even had a student give me his phone at the beginning of class today because he knew it would be a distraction!
2. Some of my students really appreciate my teaching! I gave students a mid-year survey to fill out to help them reflect on their performance in class, as well as help me get to know my students a little more. The final survey question asks students if there is anything else they want me to know about them. A few students were so kind and took that opportunity to compliment my teaching in a really genuine way. I really appreciated it!
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Monday, January 23, 2017
3 Good Things for a Day Without Students
Semester One is finally over, and I am so so so relieved that I made it through unscathed. I felt like I was drowning last year, but this year I was prepared and organized, which resulted in an easy "record keeping day" for me. I planned the first few weeks of the semester, made some new assignments, and found some great articles to connect the past and the present.
1. I'm excited for the next few weeks. In World History, we are embarking on my favorite unit-- Exploration, and in U.S. History we are beginning with Immigration. I know that I'm a nerd, but I love teaching both of these topics. I firmly believe that the students can sense when I am not passionate about a subject, and reflects in their behavior. Hopefully I will see excited and engaged students reflecting my behavior.
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| Basically me right now (or as the students would say, "Me af") |
1. I'm excited for the next few weeks. In World History, we are embarking on my favorite unit-- Exploration, and in U.S. History we are beginning with Immigration. I know that I'm a nerd, but I love teaching both of these topics. I firmly believe that the students can sense when I am not passionate about a subject, and reflects in their behavior. Hopefully I will see excited and engaged students reflecting my behavior.
After a rough end to first semester, it is encouraging to feel excited for the fresh start.
2. I've got a long list of books to read. My reading list is probably the longest it's ever been, but slowly I will chip away. In terms of "fun" reading, I would really like to read An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood by Jimmy Carter. Though not remembered as a successful president, Jimmy Carter is an inspiration to me, and I hope to expand my appreciation for him reading this book. In terms of "work" reading, I hope to start Smartest Kids in the World by Amanda Ripley soon.
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| Source: Ingram Publishing |
3. I'm touring the Pentagon while in D.C.!!! (as long as my background check clears...) I've done hours of research over the past few weeks to ensure that my trip to D.C. with Chris is packed with awesomeness, and one thing I've booked is touring the Pentagon on Good Friday. This trip will not be relaxing at all, but all of the walking will be so worth it. Only 80 days until this "bucket list" trip!
Friday, January 20, 2017
3 Good Things for Exam Week
Oh, exam week... I'm so torn about how I feel about it. On one hand, it's incredibly stressful, but on the other it's kind of awesome to have three days of open afternoons to get work done (without students!). I would probably have to say the stressful part outweighs the awesome part, though.
Thankfully, I am a fast grader, and my exam grades are all in. So now I can spend the weekend preparing for the second half of this challenging school year. Below are three good things that happened at school this week!
1. One of my students who is not doing well in my class got a 75% on the exam. I'm not sure how he pulled it off, but I'm pretty sure he didn't cheat. It gives me hope that even the students who do little in my class are actually learning something.
2. The principal put the word out to a few teachers to get together 16 students for a volunteer opportunity at one of the middle schools next Friday. As National Honor Society co-advisor, I sprang into action, and recruited NHS members to help. I'm so excited that I did it, and even happier that I can see my role in NHS is making a positive impact on the school. I really hope to continue chasing this feeling. I would love to expand the scope of NHS at my school in the future.
3. I've had a lot of time to reflect on the past and plan for the future this week. We will be diving into my favorite unit of world history next week -- Exploration. I'm so excited to teach students about it, and I'm going to spend a good chunk of my weekend planning the unit. Yay!!!
Thankfully, I am a fast grader, and my exam grades are all in. So now I can spend the weekend preparing for the second half of this challenging school year. Below are three good things that happened at school this week!
1. One of my students who is not doing well in my class got a 75% on the exam. I'm not sure how he pulled it off, but I'm pretty sure he didn't cheat. It gives me hope that even the students who do little in my class are actually learning something.
2. The principal put the word out to a few teachers to get together 16 students for a volunteer opportunity at one of the middle schools next Friday. As National Honor Society co-advisor, I sprang into action, and recruited NHS members to help. I'm so excited that I did it, and even happier that I can see my role in NHS is making a positive impact on the school. I really hope to continue chasing this feeling. I would love to expand the scope of NHS at my school in the future.
3. I've had a lot of time to reflect on the past and plan for the future this week. We will be diving into my favorite unit of world history next week -- Exploration. I'm so excited to teach students about it, and I'm going to spend a good chunk of my weekend planning the unit. Yay!!!
Monday, January 16, 2017
3 Things I'm doing for Me
This time of the school year has been difficult, to say the least. I love my job, but the end of the semester is ROUGH! I've recently been coping with increased apathy and decreased grades from my students. It's extremely difficult for me to continue to be positive and upbeat when I feel like I'm talking to a wall.
However, once in a while I have to step back and remind myself that "this, too, shall pass," and not ALL of my students are apathetic. Though this percentage of apathetic students is pretty high compared to last year, there are still some students who care about my class and their grades.
As my career in teaching progresses, I've begun to learn that my personal life needs to be balanced with my work life. It's so easy for me to get swamped in school work (especially the negativity that comes with it), so in order to have a well rounded and positive life, I must also search for happiness outside of my career. I have to divest myself from teaching a little bit because if I don't, it will have large negative consequences on my wellbeing.
1. I'm planning a vacation to Washington, D.C.!!!!! If you know me, you know that my "holy grail" trip is D.C. As a gigantic U.S. History fan, there is no better place for me to go than there. I will be going this Spring Break, and have already packed my trip full of amazing destinations. I'll be there for the Cherry Blossom Festival, the 152nd Anniversary of Lincoln's Assassination, to tour the Pentagon-- and more! I am so grateful that I finally get to go on this trip, and can't wait to go (less than 90 days now!)!
2. I am working to improve my health and wellness. I've never enjoyed going to the gym, or doing any physical activity other than shopping, but as I get older, I am learning that my health is important, and maintaining a good body inside and out now will lead to better health later in life. I am by no means content with my current workout routine, but I am moving in the right direction-- and that's all I can ask for right now!
3. I am investing in experiences more than things. Shopping has always been my favorite hobby, but clothes and accessories aren't really all that emotionally fulfilling. One of my resolutions was to invest in experiences more than things-- aka buy less clothes and more concert tickets! I've already purchased tickets to Eric Whitacre's concert in Milwaukee this March, and I've never been so OK with spending $70. I also will be seeing Red Hot Chili Peppers at Summerfest, and hope to see Horseshoes and Hand Grenades a few times this year, too.
However, once in a while I have to step back and remind myself that "this, too, shall pass," and not ALL of my students are apathetic. Though this percentage of apathetic students is pretty high compared to last year, there are still some students who care about my class and their grades.
As my career in teaching progresses, I've begun to learn that my personal life needs to be balanced with my work life. It's so easy for me to get swamped in school work (especially the negativity that comes with it), so in order to have a well rounded and positive life, I must also search for happiness outside of my career. I have to divest myself from teaching a little bit because if I don't, it will have large negative consequences on my wellbeing.
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| Source |
2. I am working to improve my health and wellness. I've never enjoyed going to the gym, or doing any physical activity other than shopping, but as I get older, I am learning that my health is important, and maintaining a good body inside and out now will lead to better health later in life. I am by no means content with my current workout routine, but I am moving in the right direction-- and that's all I can ask for right now!
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| Source |
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
3 Good Things for a Busy Week
1. With the end of the semester looming, I am pleased with the students who are cruising into exams. I'm so happy to see that there are some students who have cared about their grades all semester and continue to care, even in the home stretch. I appreciate these students more than anything right now, because sometimes it feels like they're outweighed by students who don't care.
2. I have an awesome and supportive EA second hour, who is so great to talk to and very supportive. I really appreciate him!
3. NHS is planning the blood drive for next month. We met with a representative from the Red Cross to discuss it, and I'm really excited about it. Our students can have a huge positive impact on the community just by donating blood, so I hope it is successful!
2. I have an awesome and supportive EA second hour, who is so great to talk to and very supportive. I really appreciate him!
3. NHS is planning the blood drive for next month. We met with a representative from the Red Cross to discuss it, and I'm really excited about it. Our students can have a huge positive impact on the community just by donating blood, so I hope it is successful!
Monday, January 2, 2017
3 Things I'm Looking Forward To This Week
In less than 16 hours, I will be back in my classroom at Central... I'm quite ambivalent about returning. I've been battling an annoying cold for the last week, and I would really like for it to just go away before school tomorrow. Teaching while sick is not something I look forward to.
Though I'm sick, there are reasons to be excited to go back to school tomorrow. Here are three things I'm looking forward to doing this week:
1. On Wednesday some social studies teachers are getting together to discuss possible textbook options for the new U.S. History course debuting next year. I'm excited to be part of the group, and I am looking forward to hanging out with fellow history teachers.
2. On Friday, I meet with the assistant principal and academic dean to discuss my update on my passion project, which I will share with the staff at a future staff meeting. I'm nervous about speaking in front of the whole staff, but I'm also really looking forward to sharing what I learned about social media in the classroom.
3. On Saturday I go to the second session of COMP training at my school. I really really loved the first session back in December, and look forward to feeling excited and refreshed again. It's also great to spend time with teachers that I don't normally see much. Though it's 8 hours at school on a Saturday, it's worth it!
Though I'm sick, there are reasons to be excited to go back to school tomorrow. Here are three things I'm looking forward to doing this week:
1. On Wednesday some social studies teachers are getting together to discuss possible textbook options for the new U.S. History course debuting next year. I'm excited to be part of the group, and I am looking forward to hanging out with fellow history teachers.
2. On Friday, I meet with the assistant principal and academic dean to discuss my update on my passion project, which I will share with the staff at a future staff meeting. I'm nervous about speaking in front of the whole staff, but I'm also really looking forward to sharing what I learned about social media in the classroom.
3. On Saturday I go to the second session of COMP training at my school. I really really loved the first session back in December, and look forward to feeling excited and refreshed again. It's also great to spend time with teachers that I don't normally see much. Though it's 8 hours at school on a Saturday, it's worth it!
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