I must admit it was rather weird to sleep in this Saturday morning. I haven't done that in what seems like forever. My body enjoyed the rest, until my brain kicked in and started thinking about my students, parent conferences this week, the list of things I need to get done at school, and up and awake I became.
As a renewed teacher- not new, more like recycled- I'm struggling with all that I seem to be lacking. Curriculum development, understanding EST processes, understanding special ed requirements and processes, assessment procedures, rubrics, reading running records, reading and writing conferences with students.... I'm getting that I-may-have-an-anxiety-attack feeling. BREATHE.... I'm ok. just a bit overwhelmed. I've brought this upon myself, but there's no way to escape it. I've been out of the inner sanctum loop of teaching for 7 years. Now that I'm in it, I just have to hike up my pants and get through it as best as I can.
Thank goodness I have a helpful and caring 2nd grade teacher to work with. She (without knowing it) helps me focus on what I CAN do, and not to worry about all the other stuff- "it will come" she says. I've been a chronic worrier for all my life. Hence why I have had gray hair since I was 15 or 16. Yes genetics plays a part in that, but still. I'm also a perfectionist and want to know and do everything perfect RIGHT NOW. Alas, it doesn't work that way. Hence my pursuit of patience.
So on this cold and gray Saturday in late October, I'll be heading into school soon to work on the things that I can do to help my students, not the things I can't. That doesn't mean I'll stop worrying about my little girl who's parents are divorcing or my little boy who doesn't sleep for who knows what reason. They are my kids- not biological, but my kids nonetheless. All 11 of them that I want to be respectful and responsible citizens. I want to set high standards for them so that they will want to work hard and because I KNOW they can reach those high standards. They may not want to reach them (stubborn little one) but I now that they can, and I will push them gently but firmly, because THEY NEED THAT.
Ok, I'll get off my educational soapbox and get going. Do something for me- think about a teacher you had. Good or bad- why do you remember him or her? Did they set high standards for you and your class? Did they bring you on fun field trips that connected with what you were studying? What makes them a special teacher to remember?
In high school, I took trigonometry instead of precalculus. I actually enjoyed the class because my teacher took us on a field trip. I know- a math teacher taking his class on a field trip! We put trigonometry to use by using orienteering- using a compass and the world around you to figure out where you are on a map. It was awesome! What I loved most of all was that the teacher showed us that there was a real world application to what we were learning. Thank you, Mr. MacFadyen!
ReplyDeleteDear Moriah, I wish more teachers asked this question! The first thing that comes to my mind when thinking of an answer is the teacher that was extra kind and gentle and understanding to a little girl who was shy and insecure as the new student in the middle of the school year. For me, a special teacher is one who makes a personal connection with each student so that there is not one who feels left out or uncool or out of the loop. Maybe not what you expected as an answer, but it's my first thought! Kindness, gentleness, trying to understand each student's unique story. The effort may not be appreciated till much later, but it can make a difference. Children need security and happiness at school, just as much as structure and firmness. The 7 hours they are in our care, may be the best 7 hours of their day.
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