Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Professional Development

Hi there. Two days in a row! I am doing good!!! :)
Today, we had professional development. I work at a private Christian school. We are trying to become an IB school, which has been kind of confusing for me walking into this transition. Our school is being observed in April, and everyone is a little stressed about it. I have had a hard time learning  my role in the IB world as the art teacher. I have actually tried to hide from it. That just isnt going to cut it, anymore. I am a part of this team, and really need to show my support for what the school, as a whole, is trying to accomplish. So, this week, I will be creating visual displays of our learner profiles and attributes for my classroom, and will try to include these (small mentions) into my lessons. It will take mental probing on my part. Serious mental probing.
I am ready to see the kids tomorrow. It has been so weird since Christmas break, because we have had two three day weekends, one early release because of snow, and one professional development day. I have only seen some of my classes one time since we have come back. I need them more to get things done! :) I am ready to redo the art displays in the halls. :) I know, I know...its the PROCESS...not the outcome. I just get excited and PROUD of what these kids can do (when forced, hehe).
Again, no picture! Its going to happen soon......

Monday, January 21, 2013

Intimidation...

Ok, I will be the first, and only, to admit that I have been intimidated. I have been intimidated by being a first year teacher, by being in an inner city school, by moving three hours away from ANYone that I know (with my husband and son in tow, of course), and by THIS BLOG. I have thought about the blog a few times since I started it in August. Just fleeting thoughts. Each time I got a little rush of anxiety. What could I post here? Why blog? Then, I got so behind....I thought I would just forget about it all together. Maybe it would disappear into this big cyber world.
So, why I am I here? I am challenging myself. I want to post at least several times a week. WANT is the key word, I am not promising anything. I know that reflecting on my day(s) could really be beneficial for me. Especially since I have memory isssues lately. 26 years old, and I forget SO much. Should I be worried?
Anyway, about work... In the teaching world, I have already experienced some pretty nice rewards in my 6 months, but with that has come some HUE-MUNG-GO challenges. This has been the best learning experience for me, and has really made me re-evaluate myself many times. I was naive to think I could walk into that school and know how to be a teacher just because I got the degree and am certified. How foolish of me. Luckily, I have been on the receiving end of some wonderful support from my mentor teacher. I would hate to hear what I am sure she has to think of me. haha I have gone to her with EVERY difficuty, confusion, mini drama..you name it, she has heard it from me! And she has been there every time. Never wavoring. I want to remember her, just in case I am lucky enough to be able to mentor another poor sap...I mean First Year Teacher. ;)  I want to remember her support, her help, and her friendship. I have also found lots of inspiration from other bloggers...bloggers that I aspire to be one day. I think I can!! I think I can!!
So, let's talk about ART. I am the art teacher for kindergarten through 8th grade. Every time I think I've got this teaching thing figured out, the middle school class walks in the door, which, BTW, they come in everyday. Every. Single. Day. I did some serious planning over Christmas break for these guys. Pretty sure they hate me now (YES!!!). We are busy, busy, busy!!! :) So, on this blog, be prepared to here my frustrations with middle school. Speaking of middle schoolers, there are kids, that I dont teach, working on some project for some other class and they think they can come into my room and take supplies whenever they want!I took them to the office the first day. I thought that would solve the problem, but I was wrong. They barge in while I am in the middle of teaching a class. They come in when I am not there to take stuff. It drives me nuts!!!! I believe I am getting a lock for my door soon. Thank God! I just ordered about $300 worth of new supplies, that I do not want stolen, or mistreated.
Ok, well this was a good start. Now if I can just post more.... and more....
Oh, and now to figure out how to add pictures?! How did I do that last time?? lol ahh....