And not just the Rockies, but the glorious town of Golden, B.C. It's actually beautiful here... the snow is slowly falling outside, everything is wearing a charming white blanket, and the town is nearly silent.
It doesn't change the fact that we're kinda-sorta stranded here until tomorrow. The roads are miserable and slippery, drivers are morons, and I'm a bit of an anxious guy when the roads are remotely terrible. Other than K's anxiety about missing work tomorrow, I think we're both in good spirits. We just returned from a quiet dinner, and our hotel room is clean, warm and has free internet. Really, things could be much worse. And I've been battling a cold for the past 2 days, so I'm glad for the rest from the road. When it takes you 4.5 hours to drive a distance that should only take 3 hours, I get a little bit stressed out.
Still, the holidays were enjoyable, except that they were far too short. We spent less than 48 hours in Lethy visiting my parents and the rest of the M family, and drove up to Airdrie to visit the in-laws for the same stint of less than 48 hours. Santa spoiled us rotten, and my big brother came up with some fantastic gifts for both K and I. Really, all the gifts were great, but J's gifts just showed a great deal of thought and sentiment, and K and I both appreciated it enormously. The worst part about these visits is that we just don't have enough time to visit with everyone. I didn't even have the chance to visit with my grandparents on my dad's side. When there's 25 people around and you only have 2 hours to see each one of them, people get missed or ignored altogether. I'm excited that next year we'll hopefully create an opportunity to see everyone for a great deal longer.
"Oh, the weather outside is frightful (actually, it's not that bad, but the roads suck)
But the [radiator] inside is delightful. (well, moderately respectable, anyway)
And since there's no place to go (except home and work)
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow (as long as it lets up and is clear driving in the morning)."
Happy holidays, all!
-T
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
Mixed emotions on the final day before holidays
I woke up this morning tired as hell. I haven't slept a tonne lately, and I got to bed later than I was hoping last night. There's so much to do before going back home for Christmas that it seems like we're always puttering until we're well past the need for sleep.
But I walked into the school this morning with mixed feelings. I'm really excited that I don't have much to do for today, and that I'm on holidays as of 3:19pm this afternoon. I have some small tokens of appreciation for my sponsor teachers, and I brought some cookies for the staff. But I'm getting kinda sad... I don't teach any of these kids again after today, and even though a number of them have pushed my buttons and provided a very good foundation for many decades of ulcers, I really enjoy coming here in the morning. I really like getting to know the students and trying to get them interested in what I'm teaching. I try to make fun of myself enough so that they can feel at ease. And I did get to know a few of them really well, and it definitely sucks that I have to say goodbye to teaching them. I know I'll see them in the new year, since I'm around until June, but unless I get a job here, I won't teach them again. And 99% of them are students I want to teach again.
Not to mention it's Christmas, and since I moved away from home, I become really sentimental when Christmas time comes around. I become a bit of a blubbering idiot when I go back and see my families. I'm a pretty independent guy and really like doing my own thing, but I'm still close with my whole family, and sometimes it's hard being a 9 hour drive away. It's even harder when you're a ferry trip AND a 13 hour drive away.
Last night Kerrie and I also exchanged gifts, and she bought us a little resort getaway for March over Spring Break, which I'm really excited for. Those have always been my favorite gifts... nice meals at a nice restaurant, nights away at a resort, or just excuses to relax in general. We rarely ever get a chance to take the opportunities, so when they come along, I appreciate them so much more.
I hope I'll have a chance to update again before Christmas, but if I don't, I hope the 10 people who read this have a wonderful Christmas and a safe holiday season. Take care! Until again, my friends...
-T
But I walked into the school this morning with mixed feelings. I'm really excited that I don't have much to do for today, and that I'm on holidays as of 3:19pm this afternoon. I have some small tokens of appreciation for my sponsor teachers, and I brought some cookies for the staff. But I'm getting kinda sad... I don't teach any of these kids again after today, and even though a number of them have pushed my buttons and provided a very good foundation for many decades of ulcers, I really enjoy coming here in the morning. I really like getting to know the students and trying to get them interested in what I'm teaching. I try to make fun of myself enough so that they can feel at ease. And I did get to know a few of them really well, and it definitely sucks that I have to say goodbye to teaching them. I know I'll see them in the new year, since I'm around until June, but unless I get a job here, I won't teach them again. And 99% of them are students I want to teach again.
Not to mention it's Christmas, and since I moved away from home, I become really sentimental when Christmas time comes around. I become a bit of a blubbering idiot when I go back and see my families. I'm a pretty independent guy and really like doing my own thing, but I'm still close with my whole family, and sometimes it's hard being a 9 hour drive away. It's even harder when you're a ferry trip AND a 13 hour drive away.
Last night Kerrie and I also exchanged gifts, and she bought us a little resort getaway for March over Spring Break, which I'm really excited for. Those have always been my favorite gifts... nice meals at a nice restaurant, nights away at a resort, or just excuses to relax in general. We rarely ever get a chance to take the opportunities, so when they come along, I appreciate them so much more.
I hope I'll have a chance to update again before Christmas, but if I don't, I hope the 10 people who read this have a wonderful Christmas and a safe holiday season. Take care! Until again, my friends...
-T
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
I think I'll get to sleep on Sunday
Lately I haven't been sleeping well. Particularly last night, I think the rush and stress related to this last push before Christmas holidays has made me restless and actually caused quite a mediocre day for me in the mood department. If you look at the day's events, it would've seemed like a wonderful day. But I simply couldn't enjoy it, even though I tried. I arrived on time, starting working first thing in the morning, and I didn't have to teach. I had a chance to hang out for lunch with some of the other teachers, had a good chat with one of my fellow interns, received a free dinner during our staff meeting, got some stuff done at the house, and was sleeping before 11pm. Seems successful, no? But I was feeling this miserable anxiety through almost the whole day, and I couldn't shake it. I really questioned the success of my first term, and was frustrated with the progress in my SS class, since they weren't nearly as far as I think they should have been. I felt cynical and bitter and didn't really have any plausible reason for it.
But, today is a new day. And I brought cookies.
On the bright side, Christmas holidays start on Friday afternoon at approximately 2pm. I'm giving a test in the first half of the afternoon class, and we have a school-wide assembly after that at 2pm, so I'll officially be done with the teaching thing when the assembly starts. And then it's back to Alberta on Saturday! I'm really excited, and it sounds like I'll be able to sleep in and be lazy for a good part of Sunday. It's gonna be blissful.
And just a plug for a Canadian musician... if you haven't heard Sarah McLachlan's new Christmas album, you should... I thought it was wonderful. I had dinner over at one of my sponsor teacher's houses two nights ago and they had it playing in the background. It's sombre, but it's beautiful music.
- T
But, today is a new day. And I brought cookies.
On the bright side, Christmas holidays start on Friday afternoon at approximately 2pm. I'm giving a test in the first half of the afternoon class, and we have a school-wide assembly after that at 2pm, so I'll officially be done with the teaching thing when the assembly starts. And then it's back to Alberta on Saturday! I'm really excited, and it sounds like I'll be able to sleep in and be lazy for a good part of Sunday. It's gonna be blissful.
And just a plug for a Canadian musician... if you haven't heard Sarah McLachlan's new Christmas album, you should... I thought it was wonderful. I had dinner over at one of my sponsor teacher's houses two nights ago and they had it playing in the background. It's sombre, but it's beautiful music.
- T
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Reflections in the wake of tragedy
An acquaintance of mine just had her father pass away from a hard battle with lung cancer. Every time I hear of such a tragedy, I seem to really reconsider my priorities in life. I think it's sad that it takes such a tragedy for me to take stock in what's really important in life. I like to think I have my priorities straight, but in times like these, I really do not think I do.
One thing it does... it definitely makes me thankful that I'm able to go back to Alberta next weekend to see my family.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted"... I can only hope that this is true. If you ever read this, Teak, my thoughts (and K's) are with you. Take care.
- T
One thing it does... it definitely makes me thankful that I'm able to go back to Alberta next weekend to see my family.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted"... I can only hope that this is true. If you ever read this, Teak, my thoughts (and K's) are with you. Take care.
- T
Friday, December 15, 2006
Homeward Bound in 8 days and my teaching philosophy
It's true, I'm still counting down the days. Obviously, this means I might be a bit excited about getting back to the 4-0-3 to visit the families over the holidays. Unfortunately (as always), K and I are only able to go back for about four days due to K needing to work and pay the bills, but it's still going to be nice to be able to see everyone. It actually works out really well considering the limited amount of time we get to visit, since I'll be able to see pretty much all the relatives in one fell swoop back in Lethy, and we'll be able to do the same in Airdrie immediately thereafter.
Part of the excitement is related to the fact that I get some time off from school, which is going to be thoroughly enjoyable. I love being here, but it's a job that you take with you wherever you go, so there's really not much for actual "days off". This is particularly true since we have education classes on top of our teaching. Still, I'm not complaining... other than the mediocre pay, I think I may have stumbled into the perfect job for me. There's holidays, and I get to stand up in front of groups of people and talk as much as I want. Really, for anyone who knows me at all, this is something positive. I may or may not be a bit notorious for being long-winded (and completely full of it).
I've also stumbled across some early ideas about what my teaching philosophy is going to look like, so if you're even the slightest bit interested, you can go here and read about my thoughts about this whole teaching thing. Ciao, all...
- T
P.S. Happy Birthday, Mom!
Part of the excitement is related to the fact that I get some time off from school, which is going to be thoroughly enjoyable. I love being here, but it's a job that you take with you wherever you go, so there's really not much for actual "days off". This is particularly true since we have education classes on top of our teaching. Still, I'm not complaining... other than the mediocre pay, I think I may have stumbled into the perfect job for me. There's holidays, and I get to stand up in front of groups of people and talk as much as I want. Really, for anyone who knows me at all, this is something positive. I may or may not be a bit notorious for being long-winded (and completely full of it).
I've also stumbled across some early ideas about what my teaching philosophy is going to look like, so if you're even the slightest bit interested, you can go here and read about my thoughts about this whole teaching thing. Ciao, all...
- T
P.S. Happy Birthday, Mom!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
A new favorite
I've been denying for years that I actually enjoy country music. I always found that there were too many songs about hound dogs and riding horses and the joy and bliss of being a redneck. But I'm going to let out a secret... I don't even mind a lot of country music. And you could even say that I really like a bit of it. Possibly. Maybe.
A few weeks ago I asked a question in my Social Studies class: Is politics personal? Some of the students were a bit confused about what I meant by this, so I contextualized it a bit more and asked the question again: Is politics personal? I received a variety of reponses, some yes and some no... some fence-sitters as well (not surprisingly). But responses nonetheless.
I then played "Not Ready to Make Nice" by the Dixie Chicks. For anyone who knows the song and the recent events related to the band, you know about the controversy over the lead singer's comments about Bush on the eve of the invasion of Iraq. She publicly criticised Bush and his decision to invade Iraq while on stage in London, England, saying:
"... we're ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas."
Considering the political position of many (but not all) country music lovers in the U.S. (being of the right-wing conservative stream), this didn't exactly go over very well. Radio stations across the U.S. killed their airplay, and people started boycotting them, their concerts, and their music. They received threats, and nasty letters, and were mocked by other people in country music. This is also the time when patriotic symbolism in country music videos went through the roof. But "The Chicks" definitely ran into difficulties. This is where the song comes in.
After playing the song and reading off the lyrics to the class, I asked the question again: Is politics personal? There was still a variety of answers, but they had definitely changed. Most of the students had no idea this was going on at all. So we talked about it a little more, and discussed the nature of our rights to free speech, rights of consumerism and to buy what we want, and the right to personal safety. The conversation took on a whole
This is a long story that explains how I do actually enjoy some country music, and I've had the Dixie Chicks in my IPod for weeks now. I listen to "Not Ready to Make Nice" often. It's unbelievably scary to think about the extremes of personal conviction and the fear that some people need to instill in others in order to keep opinions from being shared. You see it in a variety of situations, but you don't often hear it as publicly.
I've actually always enjoyed some country, and even though I kicked up a fuss about it at home when my mom played it daily, I really don't minda lot of it. I've even attended some country shows (not that I had to pay money for them, but I still went). Does this mean I've got a pair of designer Wranglers on order and that I'm getting fitted for my Stetson next week? Not so much... I'd still take some good Kanye West over Toby Keith any day... but once in a while, Toby Keith may not be so bad.
- T
Oh yeah, I only have 4 more full days of teaching before Christmas holidays... weeeeee!
A few weeks ago I asked a question in my Social Studies class: Is politics personal? Some of the students were a bit confused about what I meant by this, so I contextualized it a bit more and asked the question again: Is politics personal? I received a variety of reponses, some yes and some no... some fence-sitters as well (not surprisingly). But responses nonetheless.
I then played "Not Ready to Make Nice" by the Dixie Chicks. For anyone who knows the song and the recent events related to the band, you know about the controversy over the lead singer's comments about Bush on the eve of the invasion of Iraq. She publicly criticised Bush and his decision to invade Iraq while on stage in London, England, saying:
"... we're ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas."
Considering the political position of many (but not all) country music lovers in the U.S. (being of the right-wing conservative stream), this didn't exactly go over very well. Radio stations across the U.S. killed their airplay, and people started boycotting them, their concerts, and their music. They received threats, and nasty letters, and were mocked by other people in country music. This is also the time when patriotic symbolism in country music videos went through the roof. But "The Chicks" definitely ran into difficulties. This is where the song comes in.
After playing the song and reading off the lyrics to the class, I asked the question again: Is politics personal? There was still a variety of answers, but they had definitely changed. Most of the students had no idea this was going on at all. So we talked about it a little more, and discussed the nature of our rights to free speech, rights of consumerism and to buy what we want, and the right to personal safety. The conversation took on a whole
This is a long story that explains how I do actually enjoy some country music, and I've had the Dixie Chicks in my IPod for weeks now. I listen to "Not Ready to Make Nice" often. It's unbelievably scary to think about the extremes of personal conviction and the fear that some people need to instill in others in order to keep opinions from being shared. You see it in a variety of situations, but you don't often hear it as publicly.
I've actually always enjoyed some country, and even though I kicked up a fuss about it at home when my mom played it daily, I really don't minda lot of it. I've even attended some country shows (not that I had to pay money for them, but I still went). Does this mean I've got a pair of designer Wranglers on order and that I'm getting fitted for my Stetson next week? Not so much... I'd still take some good Kanye West over Toby Keith any day... but once in a while, Toby Keith may not be so bad.
- T
Oh yeah, I only have 4 more full days of teaching before Christmas holidays... weeeeee!
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Do I count down the days?
I guess I do.
So, I really only have 5 more teaching days before the end of my teaching term. The way my schedule works is that I teach all day for one day, and the next day I have a full day of prep time. It seems like it would be glorious, but when you're not the hyper-organized, goal-setting, "I'm going to spend 3.57 hours on this activity before spending 1.32 hours on this activity" kind of guy, the whole-day prep is never as productive as it should be, even when I feel like I've worked extermely hard the whole time.
But, oh joy, oh bliss, it's the weekend. This week was extremely long, and when you teach grade 10's on Friday afternoon from 12:30-3:30, it's kinda hard to keep their attention, especially in a computer lab when they're doing research for their research projects. Thus, the frustration. I literally went into the office yesterday and did the biggest jumping heel click in the world... you know, the type you used to see in old musicals when young men receive a smooch on the cheek from the bird they've been chasing? Yuppers, that was me. The girls in the office got a kick out of it, but the head of our science department, who was standing close by, asked, "Does this mean that you don't like teaching, Mr. M?" I responded by saying, "Absolutely not, Mr. P! I LOVE teaching... It just means that I like Friday's MORE!" I thought this was clever, but he looked at me with this suspicious, "I don't know about you, Mr. M" sort of look. Oh well, can't please 'em all! :)
But I've officially received all of my Term 1 Summative Reports for this practicum, and the reviews were all pretty much top-notch. All my sponsors are generally happy with what I'm doing, and with a really good Term 1 report from all of them (1 Uni advisor and 2 sponsor teachers), I can start applying for jobs as of February if I want. Whether I do or not is a totally different story, but it's nice to know that I'm doing well enough to have the option. And every day I'm able to come home and know that I really like the kids I teach. I had a great tutorial after school with a bunch of the keeners in my class on Wednesday, and after getting creative with my test-writing to make it a little more entertaining, I received a good response from the Socials class that, in reality, could've gone really awry if I didn't try to provide some comic relief once in a while.
Although this isn't where I'm going to make my million, I've been really happy with how everything's gone (stress and all)... this is also easy to say now that I'm nearly done this term. The story may not be the same come April when I have 3 new sponsor teachers PLUS my Uni advisor. Only five more days... five more days... five more days.... :)
- T
So, I really only have 5 more teaching days before the end of my teaching term. The way my schedule works is that I teach all day for one day, and the next day I have a full day of prep time. It seems like it would be glorious, but when you're not the hyper-organized, goal-setting, "I'm going to spend 3.57 hours on this activity before spending 1.32 hours on this activity" kind of guy, the whole-day prep is never as productive as it should be, even when I feel like I've worked extermely hard the whole time.
But, oh joy, oh bliss, it's the weekend. This week was extremely long, and when you teach grade 10's on Friday afternoon from 12:30-3:30, it's kinda hard to keep their attention, especially in a computer lab when they're doing research for their research projects. Thus, the frustration. I literally went into the office yesterday and did the biggest jumping heel click in the world... you know, the type you used to see in old musicals when young men receive a smooch on the cheek from the bird they've been chasing? Yuppers, that was me. The girls in the office got a kick out of it, but the head of our science department, who was standing close by, asked, "Does this mean that you don't like teaching, Mr. M?" I responded by saying, "Absolutely not, Mr. P! I LOVE teaching... It just means that I like Friday's MORE!" I thought this was clever, but he looked at me with this suspicious, "I don't know about you, Mr. M" sort of look. Oh well, can't please 'em all! :)
But I've officially received all of my Term 1 Summative Reports for this practicum, and the reviews were all pretty much top-notch. All my sponsors are generally happy with what I'm doing, and with a really good Term 1 report from all of them (1 Uni advisor and 2 sponsor teachers), I can start applying for jobs as of February if I want. Whether I do or not is a totally different story, but it's nice to know that I'm doing well enough to have the option. And every day I'm able to come home and know that I really like the kids I teach. I had a great tutorial after school with a bunch of the keeners in my class on Wednesday, and after getting creative with my test-writing to make it a little more entertaining, I received a good response from the Socials class that, in reality, could've gone really awry if I didn't try to provide some comic relief once in a while.
Although this isn't where I'm going to make my million, I've been really happy with how everything's gone (stress and all)... this is also easy to say now that I'm nearly done this term. The story may not be the same come April when I have 3 new sponsor teachers PLUS my Uni advisor. Only five more days... five more days... five more days.... :)
- T
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Defining "irony" on my Wednesday night
After getting a bit of work done and having what seemed like the longest day ever, I sat down with K to watch some TV. We watched "The Biggest Loser", which is a reality TV competition profiling people on a ranch who attempt to lose the most weight every week in order to change their lives. The winner is "The Biggest Loser". I actually really enjoy watching it, just because I feel like I should work out, and by watching the show, I may soak up some motivation through osmosis.
Here's the irony...
During one commerical break, I went on the internet and typed in my information to figure out my BMI (Body Mass Index)... for a 24 year old guy who is 5'10" (like myself), my BMI should be 24. My actual BMI? 24.1. WEEEEEEEEEEE!
During the next commercial break, I walk into the kitchen, take out a bowl and a spoon, and fix myself a massive bowl of vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce, along with a big glass of milk, then return to the living room to finish watching these people damn-near die in order to prevent dying from obesity. Hmmm... I'm not sure I'm making great connections here. Oh well, the ice cream was TASTY! :)
- T
Here's the irony...
During one commerical break, I went on the internet and typed in my information to figure out my BMI (Body Mass Index)... for a 24 year old guy who is 5'10" (like myself), my BMI should be 24. My actual BMI? 24.1. WEEEEEEEEEEE!
During the next commercial break, I walk into the kitchen, take out a bowl and a spoon, and fix myself a massive bowl of vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce, along with a big glass of milk, then return to the living room to finish watching these people damn-near die in order to prevent dying from obesity. Hmmm... I'm not sure I'm making great connections here. Oh well, the ice cream was TASTY! :)
- T
Monday, December 04, 2006
Entry 60... T.M.'s Guide to a Great Internship
Three more weeks to go! Weeeeeeee!
Things in student-teaching land have been going relatively well. Although this week is going to be busy and challenging (as are most), I'm pretty excited that I'm going to be done my first term of student teaching in about 20 days. I actually only have 7 days of teaching left before Christmas holidays, so that makes it even more scary and more intense!
I actually want to share my Powerpoint presentation that I did for my education class on Saturday, which was a sort of Bonehead's Guide to a Great Practicum, but I have no clue how to (or even if I can) post powerpoint files onto here for everyone to see. But I'm going to post the text anyway.... I don't know if the pictures I'm using are really kosher to use if they're copyrighted... I guess I should just deny that I copywrited any images or cartoons :) So here it is...
T.M.'s Guide to a Great Teaching Practicum
1) You are a sponge.
Your number one goal is to beg, borrow, and steal absolutely any suggestions, materials, or good advice possible while enrolled in the internship program. You're paying to work, so soak it up, and take everything you can!
2) There are two certainties in teaching: prep and sleep deprivation.
We all want time to enjoy ourselves, but a better lesson means a better teaching experience for you and your students (believe me, this comes directly from experience). Make sure that you're well planned, you're keeping a "Big Picture" in mind, and you're constantly setting goals for yourself. Will this create magic? Probably not. But it will help make you better teachers.
3) Have a "Plan Y"
You may very well go through 24.9 ideas (both good and bad) in a class... you're going to need a #25. Always have a backup plan in case things don't go your way.
4) Students are like dogs... they can smell fear from a mile away.
Classroom management is vitally important to a quality teaching experience. Post your rules in plain sight, keep them simple, and back up your threats. Remember, you run the show. Students can have fun, but they always need to remember who is in charge.
5) Pack Lightly
Your students will bring enough baggage to school for everyone. You are not just a teacher... you are a parent, a psychologist, and a confidant. Which hat will you wear today? Chances are, the answer is all of them.
6) When dealing with parents: Hope for the best, but expect the worst.
You really never know how parents are going to react to your teaching. Hope for praise (because we all know that you ARE a great teacher), but expect that everything may not be rosy. These parents are looking out for their children's best interest. Let them talk, listen to what they say, and respond with patience and calm. Be the ball. Get in the zone. You are Yoda.
7) Networking in the school should not be limited to internet access.
Get to know your staff. These people will be your colleagues, your friends, and your comrades-in-arms for the rest of your career. Make yourself a part of their social world.
8) When in doubt, hug a receptionist or a custodian.
These people are in control of your photocopying, ordering, and school-supply fate. Do your best to get to know them and, if possible, "make their day" once in a while.
9) Think of every day as Friday.
Take some time out of every day just to talk to someone. We all need time to vent, especially after seven hours of being bombarded by teenage hormones. Maybe there's a blog out there that could be of use... maybe not though (Inside joke... I set up another blog for my fellow interns). But try to make time to engage in cathartic activities that relieve your daily stresses and share your experience with as many people as possible.
10) You are your biggest asset.
We all have family, friends, and some form of a social life. Try to make time to embrace this. Yes, you are a teacher now, and your occupation stretches outside the walls of the school However, you still need to keep living your life. Air is your friend, so breathe it in. Relax. Enjoy this time. Although it's stressful, it's probably the only time in your career that you will have people helpingand supporting and listening to you whenever you're feeling down. Take advantage and enjoy it.
This presentation was accompanied by witty banter and clever cartoons and images that turned it into an "A" effort. You'll just have to imagine how wonderful it is, and if you want, I can send you a copy of the file. For tonight, my friends... adieu...
- T
Things in student-teaching land have been going relatively well. Although this week is going to be busy and challenging (as are most), I'm pretty excited that I'm going to be done my first term of student teaching in about 20 days. I actually only have 7 days of teaching left before Christmas holidays, so that makes it even more scary and more intense!
I actually want to share my Powerpoint presentation that I did for my education class on Saturday, which was a sort of Bonehead's Guide to a Great Practicum, but I have no clue how to (or even if I can) post powerpoint files onto here for everyone to see. But I'm going to post the text anyway.... I don't know if the pictures I'm using are really kosher to use if they're copyrighted... I guess I should just deny that I copywrited any images or cartoons :) So here it is...
T.M.'s Guide to a Great Teaching Practicum
1) You are a sponge.
Your number one goal is to beg, borrow, and steal absolutely any suggestions, materials, or good advice possible while enrolled in the internship program. You're paying to work, so soak it up, and take everything you can!
2) There are two certainties in teaching: prep and sleep deprivation.
We all want time to enjoy ourselves, but a better lesson means a better teaching experience for you and your students (believe me, this comes directly from experience). Make sure that you're well planned, you're keeping a "Big Picture" in mind, and you're constantly setting goals for yourself. Will this create magic? Probably not. But it will help make you better teachers.
3) Have a "Plan Y"
You may very well go through 24.9 ideas (both good and bad) in a class... you're going to need a #25. Always have a backup plan in case things don't go your way.
4) Students are like dogs... they can smell fear from a mile away.
Classroom management is vitally important to a quality teaching experience. Post your rules in plain sight, keep them simple, and back up your threats. Remember, you run the show. Students can have fun, but they always need to remember who is in charge.
5) Pack Lightly
Your students will bring enough baggage to school for everyone. You are not just a teacher... you are a parent, a psychologist, and a confidant. Which hat will you wear today? Chances are, the answer is all of them.
6) When dealing with parents: Hope for the best, but expect the worst.
You really never know how parents are going to react to your teaching. Hope for praise (because we all know that you ARE a great teacher), but expect that everything may not be rosy. These parents are looking out for their children's best interest. Let them talk, listen to what they say, and respond with patience and calm. Be the ball. Get in the zone. You are Yoda.
7) Networking in the school should not be limited to internet access.
Get to know your staff. These people will be your colleagues, your friends, and your comrades-in-arms for the rest of your career. Make yourself a part of their social world.
8) When in doubt, hug a receptionist or a custodian.
These people are in control of your photocopying, ordering, and school-supply fate. Do your best to get to know them and, if possible, "make their day" once in a while.
9) Think of every day as Friday.
Take some time out of every day just to talk to someone. We all need time to vent, especially after seven hours of being bombarded by teenage hormones. Maybe there's a blog out there that could be of use... maybe not though (Inside joke... I set up another blog for my fellow interns). But try to make time to engage in cathartic activities that relieve your daily stresses and share your experience with as many people as possible.
10) You are your biggest asset.
We all have family, friends, and some form of a social life. Try to make time to embrace this. Yes, you are a teacher now, and your occupation stretches outside the walls of the school However, you still need to keep living your life. Air is your friend, so breathe it in. Relax. Enjoy this time. Although it's stressful, it's probably the only time in your career that you will have people helpingand supporting and listening to you whenever you're feeling down. Take advantage and enjoy it.
This presentation was accompanied by witty banter and clever cartoons and images that turned it into an "A" effort. You'll just have to imagine how wonderful it is, and if you want, I can send you a copy of the file. For tonight, my friends... adieu...
- T
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