Trucking Along...

Well, we're now at the beginning of the second "real" month of the school year. My brain was spinning with information in August and much of September, but I now feel like I'm getting into the groove of things a bit more. I've already had my mentor and master teacher, the principal AND the man who has to interview me for my alternative license all in my class-at least once. Personally, I like the feedback. It makes me more aware of things that need improvement and gives me some possible ways to implement changes. It may be slightly uncomfortable at times having someone taking notes on you while you work, but I know it's for my benefit and the benefit of the students.

Anyway, I could go on and on about how much I've learned already, but I need to get to school and do what I'm in the education business for-teach.

Goals for the Newbie

Well, the school year has officially taken off! I'm trying to hit the ground running and keep a steady pace. I'm certain if I don't stay on top of things my high schoolers will run me right over! So, I have some ambitions and expectations for myself this year. I plan on getting a bit more tech-savvy for starters. It may take some time, but I'm going to get comfortable and competent at building tables, using the Promethean board and creating lessons with Powerpoint and the new Active Expression clickers.
Another thing I'd really like to work on is pacing my lessons appropriately and keeping the flow of the class smooth. We have long class periods at my school and it's tricky to keep an adolescence's attention for more than 10 minutes! Those teenagers sure are demanding and vocal about how they feel, but I honestly wouldn't want them to be any other way!
The third and most important area I'm focused on is keeping my students' interest while teaching them some valuable (and oh so interesting) knowledge. It doesn't matter how much you know if you can't convey your expertise to those who need it most!
So, there you have it-my "to-do" list for 2009-2010. In some ways I can't wait to see how far I progress in a year....

Diving in headfirst...

Okay, so blogging is something new to me. I suppose I should be up on it, since I am under 30, but sadly, I am not. That's all about to change. As a new teacher this year with Eagle County School District, I have been instructed to blog about my experiences as a rookie teacher. Not a bad idea... actually it's a great idea, but that doesn't mean I don't feel like I'm trying to find my way out of a crowded foreign city with limited directions. So, I'm diving in headfirst. I'm going to swim around a little with my goggles and flippers and try and figure out what there is to see in this sea of an education system. I'm excited; I've always been one to explore and I am especially fond of snorkeling.

So here's to the school year of 2009-2010. If anyone has any "species" of particular interest or has some advice on how to be a more productive snorkeler, I'm all ears. And let me just say, I wish everyone who's swimming in this sea with me an exciting first experience in the waters of teacher territory.