The Teaching Life: Year One
It's April 25. There are 4 weeks of school left, with fewer than 20 days to actually teach and impact my students. What can I do in 20 days? I don't know, but I know what I've done this year. I've walked into a foreign situation and said, "Here I am. Teach me how to do this." I've learned how to manage my grade book and--largely--how to manage my classroom. I've learned how to manage time better. I've learned about formative assessments and think-pair-share activities. I've learned even more about being consistent and I've dedicated myself to practicing integrity as fully as possible. I've learned that great kids with lots of guidance sometimes make mistakes; it's part of the growth process. Less-guided kids make more mistakes or, more accurately, make poor choices and then wish to excuse themselves. I've learned that I still love Latinos; speaking and hearing Spanish makes my soul happy. Once again, I feel the urge...