The Seven of Us

About six weeks ago, on Feb. 4, I went to Ft Collins.   (Haha.  THAT shows how behind I am.) It was a Tuesday, and it was snowing. If you know me, you know I don't relish driving in winter weather. I'm becoming calmer about it--meaning that I've learned the difference between a little snow that will probably die down and a blizzard--but I don't mess with Mother Nature when she's mad.  (Growing up, our roads were always snow-packed.  And sanded. They had to be, because they were narrow and very curvy. So winter driving was actually very different in NY than it is in, say, a ground blizzard.) Since Haxtun is two  hours from Ft. Collins, I wasn't sure what I'd run into.  But, I felt fairly calm about going, which was great, because I didn't have a choice.  I had to go, and I had to pass. I was scheduled to take the Praxis II: General Science Test.  My entire future seemed to hinge on passing this test; passing would enable ...

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...