This past week I had the opportunity to observe an intern as she taught her first lesson. This is a job that I thoroughly enjoy because it’s fun watching these new colleagues as they take information that they learned in my class and implement it in the classroom. It’s interesting to see how they personalize the information and make it part of their teaching repertoire.

 The intern did a good job preassessing her students’ background knowledge, stating the student learning objective and providing explicit instruction. While teaching the class, she maintained a good wholeclass awareness by looking around often and walking around the room. Her proximity kept students engaged throughout the lesson.

I realized during this experience that the block is a great way for people to learn how to teach. The interns learn from their professors through class discussions and textbook readings, from their cooperating teachers through conversations and observations, and from their classmates through ongoing dialogue and blog postings.  Perhaps the reason the block is such a powerful experience is because the learning comes from multiple sources.

 I’m glad that I can be a part of this learning experience for my students!

This morning I stopped and looked at the calendar.  Did you realize that there are only two more weeks until Spring Break?  Although we’ve reached the half-way point in the semester, it still seems like the semester just started.  Ironically, I don’t feel like I’ve settled into a groove yet.  Perhaps it’s because every day at Awesome High seems to be very different from the previous one.  There’s no consistency from one day to the next.  If I feel this way, I wonder if others do too. 

 It’s important for school and classes to settle into a rhythm. We’re all creatures of habit and we tend to take comfort in routines.  We like it when we know what’s coming up.  That predictability allows our mind to then focus on other more important issues.  As the semester pushes on, I hope I can find that groove. 

During the past two weeks, both Prof. N and I have had to leave the block early so that we could attend meetings back on campus. As I left AHS this week, I realized that the longer teachers work in a school, the more leadership responsibilities they are given. Both Prof. N and I have taught at the university for many years. And I guess that over time, administrators ask teachers with longevity and seniority to assume leadership roles. These additional responsibilities have advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, you’re able to influence and direct your school in the way that you see fit. It’s an opportunity for you to shape the future and have a voice in the decision-making process. On the other hand, these leadership responsibilities detract you from teaching and your students, which are our most important responsibilities.

I would caution my newer colleagues to monitor the amount of responsibilities that they assume. You will be asked to take on lots of additional tasks. Be judicious in saying “yes.” And remember that it’s okay to say “no” a few times.

Although I have taught large classes with more than 100 students, it’s really nice having a class with only 14 students.  I’m able to slow down, spend more one-on-one time with each student, and really focus on individual needs. 

This situation has yielded some interesting in-class discussions.  For example, this week the issue of cussing came up.  Should teachers cuss at students?  Is it appropriate if the teacher is trying to relate to the student?  Some students seemed to think that it was okay while others argued that it was never appropriate.

 I’m one of those people who believe that teachers should NEVER use cuss words in class.  One student stated that children may go home and use the inappropriate language in front of their parents.  If parents learned that teachers were using cuss words in class, then the teachers would probably be fired.  Teachers, in my opinion, serve as role models and are held to a higher standard than folks in other professions.

I wondered what educational textbooks said about the issue. So, when I returned to the university, I located a classroom management text on my bookshelf.  It stated that society’s standards had “relaxed considerably in the last few years.”  For example, the word “sucks” was once considered indecent but is now generally accepted. The passage offered solutions to teachers dealing with students who used profanity. If students use a cuss word accidentally, then the teacher should just warn the student.  If the problem persists, then the teacher should take more drastic measures, such as detention, phone calls to the parent and referrals to the administrator.  The teacher should also talk to students about when they can or could possibly use this type of language.  Finally, the teacher should make sure that all types of cuss words are not used.

The last suggestion that the article makes provides advice to teachers.  It states, “No matter how tempted or angry you may be, never swear in class yourself. Your students need for you to be a role model.”  I like how this is phrased.  The students need for you to act in the right way.

I will confess upfront that I don’t care for change.  I’m the type of person who takes care of things and holds on to them forever.  For example, my mother bought me dishes 26 years ago when I went off to college.  I still have them! And there in pretty good shape.  I still have the same stereo that I bought when I went to Baylor.  I also still have the same furniture, pots and pans, etc.  Okay, I know I’m weird.  My parents just instilled this weird quality in me – take care of what you have and it will last forever.

 Although I’m a person who likes consistency, I realize that it doesn’t happen in education.  During the holiday break, Awesome High changed the bell schedule.  Now, it’s this crazy A-B thing.  Who can ever remember what day it is?  When visiting with the cooperating teachers this past week, I overheard a veteran say that she also felt that the ever-changing schedule was too much.

 During the holiday break, I also learned that Professor N will not teach in the block in future semesters.  What a big change for me!  She and I have co-taught in the block for NINE years.  Eighteen semesters!  I understand the need for change, but it makes me very sad.  I am, however, trying to focus on the positive side.  (My approach is not unusual since Professor N calls me Pollyanna.)  If you see me smiling during Professor N’s lessons, know that I’m enjoying her lessons and hearing them for the last time.

 I guess another major blow to me was Mr. R’s announcement that he’s also leaving Awesome High.  He, Professor N, and I have worked on the ELL project for several years.  I greatly respect his work, teaching, and advocacy for ELLs at Awesome High. 

 Yes, change is inevitable in education.  Fortunately, the students are the only thing that remains the same.  As the events in my life become more chaotic, I must remember to focus on the true reason that I’m a teacher – to help prepare my students to be the very best teachers that they can be.