The Perpetual Student Teacher

Moving!?!?

2009-08-26T22:38:00.002-04:00

Ok, well....scrap that.

Today I was told I will be moving to Kindergarten.

I am unbelieveably frustrated/sad.
Not that I don't love Kindergarten, because I do...and had even hoped to teach it at some point...But I have spent countless hours (and lots of money) working on my 3rd grade classroom and my 3rd grade plans. And now I have to start all over. Plus, I was just starting to get settled in and I was really forming a bond with my students.

But I will do what I must.

More to come...

It's Already Been a Week!

2009-08-25T16:49:00.003-04:00

Alright....so my last post was very hastily-written because everything happened so quickly. Here's the rundown:
-On Tuesday, July 28th I went to a job interview about 2 hours away from where I was living. After the interview, I was offered a job contract.
-On Friday of that week, I went to the school to sign my contract and to look at several apartments in the area, since the school was so far away. Luckily, I also found an apartment that day and put down the deposit.
-Later that day, I left to go on a vacation with my best friend's family (which had been scheduled since march or april)
-On Tuesday of the next week, I returned home and began packing.
-The next Friday, August 7th, I moved into my apartment, but went back home to celebrate my birthday, which was August 8th, with my family and friends.
-Then, on Monday, August 10th, I began my new job with a full week of in-services and classroom preparation.
-Finally, after countless hours preparing, school began on Tuesday, August 18th...and here I am, after one week into it, and I'm finally able to sit down and relax enough to write a post.

So, needless to say, I have been super busy trying to get everything ready for school and relocating to a big city I had only ever visited a handful of times before now.

As for school, I am loving it. I am teaching 3rd grade science, social studies, and reading and I have a very small homeroom class of 15 students. Things are going very well so far...the first day even went super smooth (as compared to my expectations!) and I have had no *major* issues with students yet.

I think that I am finding the hardest part of all this is planning and getting everything organized. It is so incredibly difficult to start from scratch and decide what you want/need to do in your classroom. I thought I was a pro at this because of college and student teaching, but for those I had a little bit more guidance. Now, it's just me. It's definitely going to take some getting used to and extra time on my part.

Speaking of extra time, I swear all I ever think about is school. It is consuming my life (in a very enjoyable way). I guess you have to expect for it to become a huge part of you when you start teaching. It is not at all like some other job where you come home and it is totally separate from your life at work. It's not. I spend most of my time at home thinking about or doing something for school every day.

And I have to say, this truly doesn't feel like "work" or a "job"...so I must be on the right track. :)

I'll post more soon with pictures of my classroom! Hooray!

Answered Prayers

2009-07-30T19:54:00.003-04:00

For the past few months I have been praying, wishing and hoping to be able to tell you this news: I GOT A JOB! a real one. with a contract. and medical insurance. Someone pinch me.

This school year, I will be teaching third grade. Specializing in science and social studies. Which is somewhat new for me since when I had my long-term sub position I taught math. But I am super excited.

I had always planned on teaching younger kids...so my Carson Dellosa animal-train alphabet is going to have to go back. And my collection of hundreds of books (which happen to be picture books) is not going to come in very handy with children who are starting to read chapter books. But, nonetheless, I am super excited.

I don't have much more time to write at the moment, so I'll update with a little more info later...but I just wanted to let you all know that I have finally found a job and that I am so grateful that this has happened.

:)

Keeping The Faith...

2009-07-26T01:28:00.004-04:00

Well, a few days have passed and I have applied for several more jobs. Still no word. I just wish someone would give me the chance. I am telling you, once I get a job, my life will become nothing but that job. I will arrive early and stay late, volunteer for any and everything extra, go out of my way to help the school/district however I can...heck, I'll even buy a school t-shirt and sport it proudly all the time.
Essentially, what I'm saying is that no one would be a more dedicated teacher than me. I love teaching; it is truly my passion. It's funny- when you're actually in the classroom the day-to-day routine can get stressful and make you want nothing more than a break. But when you're not in it- when you're not actually teaching- it feels as if your world is incomplete...like you don't know what to do with yourself because ALL you want to do is teach. That's how I feel now. All I want to do is teach. My world is incomplete. The job search consumes every waking moment of my day in one way or another.
Today, though, a glimmer of hope came out of nowhere. Granted, I am still very, very hopeful that I will get a job within the next month, but today, I learned some amazing news: the school where I student taught and did my long-term substitute position MAY have an opening this school year...which seemed nearly impossible at the end of last year. However, some people are shifting around with new administrative positions opening, leaving a possible spot open to teach 2nd grade. I feel like I definitely have my foot in the door with this school, too, since they called me to sub almost every day. In learning this news, my heart began to race, I got butterflies in my stomach, and I got uncontrollably excited. What happened next cannot be blamed on me...

I went to walmart and bought a bunch of school supplies.

I can't help it; Back-to-School sales always get me. ;)

Hello, Old Friend

2009-07-22T00:00:00.003-04:00

Well, as you may have noticed (assuming anyone is still out there) I have had a serious lack of blogging over the past few months. I've been SUPER busy and SUPER stressed. But it's time for an update.

Let's start from where we left off, shall we?
My long-term substitute position ended in mid-May. It went very well. It ended up being a very enjoyable experience overall and I have to say it really helped to prepare me for having a classroom in the future. I administered their state achievement tests, so that was great experience also. I had a very strong bond with the students. It was almost sad to leave.

In my most recent post, I said, "...I guess we will see where I am at come July..."

Well, here it is, July, and guess what?

No job.
At least not a real, full-time, have-my-own-classroom teaching job.
I am currently working as a summer preschool teacher in a very urban location. I enjoy my job, but some of the students have very, very severe behavior problems. Problems I've never seen before. I get kicked, punched, scratched, and cussed at on a daily basis. So, needless to say, my current job is very difficult, but I manage.

I am continuing the job search on a daily basis. I have applied to over 50 places and still, nothing. One of the jobs I applied for had over 536 applicants. And the districts always find someone internally.

I had an interview at a charter school, but it seemed our views did not really align. I personally do not believe a Kindergarten student should be doing 2 hours of homework each night. The school did. I am actually glad that it ended up working out that way; I would not have felt comfortable working in a place that required me to carry out things I do not agree with.

All I want is for someone to give me a chance. One chance, and I will prove to them that I can contribute significantly to their school, to their district, to their children. I am more than willing to go above and beyond 100% to be the best teacher I can be. I just need that one chance.

So, as you may have guessed, posting probably won't be as frequent as I would like it to be without a real job. Or any interviews. Or anything to report in regards to teaching really at all.

Last year, on my birthday, the boyfriend got me this book:

It hurts so much to look at it now because all I want to do is read it and have a reason to be reading it.
Some people (me being one of them) are a little worried that I haven't found a job by now. Many others, though, keep telling me that no school districts hire people until August anyway, so there is no need to worry.

I truly hope August comes with the promise of a job.

Pretty please.

Spring Break!

2009-04-09T00:58:00.002-04:00

Well, third grade is going pretty well so far. This week I am on Spring Break and really just not doing much except for being lazy and lounging around. It feels VERY good :) When we go back, I will be starting multiplication with my students and shifting into hardcore test-prep mode. They take their math test in a little over 2 weeks. I am nervous for them, so I cannot even imagine how they must feel. I do not remember such stress being put upon me while I was a third grader. Hmm...Gotta love those standardized tests!

Last Thursday I went to a Teacher Job Fair. I ended up having two different interviews that both seemed to go pretty well. It did make me slightly discouraged, though. I feel like I am never going to get a teaching job in Ohio. Especially not in Northeast Ohio, which is where I would like to stay for the time being. I just want my own classroom! Subbing is not terrible, but it would feel so much nicer to have my own classroom where I can do all of my own things. I guess I am going to just keep applying and see what happens. I am still considering moving to North Carolina, but I'm not sure if I want to just haul off and move to a place where I know NO ONE. Not a soul. It's a scary thing to think about...but at the same time I feel like it could be strangely adventurous and exciting. I guess we will see where I am at come July and then it will be time to take any job I can get that seems halfway decent.

I don't know. This job search process is incredibly frustrating. How come no one in college prepared us (us being myself and my fellow teacher friends) for the extensive post-college job search process? I mean, sure I have the college's career center, but I almost feel like I should have taken a whole class on this kind of thing. It is exhausting and overwhelming just to write about on here. It almost feels hopeless...like a lost cause...I wish I would just see a *poof* of smoke and a magical job contract with a decent salary and good benefits would just appear in front of me, with a pen floating next to it to sign with.

Hey, a girl can dream, can't she!?

I plan on using the remainder of this break to continue applying to school districts and getting my name out there. There has got to be SOMETHING I can do...
I'll keep you posted.

Third Grade, Here I Come!

2009-03-23T22:29:00.003-04:00

For at least the next five weeks, I will be substitute teaching in a third grade classroom. It will be nice to work with some children that I am actually licensed to be teaching (my license is Age 3-Grade 3)...however, as of right now I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. I guess this is how every brand new teacher must feel when he or she gets a job two weeks before the new school year starts...that is, being thrown into a new job without any real warning. I am feeling this way because I was informed today that not only would I be subbing, but I would also be responsible for planning all of the lesson plans over the next month or so. Coming up with the plans is really no problem. I like being planned so that things go more smoothly...and if I get to create the plans, I will be more familiar with the material that I am teaching and therefore will probably be able to teach it better. I guess I just wasn't expecting a teacher to actually hand over the reigns so fully. Plus, today was Day 1, so I have to get used to the way the classroom runs. It is nice because this thrid grade is departmentalized, so I will only be teaching reading and math...and will also have 3 other third grade teachers to help me get into a groove.

Tomorrow night I also have to stay at the school for a concert in the evening, so I am hoping that during the 3 hours between the end of the school day and the time when students begin arriving for the concert that I will be able to get at LEAST next week's plans done and ready to go. I will be stuck at the school so I may as well try. I guess that makes me feel much less stressed because I will have some time where I am forced to get them done and none of the distractions of home.

I am actually pretty excited to be taking on such a large position...and it could end up being for ten weeks (until the end of the school year)...depending on when this teacher is able to return.

So I am diving into this head-first, a little weary, but ready...and I will do my best.

I Really Need To...

2009-03-21T13:51:00.003-04:00

-get on the ball with updating my blog more often. It just seems that since I have a job almost every day and I tutor most evenings that the last thing I want to do when I come home is sit in front of my computer. I apologize to those of you who actually read. I am going to try and be better! agh.

-get my job portfolios ready to hand out at the teacher career fair I will be attending in less than two weeks. I have already had my resume critiqued by the university's career center...but now I have to update it since I began substitute teaching. These portfolios will include a copy of my cover letter (for this purpose a general letter of interest), resume, reference list and letters of reccomendation, a copy of my teaching license, background checks, and a sample lesson plan...maybe a few photos of me actually teaching will be thrown in as well. To assemble them, one of my teacher-friends suggested that I use clear-front report covers (not the ones with the sliding side bar, though). Anyone have any other ideas? I want them to look as professional as possible.

-get my suit altered for the fair. I ordered a navy blue business suit for the job fair and interviews and the jacket needs to be taken in slightly. I really need to get this done so I look more polished. Oh! and I need some matching shoes.

-get a haircut. Again, with the polished thing.

-start getting my application out to schools that will not be attending the fair. The end of the current school year is really going to sneak up on me because on Monday I am beginning a long-term substitute position that is going to last for at least the next 5 weeks. But at least I will have spring break in there to get my applications out. and *maybe* (gasp) have a break!

Well, that is a pretty comprehensive list of the things I need to be doing. I know each time I post I say I need to do it more...but I really will try...and now I'll be pretty consistent with my posts because I'll be able to share funny tales from the third grade instead of bouncing around from room to room. :)

Oh! and no one responded last time about the charter schools...any opinions of them??

So Busy!

2009-03-01T20:45:00.002-05:00

I regret to say it has been awhile since my last post...BUT I have had a substitute job basically every day since the last post, and I have been tutoring a lot, so I have been crazy busy!

Subbing is going pretty well. I don't particularly enjoy working with the older kids (5th graders), but I am really warming up to them. I guess I just have more of a passion for the younger grades...and I am glad to have learned this while subbing. Like I mentioned, I have had a job almost every day, which is also really nice for my bank account.

I have also kept myself pretty busy with a new endeavor, selling mark. beauty products. I started using them a while back, and I absolutely love them...so I figured I may as well make an extra bit of cash by telling my friends about them, which I was doing anyway. If you are interested at all, check out my mark. website and enter code WELCOME for free shipping. (insert shameless self-plug here...lol)

On more education-related topics, in about a month I will be attending the Northeast Ohio Teacher job fair. I am pretty excited about it, but because of my licensure, its slim pickin's in comparison to other licensures. However, there are a ton of out-of-state districts that need teachers with my license. I guess I would prefer to stay around here somewhere...and there are also a few charter schools here that need teachers with my license.

So here's my question for you: How do you feel about charter schools? I really do not know much about them other than the basic concept of them and their funding. Would it be wise to apply to a few and teach there for a year to see how I like it? I know many teachers are totally opposed to charter schools, but I guess I have to at least consider them if I want to stay in this area. Is there job security in charter schools? I would like ANY information you could give me about them. (help!)

I always say this, but I am really going to try to update more!!

I Survived!

2009-02-08T22:15:00.002-05:00

This is the first chance I have had all week to actually sit down and write a post about how my first week as a substitute went! I have been so busy...boy has the past week flown by!

On Monday, I began my first substitute teaching experience in a 5th grade classroom. My licensure is PreK-Grade 3, so I knew from the start I would be a little out of my element. Monday was a little rough because I did not yet know the students' names. However, I started things off pretty well by remaining firm with my management and discipline tactics...and I learned quickly that 5th graders all seem to hate one another. Or at least they pretend to. They are just getting into that clique-y stage, and I was pretty annoyed by it. I am used to saying "We use kind words with our friends"...but if I had said that to one of these kids they would have said, "Well he's not my friend anyways!" So a little re-arranging of my strategies had to be done, but I think I was able to do pretty well.

By Tuesday, I had gained compliments from one of the other 5th grade teachers that the particular class I was working with never seemed to be as on task as they were with me there. Hrmm...maybe what I was doing was working (taking away mintues of recess time...oh no! and talking to students on an individual basis when a problem occured)...and I have to admit, it was. Throughout the rest of the week, I felt pretty confident and in control of the classroom. I was actually doing it...being a real teacher!

During the remainder of the week, I of course had little issues here and there...but always with the same students. I had two students who complained about literally every single thing that was asked of them. They did not get free computer time. I had two students who were verbally fighting. They had a good talking-to and were reminded that the principal's office would be next.

Because the teacher I was subbing for did not have any classroom rules posted or any form of disciplinary actions posted, these were the best things I could come up with on the spot for dealing with these issues. They seemed to resolve any problems but I am wondering if things could have ever been handled differently. I guess I just always like to reflect on what has happened and think how it could have gone other ways.

It was also incredibly difficult for me to remember names. The school I was at has a departmentalized fifth grade, so I had to teach 3 different classes. I had all of the students' names in my homeroom learned by day 2, but the classes I saw for smaller time periods...well, I had not even learned their names by the end of the week. Only a select few who needed their names to be said were able to stay in my mind. Any suggestions on this? Or does it just come with time?

The lessons the teacher left for me were pretty dry and straight out of the Ohio Achievement Test practice books, but I tried to spice them up a bit by using the globe, maps, making topics relevant to the students, and class discussion. Hopefully they learned something. I sure did!

By the end of the week, I had scooped up another 6-day long 5th grade substitute position for the end of this month, another full day with my kindergartners, a half day in 3rd grade and a 4-week long term in 3rd grade...all at this same school...so hooray for FINALLY getting paid!! It's been awhile.

I got a call this evening to sub for first grade tomorrow...so I will be back at it bright and early.

Here we go again!

Tomorrow's The Day

2009-02-01T12:52:00.002-05:00

Well, I am happy to report that I have a substitute teaching job every day this week. I am excited to finally be getting some sort of paycheck.

However, I am so nervous!!! I have absolutely no idea of what I should be expecting. I will be in a 5th grade class for the whole week. I hope that the teacher I am filling in for has some very clearly laid out plans. I guess my worries lie in classroom management mostly. I hope that the teacher has a very consistent system in place that the students already know how to follow. I am also afraid that the kids will try to be sneaky or something...I don't know.

I am sure that after the first day, my nerves will be completely eased, but for now I am just really unsure of how things should go.

If anyone out there reads this and has some advice for me on how to do a good job as a substitute teacher, I would be very appreciatve.

Buried Alive...

2009-01-30T01:47:00.002-05:00

In the snow, that is.

Here in lovely Ohio we have had close to a foot of snow...with more on the way. Roads are terrible, schools have been closed since Tuesday morning (leaving me with no subbing jobs...and I had two this week!), and the trees and power lines are coated in thick ice.

Yay, Winter.

Actually, if you could not already tell, I am not a very big fan of the snow and cold. Which is why I have been seriously considering moving south to teach. One of my good friends is in Charlotte and she loves the area. I have never really been there other than passing through, but from what I can tell it looks fabulous. And I have determined that I need to relocate to a city because living in a rural community is starting to get a little old. Not that I don't love the town where I grew up (and am currently living in), but I just hate that in order to have decent access to anything, I have to drive for at least half an hour. I suppose I am just in need of a change.

Unfortunately, like millions of other Americans right now, boyfriend got laid off from his job. It is so strange to me though, because he works in the technology industry, so I thought his job was more secure. Apparently these days anyone is at risk.

However, boyfriend is toying with the idea that we should move south as well. More job opportunities for both of us.

Ah, we'll see.

Also...I wanted to apologize for my blog being so morose lately. Things have been a little depressing around here...and that has been conveyed in my writing...but I promise that some fun, upbeat posts are just around the corner! *hopefully*

Have a Wonderful Friday!! :)

The Verdict Is In...

2009-01-26T20:55:00.005-05:00

Well, I suppose I should let you know what happened since my last post. I went to both job interviews...both went pretty well. On Friday afternoon, I got a call from the job at home (The one closer to where I am living now...the one I wanted more) and they wanted to offer me a job being the lead teacher of a 4-5 preschool classroom. I was so excited. The thought of having my own classroom already was like a dream come true...and then that dream came crashing down when the lady said, "We would be willing to pay you $7.80."

What? Seven dollars and eighty cents?

With a knot in my stomach, I accepted the position.

Three hours later I called back to ask if that $7.80 might include any benefits. Nope. None.

I apologized profusely for the change of heart and told her I could not take the job.

I mean, I just paid thousands and thousands of dollars to become a professional. An educated individual who does not have to work for minimum wage...or even for only fifty cents above it for that matter. I just thought having that diploma in my hand would, and should, qualify me for at least a little more. I mean, I would have to turn in lesson plans on a weekly basis. I would have to attend many after-hours trainings and conferences. While I still feel terrible for not taking the job (because I REALLY wanted it), I almost feel kind of proud for not selling myself so short...literally.

The other job also wanted me to come back for a second interview...but after thinking it over more, I just cannot pass up living for free right now. So, I called the director of that center back (who wanted to pay me $11.00 an hour) and told her I would not be relocating at this time.

So, unfortunately, I am back to square one. I have accepted multiple substitute teaching opportunities for the month of February...even though subbing is my last resort. For now, I will have to just suck it up and go through with it and see if it is really as terrifying as I am imagining.

Let's hope not.

What To Do...

2009-01-21T21:40:00.003-05:00

As of today I have two interviews this week...one scheduled for tomorrow and one on Friday. I am glad to have finally heard back from the places where I applied, but now I just feel so torn.

As I mentioned in a previous post, one of these prospects is located about 45 miles from where I am living now with my parents. It is located in a very urban area. If, after the interview, I am offered the position, I would have to move up there and start paying rent. Luckily, my BFF has an open room in her apartment. Rent would be $260 a month plus utilities...plus groceries...plus entertainment money because all of my friends live in the area and I would be spending a lot more time with them.

OR

The other interview will be for a position very close to my parents' house in a much more rural area...where I pay no rent and get free food...in exchange for seeing my friends on an occasional basis.

I suppose I should not feel so torn, because I have not actually been offered either of these jobs yet. I simply have interviews. I guess it is just worrying me to make this decision.

Apparently I need to make a good old-fashioned pro/con list.

I guess it doesn't really matter that much, though, since I plan on findng a job in a public school by the next school year.

I will let you know how the interviews go...and hopefully I'll have something more interesting to post about next time! :)

At Least There's No Bad News...

2009-01-20T15:38:00.005-05:00

The most exciting news first:
Today I got a call from the school where I student taught to sub in a few weeks for my kindergartners!!! I am beyond excited! I cannot wait to see their little faces again! I miss them! I will also be subbing in another Kindergarten class later that week as well. Employment, Hooray!

Also, sometime this week rockerbro (my 18-year old brother who is very into music) is going to pick up my diploma for me (since the University is about an hour away and he is there)...and then hunterbro (my 20-year old brother who is very into hunting) is going to bring it home this weekend. Yay!

And in more exciting news:
I was happy to see Barack Obama inaugurated as the 44th president today. I like him. He has brought such a sense of hope to our nation. I just hope that he lives up to all of his promises, and that things actually do start to get a little better. Especially in the world of education. I hope that he and Arne Duncan are ready to come up with something to really help children learn...especially those who are underprivileged. I am interested to see what comes of this and how it will effect my career.

I like this picture. For some reason it reminds me of something you would have seen on a Nickelodeon or MTV news special in the 90's. Especially the way they are all sitting. You know. Just the prez and his dudes rappin' with some kids in an inner-city school. (picture taken from a site called daylife.com through google images)

Some good news:
Have you ever been to The Apple? It is a site that I tend to visit on a daily basis. They have all kinds of stuff for teachers...news stories, job info, quizzes...all kinds of interesting stuff.

And in mediocre news:
I have not heard anything from the preschool position I sent my resume for. I am still hopeful, since I only applied less than a week ago. I guess I was just hoping to hear back right away. At least, for now, I have to substitute jobs lined up.

Ah, the life of the unemployed.

A Potential Preschool Teacher in an After-College Crisis

2009-01-15T22:38:00.004-05:00

In the midst of all this substitute-teaching anticipation, I have been constantly searching the Internet for job prospects. To my surprise, there are quite a few places in my area in need of people with degrees in ECE to teach preschool. So, since I have a desperate need to be in the classroom, I have applied for a few. One of which would require me to relocate to my best friend's apartment (where one room has conveniently just opened up) about 45 miles from where I live now. The only downside to that would be that I'd have to start paying rent...which I do not do now (thanks mom & dad!) However, I would be living with my BFF, so maybe I should just go for it.

Speaking of paying rent, for Christmas my grandmother (who is one of my favorite people ever) got me this book:

It's a guide to how to deal with life after college. I picked it up to begin reading it last night and I am still astonished by how right-on it is with my life right now. I am really going through my after-college crisis right now. It feels good to know that most people feel this way after college. Beore picking this book up, I seriously thought I was the only one! I am not too far into the book yet, but so far it seems very helpful. Who would have thought that something my grandma randomly (it was probably just on a display somewhere) picked up at Borders could actually be relevant and useful???

I'm On "The List"

2009-01-12T17:03:00.003-05:00

I ventured out into the snow and cold today to visit the ESC and get everything for substitute teaching lined up. I had planned to be there for awhile, filling out paperwork and whatnot. To my surprise, however, I was not even there for 5 minutes. I walked in, told the lady I had just graduated, handed her all my background checks and letter of completion...she had me fill out a very brief form, basically just to attain my name and phone number and for me to select which districts I would sub in...and then told me she would add me to "the list".

That's It?

That's it.

I thought that since my license won't actually be valid until July 1 that I would have to get a sub license until then or something...I don't know. It just seemed too easy.

I hope this is all right...and that I can start soon...
If you teach in Ohio and know anything about this...let me know!!

It's Official...

2009-01-12T03:24:00.002-05:00

I have finally recieved my letter of completion from the University...so now I can start subbing! I actually got a few calls last week from the school where I student taught, wanting me to sub but unfortunately since I don't have my license yet and at that time had no proof that I had actually graduated, I had to turn the offers down. But since that lovely little (I'm not kidding, it is incredibly brief) letter came this weekend, I am heading straight to the county's ESC tomorrow to get started on all the paperwork.

Yay.

NO Child Left Behind? Are You Sure?

2009-01-11T03:03:00.004-05:00

This may be a little controversial, but...

In a final policy speech by President George W. Bush, he addressed the nation's education policies and urged his "firm" belief in the NCLB act. When I heard about this, I found myself outraged that he could honestly stand in front of a crowd of people and say that this plan was working.
OK, OK...maybe some test scores have improved. Great. I am all for anything that will truly help improve education. Do those test scores really reflect our students' actual learning though? Or are they just able to retain the information needed to pass a test?

"Bush also defended the controversial testing standards included in the program, saying:

'The key to measuring is to test. And by the way, I've heard every excuse in the book why we should not test -- oh, there's too many tests; you teach the test; testing is intrusive; testing is not the role of government. How can you possibly determine whether a child can read at grade level if you don't test? And for those who claim we're teaching the test, uh-uh. We're teaching a child to read so he or she can pass the test.'"

...what?? I can't even comment on that.

"The president also hailed No Child Left Behind's school choice options:

'By the way, school choice was only open to rich people up until No Child Left Behind. It's hard for a lot of parents to be able to afford to go to any other kind of school but their neighborhood school. Now, under this system, if your public school is failing, you'll have the option of transferring to another public school or charter school. And it's -- I view that as liberation. I view that as empowerment.'"

I view that as ridiculous.
Aren't these schools failing because they do not have the funding to retain quality teachers or obtain effective resources...and they don't have that funding because they fail the tests?

In my mind, NCLB is a very vicious cycle that actually leaves many children behind.
How sad.

I am interested to see what is yet to come for our nation...

If you'd like to read more about this speech or view the video, check out ABC News (where I got the quotes and info)

Effective Use of Gift Cards

2008-12-29T00:45:00.002-05:00

As a Christmas/Graduation gift I recieved a few gift cards to local teacher-supply stores...so, me being the thrifty new teacher that I am (trying to be), I was wondering if any of you veteran teachers had some recommendations for items that I should buy to begin my first teaching job. What are some things that you could have really used when you first started out? What items are typically not supplied by schools that I should definitely have on hand? What can you not live without that would be able to help me??

Any suggestions or ideas would be very much appreciated!! :)

p.s.- I apologize terribly for my lack of blogging...I have been very busy! But there is still more to come!

No Longer A Student Teacher...

2008-12-15T00:25:00.002-05:00

Well, as of yesterday I am no longer a student teacher...but instead, a real teacher :) Now I just have to wait for my license to actually come...which I hear takes forever.

I also need to start applying for jobs...I am really considering relocating, but I'm not sure as to how far I am really willing to go. My family just means way too much to me to be too far away from.

I will be updating at some point this week with a bit more reflection of my final two weeks of student teaching, but for now I just wanted to let everyone know how excited I am to finally be able to call myself a teacher :)

See you soon.

Long Time, No See

2008-11-20T22:57:00.003-05:00

Because life has been busy and hectic, stressful even, I have not had much of a chance to update lately! I have been working on my senior honors project for what seems like every hour that I am home of every day. I cannot wait until that thing is finished and out of my life. I also took my reading endorsement praxis exam...I am really not sure how I did. I'll find out in about 3 weeks! eep!

Life in Kindergarten is going very well. My cooperating teacher and advisor evaluated me for my midterm, and they both thought I was doing very well...hooray! I am enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and schedule of Kindergarten...but I still think I enjoyed 2nd grade more. I'm really not sure as to exaclty why, but I will wait until I am completely finished to evaluate that, I suppose.

Speaking of finished, graduation is 3 weeks away!!

Anyway, in Kindergarten, I planned and have been implementing a unit on Pilgrims/Native Americans/Thanksgiving. The kids seem to really be enjoying it and I know they are retaining the concepts I have been teaching because they are able to tell me all about them every day. I also did a math unit on solids, and they all did so well! I did a whole week's worth of hands-on activites to help them understand cubes, cones, spheres, and cylinders...and they still remember it all for the most part!! The volunteer grandma in our room assessed them today...mostly all were able to identify each solid in the environment and in print...I was so proud!!:)

There is one little boy in particular who I have seen make HUGE learning gains. When I began, he could barely even write his name or identify letters. Now, he is able to write both his first and last name from memory with no assistance, he does so well with my handwriting lessons, can identify letters and letter sounds, and today he finished two activities we did...he was the first in the whole class to finish. Not to mention all of his work was completely correct!!! I really cannot believe it...but his gains have really made me feel as if I am doing something so worthwhile...and seeing his little smile when he does something right just makes my heart melt!

Ah, alright I am done with the giddy ranting. Time to get back to that senior project. I just have to keep reminding myself- I *can* do this.

Test (and other) Anxiety

2008-11-10T23:15:00.005-05:00

This week I am gearing up to take my final Praxis test, the one that will allow me to obtain a reading endorsement. At first, I thought that this one would be a piece of cake compared to my content and PLT tests, but now I am discovering that it might be much more difficult than I had anticipated. The test is completely multiple choice, so I either have the answer or I don't. No writing to explain my thought process. Looking at the test-at-a-glance on the Praxis website, I have also realized that I am a little rusty with my knowledge of teaching reading since I have not studied it in awhile. So hopefully this week I'll be able to brush up on my skills to pass the test on Saturday morning.

In Kindergarten, I am doing a Native American/Pilgrims/Thanksgiving unit over the next few weeks. I am loving being creative, but with so many resources, it is pretty overwhelming to choose things to use in my lessons. I just want to use it all, but of course I am limited on time...and that makes it difficult. I am enjoying Kindergarten, but I am not sure how I feel about this part. I guess over the next few weeks I'll figure it out for sure. My supervisor keeps telling me that she thinks Kindergarten is such a great fit for me...but I'm still not sure.

With the end of the semester only 4 weeks away, I am really starting to feel the pressure of getting everything finished up. I am not looking forward to the many late nights ahead...but honestly I did not make it this far in my college career by getting things done early...so why start now I suppose. Hopefully I can manage to get it all done...

Oh! And today I realized that I really enjoy assessments. Strange? Probably. But we'll save that for another post at a later date. :)

p.s.- I see that I am getting lots of visitors, but no comments!! don't be afraid to leave me a comment (please please please)!

A Sad Reality

2008-11-07T15:58:00.002-05:00

So, I ended up missing Wednesday evening's conferences because Tuesday night I came down with the flu...surprise!
On Thursday, I was feeling a little better, so I forced myself to go to school. I barely made it through the day, but finally the reason for my attendance came...the second round of conferences. Sadly, the parents of students who desperately needed conferences did not show up. Almost every single student who is terribly struggling and could really use more help at home had no one come...and there was not even a single call for cancellation. Just no-shows.

How sad. I mean, I understand that parents have to work and take care of their families, and have a hard time making room in their schedule but they CHOSE these times. They were not just randomly assigned. Parents were given total freedom in choosing any time they would like...and they all signed up. It is just incredibly frustrating to see these kids being left to struggle...while the parents of the students who are doing well show up. My cooperating teacher and I, along with 4 other pull-out teachers, are doing everything we can to help the strugglers...but there is only so much time we have with them.

I just wish there was some way to get these parents more involved. Unfortunately, I am coming to realize that this is something I am going to face for the rest of my career.

Praying For Change...

2008-11-03T20:39:00.002-05:00

Well, as we go into what will be, regardless of who wins, a history-making election tomorrow, I have to throw in my two cents.

As a future educator, and based on my personal beliefs, my hope lies in Barack Obama. I believe that he will really do some good things for the field I am in and I look forward to seeing what he will bring about if elected.

Plus, I just can't imagine what a country run by Sarah Palin would come to.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

...just make sure you vote!!!!