This past week flew by so fast, I didn't even get a chance to post my blog. As a first year seventh grade Math teacher, it's been hard for me to get this time management thing under control. I have meetings just about everyday of the week during my planning period and after school. I am trying to work out 4 days a week. I try to have some what of a social life because if I didn't I would be INSANE! SLEEP? What's that? I only sleep for about 5 hours each night. I spend a little time each night grading papers because I want my students have quick feedback from me about their work. (AND...I don't want to be swamped in papers to grade when grades are due!)
It's not hard to plan lessons for the 3 DIFFERENT classes I teach. I find it hard to come up with creative ways to differentiate learning. I teach 2 Standard Math classes with one of them being an inclusion class and 1 Standard Plus Math class. Even though the the students in my Standard Plus are supposed to have "higher EOG test scores" than the other. The only difference I see in the score is maybe 2-5 points! I often find it hard for them grasp concepts because they think it's "so easy". I push them to think outside the box and remember that careless mistakes can be the difference between an A and a B on an assessment. Some the students in that class believe that all they have to do is maintain their current status. I remind them that they have to reach further than the other students because they have to show growth just like the lower level classes. I always have to challenge them a little bit more but they keep me on my toes.
My 2 Standard classes ROCK! They are (usually) excited and focused about their learning. They want to move on to a higher level class and want to achieve a higher growth than they did in the past years. I never thought I would be able to teach an inclusion class my first year, but I LOVE IT! When I see that light bulb go off in their head and I see they understand how to not only use the concept I taught them but to apply it to a new concept, I smile. The feeling is overwhelming at times because I can see the joy it brings them on their face. It reminds me of why I am a teacher in the first place.
Meetings and paperwork keep me busy. I have pre-assessment data and post assessment data, homework to grade, projects to grade, licensure requirements to fulfill, parent contact logs to maintain, grade level meetings, math department meetings, and the list keeps going and going. It all serves a purpose and it has to get done. I am accountable for these students. If I am not on top of the requirements of me as teacher, then how can blame my students for not being on top of their work? I have to show them by coming to school prepared and assessing their individual needs. Then, I make modifications and provisions for the things that best suit them so that they can show they can fulfill the requirements of the state by passing the EOG.
I didn't have to become a teacher. I could have been a doctor or a lawyer, but I knew impacting the lives of children was my life's purpose. I was chosen for this career and I'm not quitting any time soon. Even with all the planning I have to do, meetings to attend, and paperwork, I love it. I enjoy the new challenge I have each day. I am not worried about what each day brings and when I am going to get time to do this and that. It will all work out. I live each day by the words of Joan of Arc, “I am not afraid…I was born to do this.” I'm here for the long haul and I plan on enjoying the ride.
Blog posted by March writer Janel Johnson, 7th grade Math teacher at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Charlotte, NC.
It's not hard to plan lessons for the 3 DIFFERENT classes I teach. I find it hard to come up with creative ways to differentiate learning. I teach 2 Standard Math classes with one of them being an inclusion class and 1 Standard Plus Math class. Even though the the students in my Standard Plus are supposed to have "higher EOG test scores" than the other. The only difference I see in the score is maybe 2-5 points! I often find it hard for them grasp concepts because they think it's "so easy". I push them to think outside the box and remember that careless mistakes can be the difference between an A and a B on an assessment. Some the students in that class believe that all they have to do is maintain their current status. I remind them that they have to reach further than the other students because they have to show growth just like the lower level classes. I always have to challenge them a little bit more but they keep me on my toes.
My 2 Standard classes ROCK! They are (usually) excited and focused about their learning. They want to move on to a higher level class and want to achieve a higher growth than they did in the past years. I never thought I would be able to teach an inclusion class my first year, but I LOVE IT! When I see that light bulb go off in their head and I see they understand how to not only use the concept I taught them but to apply it to a new concept, I smile. The feeling is overwhelming at times because I can see the joy it brings them on their face. It reminds me of why I am a teacher in the first place.
Meetings and paperwork keep me busy. I have pre-assessment data and post assessment data, homework to grade, projects to grade, licensure requirements to fulfill, parent contact logs to maintain, grade level meetings, math department meetings, and the list keeps going and going. It all serves a purpose and it has to get done. I am accountable for these students. If I am not on top of the requirements of me as teacher, then how can blame my students for not being on top of their work? I have to show them by coming to school prepared and assessing their individual needs. Then, I make modifications and provisions for the things that best suit them so that they can show they can fulfill the requirements of the state by passing the EOG.
I didn't have to become a teacher. I could have been a doctor or a lawyer, but I knew impacting the lives of children was my life's purpose. I was chosen for this career and I'm not quitting any time soon. Even with all the planning I have to do, meetings to attend, and paperwork, I love it. I enjoy the new challenge I have each day. I am not worried about what each day brings and when I am going to get time to do this and that. It will all work out. I live each day by the words of Joan of Arc, “I am not afraid…I was born to do this.” I'm here for the long haul and I plan on enjoying the ride.
Blog posted by March writer Janel Johnson, 7th grade Math teacher at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Charlotte, NC.
2 comments:
You are an inspiration, because I know what you say is true. I love seeing your enthusiasm in the hall, and the excitement of your students. You do make an impact, and your energy helps to encourage others who may start to feel a little burned out. I just wanted you to know that your spirit and personality affects more than just your students and others on your grade level. Keep smiling.
I just wanted you to know that you are appreciated in our school. You make a positive impact on the students and the other staff members. I enjoy seeing your energy, and your students seem to respond with that same positive vibe. Keep smiling.
Post a Comment