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| at Two Writing Teachers! |
While everyone (my principals, my Central Office administrators, other teachers, and many students) insisted that I was doing a good job, there was so many parts of my teaching that I was unsatisfied with. Sometimes I knew what I wanted to do but just didn't have enough prep time to do it well. Sometimes I thought I had a great idea and then it flopped. Sometimes I just didn't know what on earth I should be doing. Mostly, I did an ok job, and there were even some great successes, but I think I can do better.
I know I can do better!
I want to do better. I want to reach ALL of my students. I want our time together to be more meaningful ALL of the time. I want to turn ALL of them into lifelong learners.
So, like so many of you, I'm spending most of my summer thinking about school. I'm reading all the professional books, blogs, and tweets I can get my hands on. I'm wrestling with old questions and thinking of new ideas in the car, on the couch, in the park. I'm sitting up in the middle of the night with a new thought that I just have to write down on the notepad beside my bed. In short, my brain is spinning a lot like it does during the school year, but with renewed energy and enthusiasm due to the precious gift of time.
I've always done thinking and planning over the summer, but never this much. This summer is different because I'm still so far where I want to be in this new position. I still have so much to learn and so far to go to reach these new, different learners in this new and different subject. Teaching high school ELLs has been a drastic change from teaching Exploratory Spanish to middle and elementary schoolers. More intense. More challenging. More real. More heartbreaking. More rewarding. More life-changing.
All that means my brain just can't help humming with new ways to help my students.
I was going to share some of my specific wonderings with you, but I'm not quite there yet... you'll just have to wait for another post to see exactly what ideas are buzzing around in here!
What's making your brain spin, hum, and buzz this summer?
Jennifer, sometimes I think what makes you a great teacher is that you do all this questioning and spinning of the wheels, wondering what is best, what works well, etc. I don't know what makes me buzz the most, possibly finding just the right book for students (or now teachers), or the inspiring piece of writing that will get kids writing, etc. Now lately it's technology & helping students reach out into the global world. You did so many great things last year, like the slices & sharing with another class. My one best piece of advice is always take a step at a time, and first, build the community. I think if that works, what other things you do will work beautifully. Have you read Choice Words or Opening Minds by Peter H. Johnston-so inspiring, & helpful. Best to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda. That's actually what a lot of my wondering has been about -- how to build a stronger community at the very beginning of the year. I really want to focus on being a community of learners, instead of just a class, from the beginning, and how to show kids why we are going to do the things we are going to do. I've been taking in Opening Minds in little bits this year, and I'm eager to read Choice Words too. It's funny how we often seem to be thinking similar thoughts! :-)
DeleteJennifer,
ReplyDeleteHaving just finished Who Owns the Learning Cyber PD is where my brain is now! Still thinking on all the learning that took place there! Loved it.
On another "note" we're going to see the Chicago concert tomorrow night!
Love that you teach with your whole heart! (Though it can be exhausting) Isn't it funny how, even though we are in 2013, so many mind-racers still rely on the good ol' notebook by the bed? I can't wait to read the thoughts you've captured :)
ReplyDeleteThe only reason teachers have the summer "off" is so we can use the time to reflect, revise, and improve. We all do some every year; however it sounds like you are really deep in the reflect and revise mode right now. I think it is because YOU are a great teacher that you KNOW what you do not KNOW! I also think spending time deep in Johnston's texts (CHoice WOrds, Opening Minds) is a good place to find direction and peace in what you do.
ReplyDeleteI feel like you do about this past year ... it was my 10th year in my school and in my position, but I felt like I was close to doing well, but I'm still looking to do more.
ReplyDeleteDon't you love working with ELLs? They can be such a needy and strong group all at the same time.
Can't wait to hear some of your ideas - my K-5 kids always benefit from my cyber learning. :)
I am so happy to have stumbled onto your blog via Pinterest. I am also a Spanish and ESL teacher. I can't wait to read more of your blog as the new school year kicks off!
ReplyDeleteAmy @ http://giftedgabber.blogspot.com/
Thanks, Amy! I appreciate that you took the time to leave me a comment after finding my blog! I look forward to hearing your thoughts during the school year!
DeleteWhew - my brain was already spinning, but now it's in overdrive! I've had this post open on my computer all week with not a moment to reread and reflect. I finally have that moment -- love your thinking! I'm so right there with you, but I've also learned to take a step back. We can't do it ALL and RIGHT NOW. My goal is to focus on one or two things to improve - put my time and energy there. And you know what? Sometimes less is more.
ReplyDeleteFirst and foremost: build those relationships and I know you already do that. Learning will occur. We are are hardest critics, aren't we? Go easy - you are a reflective educator with your students front and center. You will continue to improve and grow through your reflections and learning.
As always, I look forward hearing about your specific wonderings and your journey on year #2!
Michelle, thanks so much for your thoughtful comment! I'm honored that you remembered my post all week and took the time to come back and share your thoughts. Your words are like a soft breeze on my heart. :-)
DeleteJennifer, I am just catching up on blog reading. Your thought alone tell me that you are a great educator; you care about your students, you want to do better. I believe that this year will be a great year for you.
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