Teaching is the easy part.....

Packets for absent students, replacing missing assignments, handling late work, dealing with incomplete homework, answering emails, considering new procedures, adding new initiatives, grading papers, recording grades, trying to determine whether to repeat or move on, duties, duties, duties......lesson planning, parent newsletter, class website, communication, thank you notes, overseeing aides, knowing who needs which accommodations.......as my co-teacher, said last week, "having you do all the teaching makes me wonder how on earth I found the time to do all this - no wonder I was always a little behind."  I don't know how any person manages such a huge job description, and yet we do.  Teaching and engaging students should clearly be the focus - yet that truly feels like the easy part.  

After one week of full time teaching, the lessons have been huge.  Here are some of my wise words to me:

• You can't over plan.
• Some kids can handle change - others can't.
• You can't let the busy-work take priority.
• It would be easy to do nothing but 'be a teacher'.  The work is never done.
• Administration can change your job with one small decision.
• You have to always stay positive,
• The kids will always end up making things worthwhile.
• Nothing beats surprising a student with a thank you note.
• You need to spend time practicing any new procedures.
• One class will 'get it', but another one won't.
• Every day brings challenge, each day brings joy.
• It truly is all about the kids - never, ever forget that.

As I reflect upon the experiences last week, I realize just how much there will always be to learn.  My craft can always be bettered, strategies always improved, options always increased.  I need to always remember to concentrate on THAT and ensure that I never lose sight of what is important as I no doubt get caught up in the minutiae of required duties and paperwork.

As I write this, it is Saturday morning.  That means that it is time to get to work on next week's plans.  What can I do to help the kids learn next week?  What can I do to make sure that my students are engaged, positive, supportive, and informed next week?  

Let the planning begin!

Lesson Planning Flow Chart

Image taken from https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3305/5807299569_02627eb5a2.jpg

Things I learned this semester!

A few of my favorite lessons learned in my fall semester experience.......

1. Never choose the third or final class of a professor's day. They think that they told you everything that they announced to prior classes. Plus, they have typically 'had enough' by then - and who cam blame them?

2. Many students live by the mantra, "if I whine enough, the professor will extend the due date, ease the criteria, give me a point back." - and it often might. The only problem is, not every student is wise enough to note that with some professors, the reaction is opposite to the desired effect. It would behoove students to determine attitude, prior to trying to change the rules and ease the burden.........

3. Some professors do not appreciate effort. They visibly regret offering up extra credit, and complain about having to grade it (most are joking, some are not!). The occasional professor will even complain when students attempt to make an extra effort to do additional work or go above and beyond.....

4. Participation points are an excellent tool for all. First to encourage class discussion and visible effort. Hey, points are points! Secondly it helps the student that needs hands-on learning and not just by rote. Third, it allows the prof to enforce students to take part. Last, but not least, since no one knows how/where said points are given, it gives the teacher control over helping a good student to make up points. They are going to be a part of my grading tool bag!

5. 1 point = 1% just doesn't seem to work fairly for grading, and puts too much onus on every little quiz.

6. Teachers really should share how they plan to assess each piece of work with their students. It is hard to do a really good job when the professor won't share what they are 'looking for'. The reverse of that, is that when the professor makes an effort to truly model the desired end-result, it creates an attitude shift, an understanding, and a far superior end result. Teachers and professors who have not received the memo about modeling outcomes, scaffolding learning, and allowing workshop time for one-on-one opportunities, really should check it out!

7. All teachers believe strongly that 'the man on the street' blames teachers for every generational issue or concern. Why blame the parents when you can blame a teacher? That is so very sad.

8. Finally, I learned how easy it is to buy into the 'do it for me, now!' mentality. I need to work on that next semester...........

Last but not least? I will never forget the professor who hurt my GPA last semester. I am grateful to her though, she taught me a vital lesson about the importance of communication, and rewarding hard work and effort. When you don't? It is kind of soul-destroying.

Merry Christmas everyone! Next blog will no doubt be on the joys of the online course experience as I take my Hawkeye minimester over break!