April 21, 2008

A little bird told me that I forgot to include a "topic" in my last blog entry. You all thought you were getting off the hook no doubt. Ha!

Good grief! Only five weeks to go and your first year at Goddard will be history. Reflecting on this past year and your teaching practice, what will you do differently in the new school year? (that's the time period AFTER summer break) As you know, teaching is not a static profession. That's one of the reasons why it is such a great job. Teachers continually strive to be better. Please share a goal for the new year.

"Getting Short!"

Dear Teachers,

The expression "getting short" is military slang for almost done with your tour of duty. It does not refer to shrinking status or possible knee-chops. The upcoming six weeks will fly by as it always does and you will be free to rest and refresh.

Remember, you still have a $20.00 stipend for a book of your choice. Kurt is the only soul who has taken advantage of this. Tempus fugit, folks. Bring me the receipt! Or, I can order something for you. Here is a book recommendation from the Grant Wiggins website. Sounds like a good read.

In his latest book Letters to a Young Teacher (Crown, $19.95), Jonathan Kozol provides important stories and commentary to remind us all about "the sheer joy and passionate rewards" of what he deems "a beautiful profession."Letters to a Young Teacher addresses critical issues facing the teaching and learning community today: the effects of high-stakes testing that threatens to turn classrooms into test-prep factories, the "PRIVATIZATION" of our public schools, and the present, persistent inequalities of urban education."Even in the most adverse conditions, the work of a good teacher ought to be an act of stalwart celebration. It is in that sense of celebration, in my own belief at least, that teachers who have chosen out of love to work with children find their ultimate reward." Letters to a Young Teacher reminds readers of the nobility in education and affirms the belief in teaching and most importantly in the children we serve. A MUST READ!!!

This is a quickie blog entry....the muse has visited and I must strike whilst the old iron is hot, etc.

No doubt you will be the benificiaries of some of my wandering thoughts during the next 6 weeks so bear with me. Hang in there!

http://gmsnewteacher07-08.blogspot.com/2008/01/january-new-beginning.html

Springtime at Godddard!

Dear Teachers,

Once again I take blog in hand and try to create a meaningful and inspirational entry. Hruumph! No such luck and I am drawing the usual blank in the motivational department. I'm looking down the barrel of summer and retirement and seem to struggle with words and thoughts. Think it is called spring fever.

As I observe the herds of adolescents in the halls, I wonder about them. Which ones have driven you nuts, which ones are your success stories, and which ones have you agonized over this year.

We focus on identification of essential learnings, common assessments, PLC work, student achievement, etc...and sometimes seem to lose sight of the "kid" within the kids. Who will they become, where will they be, what will they achieve?

For this April blog, let's focus on that special student from this year. Write about that student and share your frustrations and your triumphs! In the meantime, the tulips will bloom so hang in there. Liz

January: A New Beginning

Dear Teachers,

Welcome back. Hope you and yours had a restful and happy holiday. It does seem possible that we are starting our second semester. It will go fast and your first year at GMS will be "under your belt." Actually, this blog entry is a bit late as I am in my usual disabled blog mode.

January and February are traditionally rather difficult for some of us. It's sort of the dark time of the teaching year....post-holiday and pre-spring. This is great teaching time however so just hang in there. Experienced teachers know that the time from January to March is the “heartland” of the school year. Unless winter weather interrupts your schedule, your students can discover more and focus better now than at any time.

The blog attempts continue. Maybe this time I will get things rolling. To get the "reflective" journal requirement underway, would you please think about the following and respond in a

post.

" What was the most successful teaching/learning experience that took place in your classroom first semester? Why would you say so? What made it successful?"

This will be our first "official" reflective journal entry. Hopefully, you will receive this blog post..but if not, we will resort to pre-tech paper & pen. Keep smiling..MLK is just around the corner. Liz