I can not believe I have slacked as much as I have on my blog, but what can I say, things have been busy!
Where to start? Well first I love being with my students, every day is a challenge, I want to pull my hair out more often than I'd like to admit, and there are so many frustrating aspects of this job, but somehow in the end I keep coming back day after day, putting in 200%, loving my kids and wanting them to succeed.
With all the changes in the district (new superintendent, new curriculum, new expectations, etc) there have been many changes in my school. I have noticed a change in all staff, one of more content/happy to a more stressed/on edge staff. Principals, coaches, and teachers are all quick to bite, and feeling the pressure that is being put on us, which we in turn are putting on our kids. It's kind of nuts to think that everything a child can learn can be measured on one end of the year assessment, that will either make or break the student, teachers, principal and school.
Just today I got back some scores for our Predictive test, that will tell us "how are students are doing" and "how well they will do on the test". It is to not only measure our students growth and knowledge, but often times feels like it is also a judgment on us as teachers. That being said, I was extremely disappointed when my students scores instead of going up, went down. So technically, according to this tests, my students have essentially gotten dumber, and it is my and my principals fault for this to occur.
While these were my first thoughts, that I will admit first led to tears, they were then followed by a more logical thought process. "No, you know you're students have made gains. G-can now read in both Spanish and English on a 2.5 level! A-is writing more and more everyday Y-actually knows words in English J-is asking to read books in all her free time, T- is asking me if he can show me what he has learned. I KNOWWWW that even though it is state-mandated coming from the central government that we take these tests, they are not indicative of my students full knowledge.
They are however indicative of a few things:
a. Our school's test scores are honest, we did not fudge the results.
b. We are not "Teaching to a test" and while we may not get results on a standardized test because we have not spent all our time teaching testing strategies, our students are still learning.
c. maybe the way we are teaching is not useful for the way we are being measured.
d. maybe they way we are being measured is not useful for the way we should be teaching.
This is not to be said to complain of the district, or my school, but more of a reflection to think about my teaching practices and what is expected of my students and I. I know that I will continue to put 200% for my babies, and that no matter what a test score says I KNOW my students are learning. I see it everyday in their critical thinking skills, their love of reading, their continuous questioning and giving explanations and their joy in being at school. I will not let what a test score says affect my passion towards this profession and will continue to give my all for my 50 students.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The Year is Definitely Rolling
WOW I can't believe how quickly time flies nad how buy I always seem to be. Somehow it's already October!
Year 2 BY FAR way easier then year 1, however, still teaching is definitely a tough job! IT's "DARK OCTObER" when the honeymoon period of the beginning of the year is over and it becomes real that there are no days off for quite a while.
I'm LOVING My kids and having the same group of students! i have quite a few new ones (i get new kids every day) but they are all for the most part meshing quite well.
I started out with 21 kids on one roster and 22 on the other and we're up to 26, 26. Granted most of these kids , well ALL are native Spanish speakers so that's making my job of teaching them in Spanish all the more easier. For example, I got a new girl today from Cuba, who doesn't speak a word of English, great for me, hard for the English teacher. (She's teaching math/reading this year, i'm teaching science/ss/reading)
Our new school is WONDERFUL we just got a new playground the rooms are bigger nad cleaner and everything is on one floor. The neighborhood is in the "Murder Factory" zipcode, but I really feel quite comfortable in my school and gettting there. THe neighbors are all quite friendly and it really feels like a safe place.
I'm glad to be working w/ the same staff and adminstration, even though all of us have been a bit cranker some with intense expectations from the district (which is a good thing), people being out ( i had 40 kids for a good 1.5 weeks while the other 4the grade teacher was out sick, subs don't really exist in the district). But I think things are really shaping up.
We're really being held accountable this year, and ironically half the things we are being told we "have to do" a. either make sense or b. i'm already being told to do by teach for america.
So all in all i'm actualy quite content. THat doesn't mean that the constant work, geting on kids, grad school half my life isn't stressing me out, but overall i'm quite happy and the year is QUITE a bit easier than last year. It's amazing what "street cred" being a 2nd year teacher gives to students at the school who know and respect you.
Year 2 BY FAR way easier then year 1, however, still teaching is definitely a tough job! IT's "DARK OCTObER" when the honeymoon period of the beginning of the year is over and it becomes real that there are no days off for quite a while.
I'm LOVING My kids and having the same group of students! i have quite a few new ones (i get new kids every day) but they are all for the most part meshing quite well.
I started out with 21 kids on one roster and 22 on the other and we're up to 26, 26. Granted most of these kids , well ALL are native Spanish speakers so that's making my job of teaching them in Spanish all the more easier. For example, I got a new girl today from Cuba, who doesn't speak a word of English, great for me, hard for the English teacher. (She's teaching math/reading this year, i'm teaching science/ss/reading)
Our new school is WONDERFUL we just got a new playground the rooms are bigger nad cleaner and everything is on one floor. The neighborhood is in the "Murder Factory" zipcode, but I really feel quite comfortable in my school and gettting there. THe neighbors are all quite friendly and it really feels like a safe place.
I'm glad to be working w/ the same staff and adminstration, even though all of us have been a bit cranker some with intense expectations from the district (which is a good thing), people being out ( i had 40 kids for a good 1.5 weeks while the other 4the grade teacher was out sick, subs don't really exist in the district). But I think things are really shaping up.
We're really being held accountable this year, and ironically half the things we are being told we "have to do" a. either make sense or b. i'm already being told to do by teach for america.
So all in all i'm actualy quite content. THat doesn't mean that the constant work, geting on kids, grad school half my life isn't stressing me out, but overall i'm quite happy and the year is QUITE a bit easier than last year. It's amazing what "street cred" being a 2nd year teacher gives to students at the school who know and respect you.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Nervous/Excited
Ok. second time writing this post thanks to blogger erasing it the first time.
So i'll be brief because I'm lazy. I"m just excited for this year to start! Nervous though because I know what to expect and I know what I want my class to look like (and what I DONT want to do thanks to last year!)
My classroom is pretty much setup with some great stuff i didn't have last year, 3 computers, a writing workshop station, a small group instruction center, cubbies... it's looking good! If I can get some 10's to paint it it'll be good to go! :)
But at the same point i'm very scared.... I know there are so many mistakes I made last year as a first year teacher and I want to do everything perfect this year which is of course impossible, but i'm going to try :)
i'm excited that school is starting at 7:30 and ending at 2:30 b/c i'll actually have time to do stuff AFTER school this year and maybe feel like a human being? ( a little bit?)
We shall definitely see but regardless I think it's going to be a great year. I'm once again soo happy to have my staff and prinicpal and think we will blow the district out of hte water with our results. The curriculum the district is creating seems great, HOPEFULLY we'll get it soon, and be able to use that in our planning. Regardless things seem to be going in the right direction and I know we're going to take hte nation by surprise!
EXciTED For year 2010/2011
So i'll be brief because I'm lazy. I"m just excited for this year to start! Nervous though because I know what to expect and I know what I want my class to look like (and what I DONT want to do thanks to last year!)
My classroom is pretty much setup with some great stuff i didn't have last year, 3 computers, a writing workshop station, a small group instruction center, cubbies... it's looking good! If I can get some 10's to paint it it'll be good to go! :)
But at the same point i'm very scared.... I know there are so many mistakes I made last year as a first year teacher and I want to do everything perfect this year which is of course impossible, but i'm going to try :)
i'm excited that school is starting at 7:30 and ending at 2:30 b/c i'll actually have time to do stuff AFTER school this year and maybe feel like a human being? ( a little bit?)
We shall definitely see but regardless I think it's going to be a great year. I'm once again soo happy to have my staff and prinicpal and think we will blow the district out of hte water with our results. The curriculum the district is creating seems great, HOPEFULLY we'll get it soon, and be able to use that in our planning. Regardless things seem to be going in the right direction and I know we're going to take hte nation by surprise!
EXciTED For year 2010/2011
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Summer of Books
So it's been extremely weird for me this summer being with LOADS of free time and almost nothing to do. I'm not in Kansas City so I can't clean my house, run errands, help out at school, I'm in NC. None of my friends are here, just me and a lot of time with family and books. So I've taken it upon myself to read as many books as I'd like and it's been wonderful, and I decided to write about a few of the books and my thoughts.
1. The Help:
This was a book reccomended to me by Anna, and was about Mississippi when there was still extreme segregation and prejudice among black and white citizens (wait there isn't now?) Anyways, it was a great book that really showed the view of female black housekeepers and the way they were treated by their white bosses, and one girl's attempt to change people's minds. Reading the book helped me to see why there is still such segregation in so many areas, especially the deep South.
2. Baking Cakes In Kigali
A random book that I just happened to pick up at the library because it was colored and looked neat. Reading the summary hooked me. It was about a cake baker (who doesn't like cake?) and her living in Kigali Africa shortly after the Rwandan Genocide. The book deals with very heavy topics such as genocide and the aids epidemic and really makes a person reflect on how differnet life can be in different areas of the world. Yet somehow, thanks to the cake, it was lighthearted and funny.
3. Deadlock
Not really worth writing about, a silly little suspense/murder mystery type of book.
4. Walk Two Moons
Reccomended to our class by our graduate school professor. She raved about the book for two semesters straight and I thought to myself "HOW CAN THIS BOOK BE SO GOOD!?" i picked it out because she was an awesome professor and if she thought I should read it to my students I decided I should read it first. Let me say I started reading it at 10 pm one night... didn't put it down until a little before 1 am when i finished it. A great story about a little girl dealing with death and friendships on a week long road trip with her grandparents. Author just writes so well, thanks Sharon Creech.
5. True Notebooks
By far one of my favorites i've read this summer. A non-fiction piece written by an author who volunteered at a juvenille penitentiary in California. He shares his experiences with the boys and their works of writing that show that these boys are just humans who have made some poor choices or have been at the wrong place at the wrong time due to their circumstances and situations. The book has brought me to tears several times, especially when I'm reminded of one of my student's or their families, but it really touches on the importance of showing each person their worth and that there is always opportunity for change and becoming the best person you can be.
6. Sizzling Sixteen..
about to start :) a silly little series by Janet Evanovich but i love her haha i have to.
BUT if anyone knows any great books, ESPECIALLY good teacher books PLEASE let me know, i'd love any reccomendations because obviously I have NOTHING but time until July 21st when I head back to KC and start moving into my new school, getting a new car, getting things ready for Teach for America and getting ready to start w/ the everyday grind once again!
1. The Help:
This was a book reccomended to me by Anna, and was about Mississippi when there was still extreme segregation and prejudice among black and white citizens (wait there isn't now?) Anyways, it was a great book that really showed the view of female black housekeepers and the way they were treated by their white bosses, and one girl's attempt to change people's minds. Reading the book helped me to see why there is still such segregation in so many areas, especially the deep South.
2. Baking Cakes In Kigali
A random book that I just happened to pick up at the library because it was colored and looked neat. Reading the summary hooked me. It was about a cake baker (who doesn't like cake?) and her living in Kigali Africa shortly after the Rwandan Genocide. The book deals with very heavy topics such as genocide and the aids epidemic and really makes a person reflect on how differnet life can be in different areas of the world. Yet somehow, thanks to the cake, it was lighthearted and funny.
3. Deadlock
Not really worth writing about, a silly little suspense/murder mystery type of book.
4. Walk Two Moons
Reccomended to our class by our graduate school professor. She raved about the book for two semesters straight and I thought to myself "HOW CAN THIS BOOK BE SO GOOD!?" i picked it out because she was an awesome professor and if she thought I should read it to my students I decided I should read it first. Let me say I started reading it at 10 pm one night... didn't put it down until a little before 1 am when i finished it. A great story about a little girl dealing with death and friendships on a week long road trip with her grandparents. Author just writes so well, thanks Sharon Creech.
5. True Notebooks
By far one of my favorites i've read this summer. A non-fiction piece written by an author who volunteered at a juvenille penitentiary in California. He shares his experiences with the boys and their works of writing that show that these boys are just humans who have made some poor choices or have been at the wrong place at the wrong time due to their circumstances and situations. The book has brought me to tears several times, especially when I'm reminded of one of my student's or their families, but it really touches on the importance of showing each person their worth and that there is always opportunity for change and becoming the best person you can be.
6. Sizzling Sixteen..
about to start :) a silly little series by Janet Evanovich but i love her haha i have to.
BUT if anyone knows any great books, ESPECIALLY good teacher books PLEASE let me know, i'd love any reccomendations because obviously I have NOTHING but time until July 21st when I head back to KC and start moving into my new school, getting a new car, getting things ready for Teach for America and getting ready to start w/ the everyday grind once again!
Monday, June 28, 2010
always want what you don't have...
So I'm on my what, 3rd week of vacation? and it's finally hitting me that i have a lot of free time. I got back to my parents house last thurdsay after a whirlwind of crazy weeks in denver and KC helping with induction. Now i am literally with nothing to do (but to run/bike/read/play/rest?) and I'm antsy. It's weird to go from eternally busy to having NOTHING i have to do (besides a few graduate assignments i can put of until hte last minute) i almost wish that i could take all this free time and mix it with my year of stress, and create a somewhat normal life of inbetween... but let's be honest i kind of like to have things to do and be pushed to the edge, probably why i've embarked on this crazy journey. Meanwhile i'm going to try and relax, read too many books, catch up on a few movies, and enjoy the sweltering heat and humidity of the carolinas.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
The Tensies are here :)
So i just got to spend a wonderful week meeting the O so excited, extremely nervous, super friendly 2010 corps of Kansas City Missouri. Watching them come in reminds me of how far i've come since last year, and makes me realize how much i've grown in this past year with teach for america and teaching in the Kansas City PUblic school system.
yesterday i attended one of the most memorable events of this year's induction for me was a talk by Airick West, the president of the school board. He spoke very candidly with the 10's and let them know this journey wouldn't be easy (understatment!) He also let them know that they could either be a change or they could conform to a system, and he urged them to not conform. That really made me reflect on my past year of teaching and my views of the schools and students i am teaching. have i conformed to the system or am i still keeping strong with my ideals, goals and knowledge that all students can succeed!
I hope the first is true, and talking with the 2010 corps members energizes me and gets me ready for next year. They are so eager and ready to learn and not yet jaded by a difficult system. They take in anything we can tell them and it reminds me of only a year before when i was grilling 2008 corps members for advice. I remember thinking they knew EVERYTHING and now being in their shoes i realize that is very far from the truth> However, in speaking with them i hope i am making it clear the realities of what they are about to experience and encourage them on their journey and let them know that there will always be support.
i know that without the support i have experienced this past year: through veteran teachers, 2008 corps members, fellow 2009 corp members, principals and many others, that i would not have made it through the year. i want to thank all these people and let them know they are helping to shape who i am as a teacher and a person and i hope that this year i will be able to continue to help others as well all travel on this difficult journey together to end the achievement gap and to reform schools in the Kansas City area.
like Airick West said, there will be at least 30 "90/90" schools in the KC area and we can help to make this one of the best districts in the Country.
yesterday i attended one of the most memorable events of this year's induction for me was a talk by Airick West, the president of the school board. He spoke very candidly with the 10's and let them know this journey wouldn't be easy (understatment!) He also let them know that they could either be a change or they could conform to a system, and he urged them to not conform. That really made me reflect on my past year of teaching and my views of the schools and students i am teaching. have i conformed to the system or am i still keeping strong with my ideals, goals and knowledge that all students can succeed!
I hope the first is true, and talking with the 2010 corps members energizes me and gets me ready for next year. They are so eager and ready to learn and not yet jaded by a difficult system. They take in anything we can tell them and it reminds me of only a year before when i was grilling 2008 corps members for advice. I remember thinking they knew EVERYTHING and now being in their shoes i realize that is very far from the truth> However, in speaking with them i hope i am making it clear the realities of what they are about to experience and encourage them on their journey and let them know that there will always be support.
i know that without the support i have experienced this past year: through veteran teachers, 2008 corps members, fellow 2009 corp members, principals and many others, that i would not have made it through the year. i want to thank all these people and let them know they are helping to shape who i am as a teacher and a person and i hope that this year i will be able to continue to help others as well all travel on this difficult journey together to end the achievement gap and to reform schools in the Kansas City area.
like Airick West said, there will be at least 30 "90/90" schools in the KC area and we can help to make this one of the best districts in the Country.
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