Has it been two weeks already? The days fly by faster than I can account for them. Let me give you an update as to how it's been so far. First of all, it's time consuming. So far I have been waking up extremely early in the morning to prepare for the upcoming day and to try to work ahead. I find myself passing out at 9 o'clock at night as a result--usually with a geometry book in my hands.
It's frustrating. I think I'm generally enthusiastic when I'm in front of the class, but I can tell when people are tuning me out. It's difficult policing 30 kids and trying to get all of them into it. I'm constantly aware of moments in which I don't take enough of an authoritative stance or I lose a teachable opportunity. I teach a lesson and afterward know I could have done it better. I want to come up with teaching strategies and activities that allow students to take ownership of their learning, to learn by discovery, but it's hard because I have virtually no tools in my utility belt. Other teachers tell me I shouldn't worry about being interesting, that I should focus on simply getting them to buy into my routine. They're right in many ways--that part is far more important--but I think making my class more interesting would help in getting them to buy in.
With all that being said, I think it's fantastic. I genuinely enjoy coming to work every day. Sometimes my exuberance is irrepressible. I can tell when teachers are bogged down and weary, which I've been more than a few times already, and it's nice when I can add a burst of energy and optimism to the atmosphere. The individual classes are ridiculous. One day a class will drive you crazy while another is like a gift from up above, and the next day the roles are totally reversed. It teaches you to let go after each class, whether they've been good or bad. I knew from the get-go not to take any negativity home with me. Sometimes it's just a bad day. You have to release it, think about what you can do better, and come to the next day with a fresh perspective. It's actually not as hard as it seems.
My geometry students took their first test on Friday. The results so far have been fairly predictable. A lot of very poor grades, but several excellent grades as well. I know the students with whom I need to spend more time, and I know those who I need to keep challenged. The funny part is that I had a group of students who were complaining about the material because they had already taken a version of the course last year. They wanted to work ahead and go at their own pace because they weren't being challenged. For the most part, those students scored completely mediocre grades on the test. I guess they'll have to stick to my pace now. It's just so interesting. I'm learning so much--about teaching, about teenagers, about behavior. Fascinating stuff.
One thing I don't like: grading tests. It blows. It seems like I spent all of yesterday after class grading those damn tests, and I'm only halfway through. Guess what I'll be doing during football today?
Anyways, I hope everyone is well as they read this. If you're in the Windy City, I cannot wait to see you. It's only four weeks away! It's a great time to be in Chicago. I'm excited about the Cubs, the Bears, and the Bulls. It's difficult being a Chicago sports fan in New York City; I have very few outlets for my fanaticism. I really can't wait to be back home.
I'll leave you with a link to a blog written by, of all people, Paul Reiser. I include it only because I had the same idea almost verbatim a few weeks ago, and I thought it was funny that Mr. Reiser captured my sentiment so perfectly and humorously. Although it's getting to the point where it's not really funny any more.
And here's a clip of the lovely ladies at Saturday Night Live, in case you missed them last night:
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