First Two Department Meetings Down... One to Go.

Well, I just finished my first couple days of meetings at GHS. They were interesting to say the least. I had to meet with other members of my department to converse about curriculum and the implementation of standards throughout the course so that we were still meeting national requirements.

It's strange because, while student teaching, and taking most Education classes for that matter, I simply DETESTED anything having to do with standards. They were annoying and so specific that it felt there was no way to implement them fully. But these last few days, being with actual teachers in the field and coming up with collaborative ideas to execute the standards while still meeting the personal preferences for what WE wanted to teach was actually... well..

Fun.

Who would've thought that would ever be the case?

So, after the meetings and all I was able to get my finalized schedule of what I will be teaching as well as the books for one of the classes I will have first term-- That's also something I'll need to get accustomed to. This school's schedule is divided into terms and blocks as opposed to quarters and periods. So, instead of having 4 quarters I have 4 terms. And instead of having 50min periods, I have 85min blocks. This means I only teach 3 periods of the day, which is nice. And my plan period is in the middle so that leaves me fairly open. But I'm a little worried about having to adjust to teaching for 85min. I felt like at times I was struggling to span things over the 50min periods I'm accustomed to.

I suppose this to will be a learning experience.

To end the day I had to go to the Board of Ed office in order to set up an appointment for payroll, sign my contract, and get started on a few things I can do in the near future. All I have to do is:

• Get a TB test/shot
• Complete my background test/get fingerprinted (standard)
• Send my credential file
• Send a copy of my teaching certificate

That's not too bad, right? Maybe I really am getting the hang of this whole thing. At least, the technical part of it anyway. The actual teaching will be a completely new ballpark. Time to get suited up!

So It Begins...

Well, this is my first post. I feel like it should be something special and introduce me in the most profound way...

However, I don't exactly think I'm spectacular enough for something like that so, here goes nothing.

My name is Fannetta and I'm 22 years old. I'll be starting my first year of teaching in the Fall at Galesburg High School. I'm pretty excited about it. With the excitement comes a ridiculous amount of nerves as well. Starting this job means starting a whole new life. Moving away from my family, most of my friends and loved ones, and basically my whole life. I hope I'm ready to embark on such a journey.

Everyday I pump myself up a little more to believe that I am.

I was sitting and thinking today that it may be a good idea to start a blog about my experience. My goal is to do this daily once the year begins but I realize that probably won't happen. I figure at least 3 posts a week should be good. Obviously I haven't really begun anything just yet since it's only June. I have my first "faculty meetings" this Wednesday and Thursday so that should be fun to report on. I find out more about what I'll be teaching and get some of the books I'll be working with so I can start planning my curriculum.

Ha. My curriculum.

It feels weird to type, let alone even think and say.

So, this blog is about my journey towards becoming "Ms. Jones." I know that I am her, by nature, but the full teacher persona takes a lot of work as well as trial and error. I've already begun the slight transformation but it will clearly be a work in progress. I'm hoping to use this blog as a way to document my journey. The highs, the lows, and all the speed bumps a long the way. I know this is going to be an interesting ride.

I hope you'll join me along the way. *smile*