Well, my first year of teaching officially ended this past Thursday, May 24th. Overall, I have to say this was a very trying year but I dove into it head first. I had plenty of moments for laughter, quite a few moments for tears (though I only shed one in front of the class once but... that's another story), and I really feel like I got a nice taste of what my future holds.
I received my schedule for next year and I have 2 loads of Eng 9 a semester and 1 of College Composition. I'm really excited about this because they are both classes that I've taught before. This will be my third round with Eng 9 as well. One point I know I need to work on, aside from the ever present "discipline" and class rules, is honing my transitions and elaboration with materials. On top of that, I'm in a new classroom next year! So, just when I get a hold on a few things, something else is ripped out from under me. Crazy, really.
After making it through my first year in one piece, one element that I realized truly needs to be a part of my daily ritual/routine is Reflection. Reflection played such a big part in my teaching year. Looking back on how different lessons played out as well as what didn't go as well as planned has helped me to be a better teacher. Staying attuned to what the students feel about different lessons and trying to understand WHY they felt that way helps a lot too. There's not much to be said for the students who sincerely don't care about anything you have to say. I've learned to take those moments in stride. But, when there are individuals who are normally at the top of the class and even THEY are giving you the look of "Uhm.... What?" it's evident that some change needs to come about... And when reflecting on this past year, I can truly say that I tried my hardest at all costs and it can only go up from here. Yes, I'm the youngest teacher in the school (interesting yet frightening), as well as the newest teacher in my department (blessing and a curse, trust me), but no one can say that I have not been earning my place in Galesburg High School.
So, with that said, here's to a new year, a good year, and an even better Me.
Ms. Jones is out for the summer.
