I have to say that these last few weeks have been some of the most challenging from my graduation class so far. I've been working like mad the last two months in an effort at preparing my internship plan of activities I hope to complete, as well as prep the action research project that I will be focusing on between now and May. This last week was very nice as it taught me how to stop, take a look at what I've done, reflect, consult with my site mentor and make sure everything is a-go before I begin my project. I feel like I've found a good balance between work and play and I'm thankful I have a wife that understands my commitment to this program. It also helps that she is a masters student in a different program but is just as busy as I!
I love to teach Spanish but one thing that has really become evident to me is how much more I enjoy being in the class and working with my students now that I am so committed to so many projects at one time. Teaching Spanish and doing everything I do as a Spanish teacher IS RELAXING for me!! I feel that because of the rigors of the work I have put into my graduate classes that I can handle just about any project or extra challenge that has arisen in my daily job. I also feel like I am a more patient person in school, with my students and colleagues as I try to make the most of the time I can dedicate to them in class.
Finally, I was made a member of our high school core technology team last Monday and already, five days later, I was presenting to our faculty a very useful app for the iPad that makes working with MS Office on the iPad so much easier. I also learned lessons about pre-planning and how it is important it is let faculty know ahead of time, that yes, they will need their iTunes usernames and passwords to use this project!! Out of 12 applicants from our building, four were selected for this position. It has been an exciting and yet, humbling experience at the same time. Oh well, back to the Week 5 work for EDLD 5301!!
Travis, I have found since starting this project that I actually have more energy for teaching too..I guess part is in the classroom I really feel like I know what I'm doing haha. But I do find myself seeing the big picture more often now. I find that I offer suggestions to other teachers more frequently now and they ask me for suggestions more often than before....change of attitude I suppose. Good luck with your project!
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how this work has more conditioned us to the rigors of our day. One of the jobs I volunteered for was our schools Continuous Improvement Process committee. We will be responsible for leading a group of 10 teachers, each, on a specific set of tasks required help ensure our school retains its accreditation. What can I say? I'm just a glutton for punishment! Julie, it sounds like you are becoming quite the educational leader in your building!
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