Learning on the job...

I was waiting to publish the 3 things that I learned from the new teacher training seminar, because it is one thing to regurgitate information immediately after, and another to actually use what you learned weeks later. Having said this, I've learned much more than 3 things from the training.

Among these are ...


1. The answer is no. I understand, but the answer is no.

This really stuck with me. High school students will always try to find a way out of class. It is much easier to say no than most people think. If you set out on a mission to say no of the get go, students will become discouraged and stop trying to get out of class at every opportunity.

2. I learned the think, pair, share technique.

I've already implemented this in my classroom. It if very effective in helping students find a comfort zone in public speaking. It gives them confidence to converse with a variety of people, and allows them to work well in groups. It is a speedy process and very focused, so students are not able to abuse class time with social mind wanderings.

3. Graphic Organizers are a helpful tool.

I have never spent much time with graphic organizers, but they have proved to be beneficial to my ability to teach. They help students organize their thoughts especially as a prelude to the writing process. I will be using many this year to help students improve their writing.


I'm in the middle of Week 1 at EVHS, and am absolutely loving it. It's been tough at times, but I've managed even better than I thought I would. Hopefully, I'll be able to sink into a rhythm soon, so that planning and teaching become more natural and less forced.

Thus far, I've been unable to take any photos of my classroom. They will be coming soon, I promise!!!

Oh, the anticipation...

Although this summer has been exceptional, it has made me very anxious to get in the classroom and start teaching. As an alum of Eagle Valley High School, I'm extremely excited about beginning my teaching career here. I was added as an additonal permanent substitute in December of last year. The experience was absolutely amazing as I was able to learn skills in classroom management and connect with the majority of the school's students. I hope that this coming school year will be everything last year was and so much more. It will be nice to start my adventures in education in the community in which I was raised. The familiar names and faces of all the kids that are coming up through the school system give me an added advantage in reaching them in the classroom.

It will be nice to get into my own classroom and be able to teach English classes each and every day. I hope to incorporate innovative ways into each of my classes to keep my students interested and learning. Just thinking about it makes me honored and excited.

On top of my first year of teaching, I'll be going through the Mountain Boces to earn my teaching license through their alternative teaching program. I've already started ripping into the 225 hour requirement, and am excited to be able to learn on the job. I'm excited to work with the Boces representative, George Biller, as well as my mentor Ashley Newman. The opportunity is something I'm very thankful for, and by working hard I expect to do well.

When the second tri-mester rolls around, I'll be coaching JV Girls Basketball. The passion that I have for the game will make my experiences over the next year even greater.

My plate maybe very full, but I'm hungry to get started.