Home Stretch
I haven't posted for some time. We had Spring Break and then MAP testing (Missouri Assessment Program), which we are still in the midst of. For that reason there is very little to say, as very little is happening that is interesting.
After this 4 day Easter weekend, we have 7 full weeks of school, and then the 2006-2007 school year will be over. I am both ecstatic and full of sorrow at this thought. I am ecstatic because I feel like at the end of this year, I will have accomplished more than in any other year of my life. I am saddened because my kids will be moving on, with different teachers, and I will start next year from scratch. Then again, that is a whole new group of kids to impact.
I signed my Letter of Intent to return for the 2007-2008 school year. I also indicated that I preferred to teach Middle School next year. This year I teach both MS and HS, and they don't want to share teachers next year. I figure there are a ton of TFAers in the HS, and maybe I can make a bigger difference in the Middle School. Perhaps I can alter the life path of a student before they get to the big, scary HS and start making choices that will permanently affect their lives.
Also, if I only teach HS, I may have missed the chance to alter a path BEFORE bad choices are made, but I might have it in a MS. Additionally, the HS is very big, and it seems the teachers are never on the same page. If I stick with mostly 8th grade, there will be few students and teachers, and it may be easier to inspire significant change with a smaller group of teachers. If we are all on the same page, it might make everyone's job easier.
Next year I am going to head up the National Junior Honor Society Chapter, the MS Character Education Team, the 8th Grade Girls Group, work on the Grant Writing Team, Professional Development Team, possibly coach MS cheerleading, and hopefully be in a position of influence for the 8th grade team.
Our current team leader has indicated that he may want to go elsewhere next year. Not a different school, but maybe work as a counselor. I would love to work as 8th Grade Team Leader, but I am not sure if it will be possible. Next year will only be my 2nd year teaching, and I will be still only temporarily certified. I will have my MAT in December, but that might not matter. There are teachers with more experience who may be offered the position first. I feel like it should not be a matter of experience, but of effectiveness. I hope that instead of simply offering the position to someone, they allow us to apply for it and decide that way. Otherwise I don't stand a chance.
There are so many good things that could be happening at my school, and right now they are just not happening. Either way, I will work to improve things next year.
I can't believe that I am about 2 months away from finishing my first year as a teacher. It is so exhiliarating. I am super excited to push my students as far as possible for the rest of the year, but I am also excited to plan and get in gear for next year. I just can't wait.
Lisa
