I haven't died, I've just been busy with my first year teaching. Any teachers can relate, I'm sure. Our school is going through some major changes and although I support my administration with their philosophical changes, it's overwhelming and I feel like they are expecting a lot more than us teachers are capable of and a lot more than they lead us to believe earlier in the year. We are transitioning into a professional learning community (PLC), which basically means that teachers work together with the other teachers of their subject matter, collaborate and give common assessments and focus on student learning. We were told it's going to be a 3-5 year transition but now that we are 1/4 of the way through the year, I'm feeling like we are expected to have this down pat. It's extremely frustrating. And, even all the veteran teachers are having a hard time this year so at least I'm not the only one. So, Tracy, it's not as easy as you remember it!
I think the idea behind PLC's is great but it doesn't seem to be happening that way right now. It's supposed to make less work for the teachers but I know we all feel like we have more work than every before. The major problem I have with it is I feel like there is no student accountability. I feel like I'm bending over backwards to help kids that aren't doing their part. I want my students to be successful but I also think they should have to work for it. Anyway, I don't want to vent about all my teaching frustrations on here. However, I do like teaching and have spent a lot of time working on my teaching career, I'm starting to think that maybe I don't want to be a teacher for the long haul.
Where are these crazy thoughts coming from? Well, I am the step team coach/sponsor at my school and I love it. It can get a little crazy at times with so many students but I think I've implemented a lot of new things this year to make the program run smoothly. I have 45 members, split into two teams. One team is better and they will be our traveling, competing team and the other is a home-based team and will perform at school functions. I really enjoy that part of my job and now I've started to think about jobs in the county that would allow me to do more of that kind of work. I'm starting to research other positions in the county. Right now I'm looking into athletic directors. They coordinate all of the clubs and sports in the school and I think that would be so fun. It's also an administrative position so I would have to go back and get my administrative certifications but that would also make me eligible for more admin positions. I like the classroom but I think for the long run I would prefer doing more administrative work in the future. I don't know yet, these are just some thoughts I'm having.
Let's see, what else? I went to Palmyra, New York a few weeks ago with my church for a singles' trip and had fun. I'm still dating the same guy I have been since January and am enjoying that as well. The only down side is I don't have time to do all the things I would like to do but that's okay. I think my time will free up soon enough. That's the latest report :)
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