Ode to the Blog

If I have one complaint about this summer it would be that I have not seen the first years in action. I've taught lesson planning, instructional strategies, and classroom management yet have been unable to see my students implement any of the practices we have discussed. But, Oh, the beauty of the blog! My EDSE 500 students have done an incredible job reflecting on their classroom experiences. I have been glued to the blogs all weekend checking for fresh posts. This is either a sign of my dedication to the education profession or an indication of how pathetic one's life becomes after thrity. Maybe it's both. Regardless, I am proud of what I have been hearing from the first years.

Most everyone hates to watch themselves on video, but the opportunity to evaluate your own teaching in this manner is priceless. From Dave Molina's flailing arms, to Adryon's bangs, everyone has complaints or comments about their teaching style. What's most important, however, is the way we process this information. How can we build on our strengths and change the things we don't like? The act of "blogging it out" puts us on the path to reflection and positive change. I truly feel this process is beneficial and will make us better teachers.

Insights from an Insider

Teaching is difficult. It drains you mentally and physically. The pay is never commensurate to the work, and often, especially during those frustrating days, it is easy to forget that teaching is purposeful and meaningful work. However, the nice thing about teaching is that we are constantly surrounded by reminders of our mission. Students like Ashley--the high schooler from Simmons who came to talk to our class on Wednesday--are our reminders. Listening to Ashley's frank and enlightened talk about her school was a wonderful experience. What a bright, funny, interesting, and insightful young lady! I could have sat and listened to her all day. I learned so much about the Delta schools from her comments. She made me smile and she reminded me of the absolute joy that students can generate. Yes, teaching is difficult. It exhilirates and exhausts. It can be funny and it can be sad. It can inspire pride, or it can foster shame. Through all this, though, I think that teaching makes us better people. Like Ben said, Ashley is one of the shining examples of why we do what we do. It IS all worth it.

Paper, Scissors, Glue...Look What I Can Do!

I must admit I was a little concerned that yesterday's graphic organizer presentation in class would be ill-received. But, to my delight, most had a good time and seemed to be excited about the prospect of using the organizers with students. I was impressed with the ideas that came forth as we were folding, pasting, and cutting to our hearts' content.

Lunch at Taylor Grocery was great. I was able to meet several second years and even had a good chat with Monica, David M., and Keila about the pains of teaching with intercom interruptions. It was also nice to hear good news from the frontlines. Several first years shared their successes with newly acquired teaching strategies. Way to go guys! I look forward to hearing more.

First Week

I have to admit that I was a little intimidated when Ben and Germain first asked me to teach this summer with the Mississippi Teacher Corps. I have enjoyed teaching our Ole Miss undergraduate elementary majors, but preparing secondary teachers for life in the Delta was something else. My fears subsided as Ben, Germain, and I began to plan for EDSE 500. I truly feel we have a framework for instruction that will meet the needs of these special first year teachers.

The first week has been a blast. I have had a great time getting to know the class of 2005. This diverse group will have a tremendous effect on the lives of the children they teach. I have also been impressed with the courage and dedication of the class--they are not teachers by trade, and yet they have embraced the profession with enthusiasm. All while adjusting to life in Mississippi! I admire your fortitude, first years!

As the summer drifts by and a new school year arrives, I hope the knowledge gained during the summer of 2005 gives this class the skills and confidence needed to create a learning environment where every child succeeds. Good luck in your journey.