week one/NPHS

This first week was exciting!  I liked learning who my cooperating teacher uses for support amongst her co-workers.  I see the strategies they used when getting together to discuss a specific item-they would voice their goal for the meeting, and it helped them to stick to it.  I also saw the principal say thank you to staff members for completing tasks, using dunkin' donuts gift cards-a nice touch, I thought!
I'm learning that I know something about my personality, as far as getting my bearings in a new situation or job, such as this.    I need to ground myself in my new relationship with my cooperating teacher, and then begin the process of my individual work-my unit.
I noticed some strategies my teacher used for avoiding pissing matches with students.  She used "I" language when addressing them about inappropriate behavior.
Students surprised me by writing very honestly in a survey they took about their interests.  The school has a strong senior project requirement, and the survey is the first step in helping them figure out what topic they might take on for the project.  One student wrote that he supports the Palestinian Liberation Organization as his favorite cause.  I suspect it will be challenging for me to avoid talking about that topic-it is such a hot button right now!  If he chooses it for his senior project, I will not be able to avoid it!!
I was disappointed that many students did not complete their summer reading!
A great week-all in all!

First Week Navigation

What happened this week?  What did you learn about yourself, your students, and the teaching life?

You can write about the energy level of different classes (or yourself!) at different times, things that surprised you, and/or things you look forward to.

What will require most of your time and attention, do you think, at least as you begin?

Be honest and be thoughtful.