...... at the end of another chapter in my journey and the beginning of a new one in the weeks and months ahead. I have had an incredible experience with my students at my second placement. The power to manifest a vision and to believe in my students in a positive pro-active way has truly cemented my firm belief that I am a teacher. When you are pursuing your calling, making a difference and wanting more, despite the challenges, you are truly doing what your soul has been designed to do.
Reflection is a powerful tool used to review your past while in the present in order to improve for the future.....what I learned in looking back is that I clearly knew so long ago that this is what my destiny was supposed to be. I needed all that crazy stuff in between in order to be that caring, interested and engaging teacher.
Yesterday, my life experiences as a mother were key in dealing with an angry and upset mother. Her son convinced her that it was me who was at fault for why her son was not achieving his school goals. I stood my ground and was prepared the night before with all the documentation required to show that her son was argumentative and felt entitled to obtaining a mark he clearly did not earn. He had lied to her and had been deceitful with how he had been conducting himself in class. His father, it seems, feels that marks are everything and often compare this younger son with the over-achieving older one. I showed the mother her son's work and the look of disappointment was all too clear as she looked from myself, to the VP and then to her son. His submissions were in keeping with grade school despite the fact that her son was in grade 11. This student had gone as far as to solicit help from a guidance councillor who wrote a note indicating her concern about his grade not reflecting those of his other marks. He clearly did not earn and according to him, had councilled him to lie about visiting her when he had asked to go to the washroom. As the ugly truth began to reveal itself, the mother began to realize the position her son had put her in and I wondered, as we wrapped up the discussion as to wether this son of hers would ever see daylight again. When the meeting ended, I had an opportunity to tour his mother around the classroom and offered to walk her to the front door. She let me know that she really thought I was this really bad teacher who didn't care about her son. As I walked away, I felt deeply for this woman who likely had been trying to protect her son from an overbearing father.
A few minutes later, after returning to the classroom, her son dropped in to ask me what he needed to do. I wrote it out for him including explanations and once again he approached me and began to argue with me. I told him that he could hand it in within the next two weeks to my associate teacher who would have to adjust his mark if he did not. He continued to mope and then complain to anyone who would listen to him. Sad that his life lesson, when it comes, will be extremely difficult. Glad that the faculty and mother now know that there is a good chance he might not be the A student they thought he was....She called the school back later and thanked the VP for having a wonderful teacher like me on staff.
The last day at this amazing high school was so emotional. Like a parent who loves and cares deeply for their children, you always worry about them. My husband says that I have changed their lives and yes, while I may agree with that....we need to remember that they too have changed mine. I will miss these young minds, with all their issues, quirkiness and sense of humour. The huge card, their smiles and hugs will stay with me always.
To those who think teachers have a sweet deal and get too much pay for their summers off need to understand that we are on the clock 24 hours a day worrying about not just our own children but 60+ others. A teacher has to know each and every student and be able to cater to each individual needs while maintaining discipline, and a healthy and safe environment for all. Maintain a healthy relationship with your children's teacher, do not expect more than what they or your child are capable of accomplishing. We have flaws just like all good parents do. There are always two sides to every story.We work with your child every day and try to create exciting and new projects for them to do while also teaching them the 'soft' skills that help them learn how to be in the world. It truly is the greatest vocation in the world!!!
Friday, May 10, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
..... nearing the end of semester......
..... and feeling some sense of relief around the corner!!! It has been a hugely busy semester what with dozens of assignments, a handful of essays, some final quizzes and next Friday will come the final test just before practicum begins.
The play was a success!!! Alice through the Looking Glass was a tremendous amount of fun and laughter with an amazing cast and crew. With Wednesday 13th of February, our opening night, the jitters were kept at bay by the support and hugs of cast members, Thursday's play brought with it suppressed hysteria as Katie's eyelash came unglued and I tried hard not to!! Friday's play wrought havoc with Gerrad breaking a bone in his left foot as he was running in circles on stage. It was also the night my family and friends came to watch the play and brought an armload of flowers....some are still so pretty in the vase. As much as part of me was looking forward to getting free time to breathe.....I miss the hustle and bustle of the theatre life. Would I consider doing another play? Perhaps, if the right role came up, I just might. I have learned so much from being in such a dynamic group of people.
I am looking forward to the end of the semester next Friday.....we have all had enough and just want to get on with the business of getting into our careers and back to what is a more normal schedule. The weather is so depressing with the constant swing in temperature, rain, snow, sleet and high winds. It is affecting my mood. Yesterday in class, I felt terribly embarrassed by a couple sitting in the front of the class in the aisle between desks facing each other and stroking each other's arms when I had to try to get around them to exit the class. While I do not consider myself a prude, I do not feel comfortable with this constant show of affection in a professional environment.
Today is the day we hand in our Educational Psychology paper. I tried my best to write it in APA format which is very precise, right down to the punctuation between names and dates. I only pray I have done this correctly. Apparently the latest Word program will automatically format to suit this style of presentation. I wrote my paper on Language impairment and Giftedness after learning how to research using the journal articles available in the Faculty Library online search engine. Very cool how that system is set up to be able to quickly read the Abstract of the paper, get the citation, download the article to refer to later or to tag the article to look at it later. I did learn the value of never forgetting to bring a thumb drive with you when in the Library.....I initially did a lot of research and had no access to my student drive!!!!
Later this morning I have an appointment to actually cancel my gym membership???? Apparently, they just go ahead and continue with your membership without advance notice of reapplying. It will be great seeing Kat again for a quick social chat before heading back to classes. Gerrad is hosting a 'Shave your Head' for youth with Cancer today. I am so amazed by this guy who is so incredibly thoughtful and brave to share his story and to raise the funds for this worthy cause. I will make it back in time.....at least I hope to, to witness the shaving of the heads.
My Dad is in a new home finally after months of waiting. He seems to be much happier in the new place. This week, the floor is closed to visitors according to a phone call from Mom last night. There is a bug going through the home which is giving the residents the trots. I had a minor bought of it for the past week and wonder if I happen to pick it up when I visited with him last week? I had a minor flu over Christmas which left me tired but thankfully not super sick like some people were.
Happy 16th birthday to Mitchel!!! I love you so much!!!!
....... well, it's off to get a quick shower and get ready for a busy day..... did not sleep much, but then I rarely get much at the best of times with a chronic sinusitis that keeps me up. I finished 5 weeks of antibiotics which turned my system topsy turvey and only cleared the sinuses for that time period. My ears are constantly plugged unless I take the Advil cold and sinus medication. OK spring...... come now!!!
The play was a success!!! Alice through the Looking Glass was a tremendous amount of fun and laughter with an amazing cast and crew. With Wednesday 13th of February, our opening night, the jitters were kept at bay by the support and hugs of cast members, Thursday's play brought with it suppressed hysteria as Katie's eyelash came unglued and I tried hard not to!! Friday's play wrought havoc with Gerrad breaking a bone in his left foot as he was running in circles on stage. It was also the night my family and friends came to watch the play and brought an armload of flowers....some are still so pretty in the vase. As much as part of me was looking forward to getting free time to breathe.....I miss the hustle and bustle of the theatre life. Would I consider doing another play? Perhaps, if the right role came up, I just might. I have learned so much from being in such a dynamic group of people.
I am looking forward to the end of the semester next Friday.....we have all had enough and just want to get on with the business of getting into our careers and back to what is a more normal schedule. The weather is so depressing with the constant swing in temperature, rain, snow, sleet and high winds. It is affecting my mood. Yesterday in class, I felt terribly embarrassed by a couple sitting in the front of the class in the aisle between desks facing each other and stroking each other's arms when I had to try to get around them to exit the class. While I do not consider myself a prude, I do not feel comfortable with this constant show of affection in a professional environment.
Today is the day we hand in our Educational Psychology paper. I tried my best to write it in APA format which is very precise, right down to the punctuation between names and dates. I only pray I have done this correctly. Apparently the latest Word program will automatically format to suit this style of presentation. I wrote my paper on Language impairment and Giftedness after learning how to research using the journal articles available in the Faculty Library online search engine. Very cool how that system is set up to be able to quickly read the Abstract of the paper, get the citation, download the article to refer to later or to tag the article to look at it later. I did learn the value of never forgetting to bring a thumb drive with you when in the Library.....I initially did a lot of research and had no access to my student drive!!!!
Later this morning I have an appointment to actually cancel my gym membership???? Apparently, they just go ahead and continue with your membership without advance notice of reapplying. It will be great seeing Kat again for a quick social chat before heading back to classes. Gerrad is hosting a 'Shave your Head' for youth with Cancer today. I am so amazed by this guy who is so incredibly thoughtful and brave to share his story and to raise the funds for this worthy cause. I will make it back in time.....at least I hope to, to witness the shaving of the heads.
My Dad is in a new home finally after months of waiting. He seems to be much happier in the new place. This week, the floor is closed to visitors according to a phone call from Mom last night. There is a bug going through the home which is giving the residents the trots. I had a minor bought of it for the past week and wonder if I happen to pick it up when I visited with him last week? I had a minor flu over Christmas which left me tired but thankfully not super sick like some people were.
Happy 16th birthday to Mitchel!!! I love you so much!!!!
....... well, it's off to get a quick shower and get ready for a busy day..... did not sleep much, but then I rarely get much at the best of times with a chronic sinusitis that keeps me up. I finished 5 weeks of antibiotics which turned my system topsy turvey and only cleared the sinuses for that time period. My ears are constantly plugged unless I take the Advil cold and sinus medication. OK spring...... come now!!!
Thursday, January 24, 2013
.....which way is up???
.....some days, it feels like life is whipping by in a blur of readings, lectures, quizzes, papers, tutorials and recently with rehearsals....
The school was originally built for High School teacher candidates and the interior reflects that approach with the lockers, auditorium, classrooms, and cafeteria. The faculty is isolated from the main campus and adjacent to a public school. Despite my current age, it often feels that I am right back in those days of moving between classes and socializing in the cafeteria with classmates and students I have become familiar with in after class activities. It is a small community in an environment where individuals often forget that what they say or do often finds its way back to the unintended recipient. It is a great reminder to always be respectful of others and to be mindful of the things you say and do. As a teacher, it jogs one's own memory of what it was like to be in high school and to remind yourself that young high school students may not have the tools to cope with situations that present themselves through the familiarity and proximity of a variety of personalities. It is also an opportunity to fine-hone interpersonal skills and understanding that it is a skill that few individuals have perfected.
I am currently enrolled in a group study and educational opportunity in 'emotional intelligence'. It is a great course that gives one an awareness of how one deals with stressful situations, how one deals with their emotional stressors and finally being given the tools of how to effectively deal with these emotional stresses. It could not have come at a better time for me in my life's journey. Looking out for my parents through family difficulties, balancing my own home life with the many demands of schooling, battling fatigue and seasonal illness.....like I said....great timing to learn how to deal more effectively when energies are at minimum. Every bump in the road is an opportunity to learn something and to take away a new skill.
Rehearsals are going well and I find such fun in acting out a part that allows me to have creative licence in complete silliness!! I wish I had been braver in high school to pursue more extra-curricular activities. It is an amazing experience creating social connections with colleagues you may not necessarily ever come in contact with. It has inspired me to pursue cross-curricular development with other disciplines. My wonderful friend Brenda has been pivotal in making my costume out of two wedding dresses donated by a fellow actor. The play will be in the auditorium for the public from Feb 13-16.
There is only 5 weeks left of classes as we ready ourselves to go into our second practicum. There are just a few projects/papers left to go before that time. I am looking forward to go back to the classroom!!
Lydia's 'Unicorn' poem has made it into a children's collection of poems through the school system. A very proud moment for all of us. This will be my second child to achieve this!! Children are such a blessing to watch as they grow up and become their own person!! Mitchel is being a typical teen....I have to give him credit for trying to once again pull the wool over our eyes.....which earned him a school detention for skipping. Will is doing quite well, working full time and applying for a career move. My better half is amazing and supportive through this challenging adventure, I am a very lucky woman, surrounded by supportive family and friends.
To my dear friends who are starting their cancer journeys, I send you love and strength to keep on going!! To Dianna, who lost her battle this week - thank you for your inspiration and words of encouragement.
M
The school was originally built for High School teacher candidates and the interior reflects that approach with the lockers, auditorium, classrooms, and cafeteria. The faculty is isolated from the main campus and adjacent to a public school. Despite my current age, it often feels that I am right back in those days of moving between classes and socializing in the cafeteria with classmates and students I have become familiar with in after class activities. It is a small community in an environment where individuals often forget that what they say or do often finds its way back to the unintended recipient. It is a great reminder to always be respectful of others and to be mindful of the things you say and do. As a teacher, it jogs one's own memory of what it was like to be in high school and to remind yourself that young high school students may not have the tools to cope with situations that present themselves through the familiarity and proximity of a variety of personalities. It is also an opportunity to fine-hone interpersonal skills and understanding that it is a skill that few individuals have perfected.
I am currently enrolled in a group study and educational opportunity in 'emotional intelligence'. It is a great course that gives one an awareness of how one deals with stressful situations, how one deals with their emotional stressors and finally being given the tools of how to effectively deal with these emotional stresses. It could not have come at a better time for me in my life's journey. Looking out for my parents through family difficulties, balancing my own home life with the many demands of schooling, battling fatigue and seasonal illness.....like I said....great timing to learn how to deal more effectively when energies are at minimum. Every bump in the road is an opportunity to learn something and to take away a new skill.
Rehearsals are going well and I find such fun in acting out a part that allows me to have creative licence in complete silliness!! I wish I had been braver in high school to pursue more extra-curricular activities. It is an amazing experience creating social connections with colleagues you may not necessarily ever come in contact with. It has inspired me to pursue cross-curricular development with other disciplines. My wonderful friend Brenda has been pivotal in making my costume out of two wedding dresses donated by a fellow actor. The play will be in the auditorium for the public from Feb 13-16.
There is only 5 weeks left of classes as we ready ourselves to go into our second practicum. There are just a few projects/papers left to go before that time. I am looking forward to go back to the classroom!!
Lydia's 'Unicorn' poem has made it into a children's collection of poems through the school system. A very proud moment for all of us. This will be my second child to achieve this!! Children are such a blessing to watch as they grow up and become their own person!! Mitchel is being a typical teen....I have to give him credit for trying to once again pull the wool over our eyes.....which earned him a school detention for skipping. Will is doing quite well, working full time and applying for a career move. My better half is amazing and supportive through this challenging adventure, I am a very lucky woman, surrounded by supportive family and friends.
To my dear friends who are starting their cancer journeys, I send you love and strength to keep on going!! To Dianna, who lost her battle this week - thank you for your inspiration and words of encouragement.
M
Saturday, January 5, 2013
...... and busier still.....
..... as if I have not enough on my plate, I decided to take a 'Tribes' course this whole weekend and part of next. It is a course that was offered as an extra course off campus. Twenty of us were able to take advantage of this course which comes complete with a work book and two incredible instructors. There are so many ideas to get students to create connections with each other in a safe, comfortable learning environment. It promotes mutual respect, attentive listening, appreciations for each other with no put downs and the right to pass if asked to participate. I am enjoying the opportunity to connect more closely with fellow colleagues that I have not yet had a chance to meet or get to know better. What a great opportunity to learn about teaching the whole child while networking with some amazing people. It really is a course that helps to balance an approach to teaching with discipline and leadership while remaining mindful that academics are only one aspect of the student's life. Networking and creating relationships in a collaborative classroom!!
I am facing one of the longest stretches I have had in over a year of not seeing my Dad. It is so hard to be away from him for these past few weeks but necessary since I have been ill and there have been some family issues needing to be addressed. I am sure he is fine, although the hospitals seem to be battling one flu outbreak after another. This season has been so bad with stomach issues and head colds that so many people are trying to get over. I am glad I was able to get my flu shot back in November at the University. I pray every night for him while sometimes fighting back the tears. I wish for the day when he was at the home and I was putting him to bed two nights a week. At night, before I go to bed, I send him happy thoughts and bid him good-night....I hope he knows somehow just how much I love and miss his laugh and his twinkling blue eyes.
While the Faculty of Ed started on the 2nd, all the other schools will start this Monday. The children will return to schools that are currently doing a 'work to rule' campaign in an effort to assert their right to collective bargaining and to eradicate bill 115. It is an interesting time to be training as a teacher while so many changes are taking place in the profession.
This week starts the real work on rehearsals and we have mere weeks to prepare before full dress rehearsals at the end of the month. We should be putting on the play for a paying audience in the middle of February. I am just enjoying this experience so much!! I love the energy that is almost tangible and of course the raucous laughter when Steve, our animated director comes up with a quirky and fun idea. Watching one of the performers shuffling across the stage with a look that sent us all reeling with laughter and making us start all over again, still had me chuckling in the car on the way home. I am using a recording I made on my iPhone to practice my lines on the way to and from school these days.. I play the recording for my fellow actors and they agree that Lydia sounds super cute. I am looking forward to hearing what she has to say when she finally gets to see mommy in the play?
That's it for this week....enjoy your week and remember to pursue your passions and create a positive and happy life!!
I am facing one of the longest stretches I have had in over a year of not seeing my Dad. It is so hard to be away from him for these past few weeks but necessary since I have been ill and there have been some family issues needing to be addressed. I am sure he is fine, although the hospitals seem to be battling one flu outbreak after another. This season has been so bad with stomach issues and head colds that so many people are trying to get over. I am glad I was able to get my flu shot back in November at the University. I pray every night for him while sometimes fighting back the tears. I wish for the day when he was at the home and I was putting him to bed two nights a week. At night, before I go to bed, I send him happy thoughts and bid him good-night....I hope he knows somehow just how much I love and miss his laugh and his twinkling blue eyes.
While the Faculty of Ed started on the 2nd, all the other schools will start this Monday. The children will return to schools that are currently doing a 'work to rule' campaign in an effort to assert their right to collective bargaining and to eradicate bill 115. It is an interesting time to be training as a teacher while so many changes are taking place in the profession.
This week starts the real work on rehearsals and we have mere weeks to prepare before full dress rehearsals at the end of the month. We should be putting on the play for a paying audience in the middle of February. I am just enjoying this experience so much!! I love the energy that is almost tangible and of course the raucous laughter when Steve, our animated director comes up with a quirky and fun idea. Watching one of the performers shuffling across the stage with a look that sent us all reeling with laughter and making us start all over again, still had me chuckling in the car on the way home. I am using a recording I made on my iPhone to practice my lines on the way to and from school these days.. I play the recording for my fellow actors and they agree that Lydia sounds super cute. I am looking forward to hearing what she has to say when she finally gets to see mommy in the play?
That's it for this week....enjoy your week and remember to pursue your passions and create a positive and happy life!!
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