A new school year begins!
Sep 5
2009
One of the things I love so much about education is the fact that we get a chance to begin anew every year. This year is going to be challenging for me in many ways! I see this year requiring me to be teaching in an “alternative education” mode, which I actually love. I am usually drawn to the students who are counting the days to drop out. This is what makes this job so special..we really can save lives!
After just two days of this new year, I can already see many opportunities to help kids this year. Five classes and four different variations of instruction reflect the needs I face. This cannot be a “cookie cutter” year. This group will really require me to customize more than ever before! I have many levels of ability and motivation.
I am also rolling out my online learning site…H159 Online as well. I plan to have online learning activities for every topic and chapter. I can already see from just one day how the addition of online activities may help me keep the behaviorally challenging students on task and interested in the material. Using individualized video and online assignments will give me more options to deal with the extreme variations between students and classes.
This is going to involve a ton of work. I do become frustrated and exhausted….no doubt about it! Working 10-12 hour days for what I make is tough to take, at times. I walked out of school on the first day after 6pm, and saying to my self….”Once again, I am the last car in the parking lot…Why am I doing this?”
The next day, when the kids were engaged and loving the opportunities I had given them through the online space, my question was answered…
So it is another beginning…I will try to stay focused on the opportunities that these challenges bring when I am ready to throw in the towel.
These are the years when we can really make a difference and be a true “profession”.
Wish me luck! I think I am going to need it.
Tags: pedagogy
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