One year down

It's an incredible feeling to know that I've completed a year in the teaching world. Yes, a good 7 months of it was student teaching, and a little over a month in a subbing position.

And now, I start building up my resources and creating more units to use later on. I am excited to see what I can put together this summer. So for the summer, I'll be crawling the internet for new job postings, and for resources and helpful hints for new teachers. Harry and Rosemary Wong will be on my reading list. Translating, and tutoring also will make a regular appearance.

But, as for my experience in the month of subbing. I can really say it has been quite valuable. Challenging; yes, and overwhelming of course. But at the end of the day, it is another experience in the classroom that I can look at, reflect on and gain insight and experience from, which will hopefully make the next few years easier. The people at Mott have really made my life easy. I must be grateful for those who were willing to give me advice, help me figure out the grades, and do other things in the school, that would have taken me hours without them. I know understand the power of a community of workers that looks out for each other, and how much that really means in a work environment.

Top lesson's learned:
~Hall passes will be abused if you let them. Find a system that limits them.
~Post grades regularly, and have parents sign progress reports regularly too. It opens communication and provides an easy way for students to earn points and notice their progress.
~Find a system to manage the paper load. Checking papers every night was my least favorite experience during this position. Stamping and correcting in class will happen in my future classes!
~STAY organized. Find a system that works for you .(because in this sub job, I also found out that organization looks different to different people)
~Circle desks solicit chatting. But make grouping VERY easy.

~I am SO excited to get my own class, and start the crazy first year of my teaching career.