Wednesday, March 16, 2011

New Semester... New Perspective

Ok, so it's been awhile since I have been able to grasp enough time to sit down and blog. Looking back, it looks like I have not even informed you about this semester and the wonders that have been included within. But because there is so much going on, I will try to be brief :)

In January, I started interning at Jamestown Middle School. With the intense atmosphere and school wide rules, such as SMOD (for those of you who don't know, read the article attached with this form of dress- very interesting!), this school has its many differences than Mendenhall Middle School. However, I have enjoying the use of technology and in classroom gadgets that come with a brand-new school that I wasn't able to use last semester, including a microphone (helps increase one-on-one interaction between teacher and student).

Overall, this is like upgrading to American Eagle after shopping at Aeropostale for many years. I am finally growing out of the old techniques of white boards and markers, and am stepping into the realms of smart boards with projectors, large classrooms, microphones, up-to-date sound equipment, and (my favorite)... MOTION DETECTING CLASSROOM LIGHTS! For those of you who constantly forget to turn off the lights after leaving a room, these are a must. :)

This term, I am teaching an 8th grade Language Arts class. For someone who was looking forward to teaching Math, this was a huge change of plan. However, because of scheduling and change of heart, I opted out for English instead of the geek subject (making fun of this concentration helps me feel better), which was a great switch. Not only am I growing stronger in my weakest subject, I am quickly realizing that I enjoy teaching this subject more than science (*gasps*). No, no... I haven't been smoking anything... I just believe that this new interest has transformed my ideas about Language Arts and I hope to gain better insight on the subject as time proceeds forward.

Additionally, the students are a bit of an adjustment. Last semester, I taught an EC (exceptional children) classroom, which basically consisted of a group of students who needed "extra lovin' ", as my mentor would put it. Surprisingly, I loved this group of kids and even considered taking classes that revolved around special education, but didn't have the room for it (maybe something to look forward to in the nearby future). Compared to the previously mentioned group, my set of students this semester is a lot different- they are "ALs," aka Advanced Learners or Academically Gifted (AG). At first, I was a little intimidated by these groups of kids. I actually felt like they were smarter than me, especially some of my boys who are already on 11th grade reading levels and score high 4s on their EOGs. However, I soon realized that though they may have the brains, I still have the ability to kick them out of class...

Ok, maybe that's not where I was going with that statement. Though they may be well rounded in certain areas of English, I am still grateful that I am learning ways of differentiation so that these accelerated students are still learning, though they may think they're smarter than me (I just won't let them know that).

Other than the new school and classroom environment, there have been various changes happening in my life. With some persuasion, I was able to convince my advisor to allow me to intern and student teach next year at Southeast Middle School in Kernersville, NC. Because this school is located in our sister district, I will be in unfamiliar ground and am getting the chance to experience the Winston Salem/Forsyth County school district, other than Guilford County. Though I enjoy teaching in the Greensboro area, this will give me a new idea of how schools are different based on location and county difference.

Secondly, I am in the process of signing a lease for my first apartment in Greensboro. Not related to my teaching experience, but still exciting and counts as a change in my life, don't you think?

Lastly, I graduate in a year... how great is that?!?

:)

Well, that's everything that's happened within the past few months in a nutshell. Hopefully I will be more prompt when it comes to updating my information on here. Take advantage of this warmer weather we're getting this weekend (70 tomorrow, 80 on Friday, and 82 Saturday)... this calls for relaxation. Enjoy!

-Ms. "C"
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