It's been a week, and we are finally getting past the "where are you from" and "what school are you placed at" questions. It's always strange when you are first getting to know people that you know will eventually become good friends. You just can't skip that introductory part...but it has been a great week. It really is amazing how diverse we are, and how we really do somehow have a few important things in common. Everyone has such amazing achievements. I'm looking forwad to really getting to know people, moodiness, politics and all.
My biggest complaints thus far? 1) Not enough sleep...I've gone to bed too late, and have gotten up too early (thanks to Jess, but heck, I honestly do like getting up at 5:30 am) 2) I wish I could run but this calf injury won't go away; 3) the 3 hour class in the afternoon is right when I get the most tired. I don't believe in naps anyway, and I know a lot of what I'll learn in there is gonna help, and of course Ann will make it highly entertaining :)
I still have many worries about teaching. I have always been nervous about speaking in public. Even standing up at the pizza social to introduce myself made my heart race, even though I didn't realize it until I sat down. I don't have a dominating presence, and I've never been much of a disciplinarian (let's just say kids I babysat for loved me). Yet, student teaching is going okay, and once we get more of a schedule, it'll be even better. Our teacher basically passes out worksheets for the students to work on and turn in, requiring them to make a high enough score before moving on. I don't think she had counted on reteaching much, but that might actually be a blessing. When Lee and I approached her to see if we could do more than just tutor, as we did the first day, she was more than happy for us to teach parts of the day. She's been at this for 30 years...one of the students came up and asked on their way out, "why won't you stay here and teach? All the teachers here are old and mean." I guess we're young and nice then.
2 comments:
Adryon,
You will find your voice, your confidence, and some sleep (eventually). I was actually quite shy when I started teaching (believe it or not). I too had a racing heart when called to speak in front of a group of peers. I sometimes still do. Having your own classroom is different. You will find that a booming voice will come when you need it and that being in charge of a group of students will give you a natural sense of authority. Confidence comes with practice. You will be successful!
Hey Adryon
Good luck with the program. I'm sure you'll do amazing.
I was wondering if you're doing the blog as part of the program or as something you just decided to do.
Here's my blog: http://aaronwong.blogspot.com/
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