Ahh... done with student teaching and the term. Time to be a college student again. Last night David, the best of best friends that I have, came down and we had some fun watching the Ducks game and making sure that there really wasn't much effort getting rid of a half of a bottle of alcohol. Gotta love rum and coke.
After David left, I went around cleaning the apartment so I can leave for the week. So finally I got around to cooking dinner. I decided that I wanted to marinade the chicken and then cook it in the marinade. WELL... that was a big mistake!!! IT went horrible and needless to say thanks to mom's gift card Im on my way out to get a pizza. The only question left. Cheep or good pizza? 5 dollars or 11? I think the 11 is worth it!
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Final Eval
Today was my final evaluation for student teaching. It went well. The lowest score I got out of four was a 3.5 I believe. I need to work on different teaching strategies. This can include role plays, which can help in areas such as English and health. Also I think a lot of this could include a lot of SuperCamp ideas.
I also need to think about the use of time. Planning out chunks of time to make sure all time is being used, or we are getting through the whole lesson in a given amount of time is something I need to work on.
I think those were the major areas in which I need to work on next year. On a personal level I think I need to work on positive vs negative reinforcement when it comes to discipline. I guess I feel like I could have been suported more during the entire process from my teacher. She said today that she may have steped in more than she should which is totally correct and it would have been interesting to have a little more support when it comes to doing it totally on my own.
O well.. two and one half day and its over!!! My kids are starting to be sad that I am leaving which is totally cute!
I also need to think about the use of time. Planning out chunks of time to make sure all time is being used, or we are getting through the whole lesson in a given amount of time is something I need to work on.
I think those were the major areas in which I need to work on next year. On a personal level I think I need to work on positive vs negative reinforcement when it comes to discipline. I guess I feel like I could have been suported more during the entire process from my teacher. She said today that she may have steped in more than she should which is totally correct and it would have been interesting to have a little more support when it comes to doing it totally on my own.
O well.. two and one half day and its over!!! My kids are starting to be sad that I am leaving which is totally cute!
Monday, March 19, 2007
Student Teaching
Student teaching is coming to a close. How sad right? It is very sad. I am going to miss these kids. I am also feeling like I may have not made the best out of this experience. Don't get me wrong, it has been a GREAT experience and I am going to miss these kids lots and lots. But looking back there are things I need to do next year to make things go smoother. For example
1. I am having issues seeing the growth in students. I realize I can see their grades but the individual growth in kids I just don't see it. I see the growth of one student but that's about it. I've decided that one thing I need to do is keep a running record of all my students. Take one student a day and focus on them. Focus on their behavior, their test grades, their homework grades and everything. Doing this will help me to focus on individuals and how much they grow between focus days. Maybe that will help... something to try.
2. Another thing I can do to enhance the relationships I have with my students is to have lunch in the classroom. I had so much fun with the girls having lunch in here. The boys went a little wild but if they were eating with me it would be different and at the same time I get to see their personalities.
3. The last thing I am thinking right now is that I want to do writing conferences. Writing conferences are important to keep on track where students are in their spelling and writing in general. Also, very few students read their compositions out loud to see if they sound good.
These three things are important to me as a teacher to be able to know my kids inside and out. I hope to focus on these my first year teaching.
1. I am having issues seeing the growth in students. I realize I can see their grades but the individual growth in kids I just don't see it. I see the growth of one student but that's about it. I've decided that one thing I need to do is keep a running record of all my students. Take one student a day and focus on them. Focus on their behavior, their test grades, their homework grades and everything. Doing this will help me to focus on individuals and how much they grow between focus days. Maybe that will help... something to try.
2. Another thing I can do to enhance the relationships I have with my students is to have lunch in the classroom. I had so much fun with the girls having lunch in here. The boys went a little wild but if they were eating with me it would be different and at the same time I get to see their personalities.
3. The last thing I am thinking right now is that I want to do writing conferences. Writing conferences are important to keep on track where students are in their spelling and writing in general. Also, very few students read their compositions out loud to see if they sound good.
These three things are important to me as a teacher to be able to know my kids inside and out. I hope to focus on these my first year teaching.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Good Days
Today was a GREAT day. I finished my worksample and just got word that its GREAT. I finished my resubmit of an assignment for my class. And on top of that I got to catch up with a great friend.
Today my worksample is offically done. That is such a big relief. I am officially passing my student teaching since that is the only real assignment. Such a relief and a weight off my shoulders.
When it comes to the resubmit. It was because the teacher had rediculus ideas of how the assignment should be, aka one assignment being 45 pages at the very lease. Mine turned out to be 47 pages. I do admit that I tried to do it half assed but the assgiment was totally not worth my time.
As for catching up with a great friend. My boss, the one from the last year and a half, is so fun to talk to. She knows everything there is to know and it is so nice to talk to her. It is also great because she gives me the praise I don't get in other places. She is so glad I am coming back and she really appraciates that I am there. For me, that's rare in every day life. But that's another subject. I am so excited to go back to her and be able to talk to her again. She said something today... you look happy.
To tell you the truth. I am happy. I am happy that I feel ready to teach... Im happy with Eric and the love we have. It was fun to talk about Eric to my boss. I can't wait to see how different he is when he gets back. I do love him.
Today my worksample is offically done. That is such a big relief. I am officially passing my student teaching since that is the only real assignment. Such a relief and a weight off my shoulders.
When it comes to the resubmit. It was because the teacher had rediculus ideas of how the assignment should be, aka one assignment being 45 pages at the very lease. Mine turned out to be 47 pages. I do admit that I tried to do it half assed but the assgiment was totally not worth my time.
As for catching up with a great friend. My boss, the one from the last year and a half, is so fun to talk to. She knows everything there is to know and it is so nice to talk to her. It is also great because she gives me the praise I don't get in other places. She is so glad I am coming back and she really appraciates that I am there. For me, that's rare in every day life. But that's another subject. I am so excited to go back to her and be able to talk to her again. She said something today... you look happy.
To tell you the truth. I am happy. I am happy that I feel ready to teach... Im happy with Eric and the love we have. It was fun to talk about Eric to my boss. I can't wait to see how different he is when he gets back. I do love him.
Monday, March 12, 2007
So Frustrated
This is shit. I am so frustrated right now. I just got my assignment back. We had to review 15 websites on three different topics. That's fifteen pages. Then we had to include the cover sheet for ALL 15 WEBSITES... and make sure to link the information to the class. So basically I failed horribly because I didnt put the cover page on, I had the correct references... I had the informatino about the website. But since I didnt link to class content (she's the prof..shouldnt she know the material that was covered!?!?!) I failed. 30/75. Now I have to redo it this week if I want any chance to pass this waste of time class. Besides the fact that I have already printed 40 pages for this assignment because we also had to print the webpage. Now another 30 pages. fun times!
I hate people who do stupid assignments ontop of wasting paper. Lets see... AT LEAST 45 pages per person in a 60 person class. Lets just cut down a forest and burn it for no reason at all.
I hate people who do stupid assignments ontop of wasting paper. Lets see... AT LEAST 45 pages per person in a 60 person class. Lets just cut down a forest and burn it for no reason at all.
Friday, March 09, 2007
I FORGOT!!!
I forgot to inform my readers of my recient purchase! I bought my plane tickets to Vegas for Carrie's wedding and to Ithaca for camp! That makes it official... I'll be in New York state for the summer with a 1 way ticket!!!
An Interesting Twist
This week has had an interesting twist. On Wednesday I had my supervisor watching a lesson, which is a normal thing... not a big deal right? WRONG!!! My supervisory and teacher started talking, apparently I am not living up to my teachers standards when it comes to the kids working independently... or rather not working independently. I'm not cracking the whip as much as she would like me to I guess. So the idea that the two of them came up with was to have me watch and take notes on a lesson that my teacher is going to teach. They originally chose math, but my teacher decided on science.
Apparently my teacher is not good at science. So all morning I have been helping my teacher prep for her lesson. Teaching her the concepts and why everything works the way it does. I am worried that the idea of this lesson will go down the tubes because she has no clue what shes talking about. I really think that the kids are going to have no issues with this lesson and are going to know more than her.
The idea of my not cracking the whip with these kids is totally due to a difference in teaching style. My teacher is all about cracking the whip, making sure they are no task at all times and under her thumb. I am totally not that way. I would rather the kids not talk, but if they are talking it needs to be constructive. The lesson I taught the other day was hectic because we were building compasses and each kid had a different experience and we had to make sure all the kids got it. I realized I need to have some thing for kids to do when they are done, but that's something I am always struggling with. SIDE NOTE (O! Maybe I should do silly stories! Hmm.. I wonder if I can do that this weekend?? We shall see. I need to work on that.. that's such a good idea.) But other than that I think the lesson went well. And I also want kids to experiment with the materials when they are done, most of them are diving into the next lesson without even knowing it!!! Which puts them ahead but sweet...experimenting is fun.
So I guess that side note is my project for this weekend. WOOHO!!!!!
Apparently my teacher is not good at science. So all morning I have been helping my teacher prep for her lesson. Teaching her the concepts and why everything works the way it does. I am worried that the idea of this lesson will go down the tubes because she has no clue what shes talking about. I really think that the kids are going to have no issues with this lesson and are going to know more than her.
The idea of my not cracking the whip with these kids is totally due to a difference in teaching style. My teacher is all about cracking the whip, making sure they are no task at all times and under her thumb. I am totally not that way. I would rather the kids not talk, but if they are talking it needs to be constructive. The lesson I taught the other day was hectic because we were building compasses and each kid had a different experience and we had to make sure all the kids got it. I realized I need to have some thing for kids to do when they are done, but that's something I am always struggling with. SIDE NOTE (O! Maybe I should do silly stories! Hmm.. I wonder if I can do that this weekend?? We shall see. I need to work on that.. that's such a good idea.) But other than that I think the lesson went well. And I also want kids to experiment with the materials when they are done, most of them are diving into the next lesson without even knowing it!!! Which puts them ahead but sweet...experimenting is fun.
So I guess that side note is my project for this weekend. WOOHO!!!!!
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Going Crazy
I am going crazy. This is what I have decided. I miss Eric lots and lots and not getting to talk to him has been hard. O well, but add in the rest of my life and I am gong crazy.
Student teaching is almost over thank goodness. I wish I could actually have the entire class. My teacher loves to do read aloud, which is fine but 25 mintues a day is killing my time line. We are working in technology into the hour time block that read aloud leaves me for science. If we even cut read aloud to 15 minutes that would give me more time to teach science instead of just kinda letting the kids go wild. No intro, because there is no time. It should be interesting. Tomorrow though we are having the whole hour and a half to build our compasses which is a good thing because it is a hard lesson.
On the personal front... I dont understand my life. Am I that good that I have no friends and am driving my family away? Mom and I aren't talking, I hardly ever see dad or grandpa, and I never get to see the rest of my family because I am too busy sitting on my ass doing nothing.
How the hell am I gunna survive in nyc with no friends (bc I suck at meeting them) and no family? This should be intersting...
Student teaching is almost over thank goodness. I wish I could actually have the entire class. My teacher loves to do read aloud, which is fine but 25 mintues a day is killing my time line. We are working in technology into the hour time block that read aloud leaves me for science. If we even cut read aloud to 15 minutes that would give me more time to teach science instead of just kinda letting the kids go wild. No intro, because there is no time. It should be interesting. Tomorrow though we are having the whole hour and a half to build our compasses which is a good thing because it is a hard lesson.
On the personal front... I dont understand my life. Am I that good that I have no friends and am driving my family away? Mom and I aren't talking, I hardly ever see dad or grandpa, and I never get to see the rest of my family because I am too busy sitting on my ass doing nothing.
How the hell am I gunna survive in nyc with no friends (bc I suck at meeting them) and no family? This should be intersting...
Friday, March 02, 2007
Sick and Frustrated
It has been a long week with me being sick. Being a teacher and being sick is absoulty no fun. I hate it. I really really do. I want it to be Saturday night so I can go up to Portland and see Eric even if it is with his parents.
Frustrating, you ask. OMG! My kids were haywire today. They would not listen to me at all today. I think I finally got the message to them when I said they had a reputation of being bad in the hallways and in class is not helping my preception of them. And I definatly cannot defend them if they are being bad in class as well. I have to give them some credit, it was pajama day today, along with Friday and a really weird schedule but they need to learn to adapt and get with the program.
O well, one bad day wont change my mind about teaching. I love to teach, even if I only get good days once and a while.
I have already thought of ways I would change them if they were my class. Between practicing lining up to heads down and missing what they enjoy. It would also make a difference if they were my class from day one. That always makes a difference. Jumping from teacher to teacher is a big change for kids, although I dont see my expectations in the classroom are very much different from Andrea. I think they took advantage of me today but again, I wont let it get the best of me. I love to teach, I love to teach, I love to teach, I love to teach... just keep repeating that, right?
Frustrating, you ask. OMG! My kids were haywire today. They would not listen to me at all today. I think I finally got the message to them when I said they had a reputation of being bad in the hallways and in class is not helping my preception of them. And I definatly cannot defend them if they are being bad in class as well. I have to give them some credit, it was pajama day today, along with Friday and a really weird schedule but they need to learn to adapt and get with the program.
O well, one bad day wont change my mind about teaching. I love to teach, even if I only get good days once and a while.
I have already thought of ways I would change them if they were my class. Between practicing lining up to heads down and missing what they enjoy. It would also make a difference if they were my class from day one. That always makes a difference. Jumping from teacher to teacher is a big change for kids, although I dont see my expectations in the classroom are very much different from Andrea. I think they took advantage of me today but again, I wont let it get the best of me. I love to teach, I love to teach, I love to teach, I love to teach... just keep repeating that, right?
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Surviving
Someone asked how I was recently. I said, "I am alive, doesn't mean I am living, just surviving." They proceeded to ask why I was just surviving.
I just filled in my calendar for next week with the kids. We are cruising along in school but it seems that I am at an impasse in my outside life. I have so much work to do for the one class I am taking but I just don't want to do it. It all seems like busy work as well as a waste of paper. One assignment is going to be at least 30 pages if not 45. That's a lot of paper for us to critique 15 websites. On top of the fact that I really do not think she's going to read all of it or care if we show the homepage of each. O well, only one term, or 114 days till graduation and not as much hoop jumping for at least three months.
As for the next six months. I was also asked what my plans are. For those of you who care, my big New York adventure starts in July when I have to liquidate my apartment by the 5th. On the sixth I plan to head to Vegas for a friend's wedding, assuming I am invited, then from there on the 9th to Ithaca for camp. I'll be at camp until the 6th of August. At which time I hope to have my cousin fly out and meet me to go to Niagara falls and on to NYC. I hope to find a decent apartment close to my school in the week that my cousin is there. Then ... live until school starts in late August. Crazy hu?
Email em if you have any questions about how it is going to work or want me to keep in touch about what's happening and stuffs. Off to finish the school day!
I just filled in my calendar for next week with the kids. We are cruising along in school but it seems that I am at an impasse in my outside life. I have so much work to do for the one class I am taking but I just don't want to do it. It all seems like busy work as well as a waste of paper. One assignment is going to be at least 30 pages if not 45. That's a lot of paper for us to critique 15 websites. On top of the fact that I really do not think she's going to read all of it or care if we show the homepage of each. O well, only one term, or 114 days till graduation and not as much hoop jumping for at least three months.
As for the next six months. I was also asked what my plans are. For those of you who care, my big New York adventure starts in July when I have to liquidate my apartment by the 5th. On the sixth I plan to head to Vegas for a friend's wedding, assuming I am invited, then from there on the 9th to Ithaca for camp. I'll be at camp until the 6th of August. At which time I hope to have my cousin fly out and meet me to go to Niagara falls and on to NYC. I hope to find a decent apartment close to my school in the week that my cousin is there. Then ... live until school starts in late August. Crazy hu?
Email em if you have any questions about how it is going to work or want me to keep in touch about what's happening and stuffs. Off to finish the school day!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Going Crazy...
Happy Valentines Day to all of you out there that actually celebrate. I am alone this Valentines Day... that's right. ALONE!!! Not that I'm single again, I am just physically alone.. poor boy is in Portland while I am stuck here in Eugene. It will be a sad day, but I can always look down at the pretty hanging around my neck. My 1/5Th of a carat necklace from Eric and know that he would be here if he could. He'll be down this weekend so I am excited.
As for school, it's going well. The kids are great and I love teaching. I am enjoying my teaching, it seems that I am making progress with some of the kids which is the best thing. My only wish is that my teacher allow me to fully take over and not step in as much. I think that she sees the noise level going up from the side and does not let me handle it. I think that it is giving the students a mixed message with her still stepping in and kind of takes away my authority... but that's just me. I realize that they are getting louder and most of the time I am OK with a little chatter but some of it might be that I am working so much individually with some kids that I don't have time to see what else is going on. I think that I can develop this is she points it out to me rather than just stop the entire show. We shall see...she will be gone three of four days next week so I am excited to see what becomes of the class when she's not here.
On a side note, I think it is interesting that every time I walk them down the hall making sure they are in a quite straight line that they seem to earn a class point from another teacher. Why is that? O, wait I remind them the entire time we are walking that they should be in a straight line and not talking. Straight line and not talking is what earns points around this school.... the more points the more free time we get, or pajama day or something.
Progress is happening slowly around here. Gotta love it.
No NYC update as of yet. I'll keep you posted.
As for school, it's going well. The kids are great and I love teaching. I am enjoying my teaching, it seems that I am making progress with some of the kids which is the best thing. My only wish is that my teacher allow me to fully take over and not step in as much. I think that she sees the noise level going up from the side and does not let me handle it. I think that it is giving the students a mixed message with her still stepping in and kind of takes away my authority... but that's just me. I realize that they are getting louder and most of the time I am OK with a little chatter but some of it might be that I am working so much individually with some kids that I don't have time to see what else is going on. I think that I can develop this is she points it out to me rather than just stop the entire show. We shall see...she will be gone three of four days next week so I am excited to see what becomes of the class when she's not here.
On a side note, I think it is interesting that every time I walk them down the hall making sure they are in a quite straight line that they seem to earn a class point from another teacher. Why is that? O, wait I remind them the entire time we are walking that they should be in a straight line and not talking. Straight line and not talking is what earns points around this school.... the more points the more free time we get, or pajama day or something.
Progress is happening slowly around here. Gotta love it.
No NYC update as of yet. I'll keep you posted.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Life on the Edge
O how my life has been on the edge lately. I am going to class, I am teaching 5 days a week, and I am working the other two. As for my life outside of school and work... there is not one. I love Eric but he's been so busy lately I see him less and less and talk to him less and less. As for friends, why is it when a person who NEVER calls calls I'm in class. It happens right?!?!
I guess I want a life but I also want money. Someone asked me today why I am working so much.. to which I responded "bills and spending money. Moving to NYC in... 6 months... less than 6 months (Side note... HOLY CRAP!!!) I need money to get me over there." They looked at me like I was crazy, then agreed that it was good for me to work.
Ok... now I am distracted. New York is actually less than SIX months away.. holy crap. Well this shall be interesting. I think I have enough money to move... I need to start thinking about a plain ticket to camp, along with all the paper fun for SuperCamp. I can't wait for camp, which is only five months away. That means graduation, that means Carrie's wedding, that means Capstone.... so many things need to happen before NYC but NYC is only four months away. Don't forget I still have to go to NYC to get a position at a school. Good thing dad said he will pay for that trip...maybe I can even get hotel/hostel fees out of him. We shall see.
K I really should get back to class and the Autism we are learning about today.
I guess I want a life but I also want money. Someone asked me today why I am working so much.. to which I responded "bills and spending money. Moving to NYC in... 6 months... less than 6 months (Side note... HOLY CRAP!!!) I need money to get me over there." They looked at me like I was crazy, then agreed that it was good for me to work.
Ok... now I am distracted. New York is actually less than SIX months away.. holy crap. Well this shall be interesting. I think I have enough money to move... I need to start thinking about a plain ticket to camp, along with all the paper fun for SuperCamp. I can't wait for camp, which is only five months away. That means graduation, that means Carrie's wedding, that means Capstone.... so many things need to happen before NYC but NYC is only four months away. Don't forget I still have to go to NYC to get a position at a school. Good thing dad said he will pay for that trip...maybe I can even get hotel/hostel fees out of him. We shall see.
K I really should get back to class and the Autism we are learning about today.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Disappointment
There are somethings in this world that people just want support on. New York and my dream of moving there is one thing that I need to be supported on. When people say that it is 'bad news' that I am moving it does not make me feel very good. I am making the decision to move away, to turn my whole world upside down, and to try something new, yet there are still people out there who are being selfish and want me to stay to make them happy. I guess I don't understand why anyone would say this.
I am pondering where to go from here. Is it them being selfish, assuming that after college I was going to come home and be a perfect little part of the family again or is it me being selfish wanting to start my life somewhere else where I don't HAVE to be part of the family. I love my family, dont get me wrong but is it so wrong that I want to move away, start fresh where I do not have to be a apart of it on a daily basis? Should I want to move home, and make sure I am there as my nieces and nephews grow up? Should I be more than the 'cool aunt in NYC?' (that's my goal by the way).
Also take into consideration that most of my family will never have the extra cash to come visit me in NYC it will be up to me to come visit and spend the money. I guess I am totally ok with coming home for holidays, especally since Eric's family is here. But I want to have my own family in a new place. (whether the family is hubby and I or adding kids).
I guess it comes down to I have a job. I am moving and people can be happy for me or not. People can accept my adult decision or not. And people can blame who ever they want. It's my decision, it's happening and I am SUPER EXCITED!
Friday, February 02, 2007
A stab at it....
My boyfriend has started this blog thing where instead of blogging about his real like he blogs a fake life making up as much or as little as he wants. I think I want to give it a try. AKA This post is NOT real and the events that happen are NOT true.
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Today was the first of many. Today I officially took over my class in student teaching at the local elementary school in my small town. Yep that's right, the local elementary school..the ONLY elementary school in town. This is what happens when you live in a small town. My college decided it would be the best for me to not travel to the city to do my student teaching but rather work at the only elementary in this small town I call home.
See, I am one person who loves my small town. Driving into the city each and every day for classes at the university was more of a pain than a joy, being able to stay in my small town and enjoy life is what I enjoy the most.
Small towns are also great when it comes to classes. I have 15 students in my third grade class. The students are all bright with no issues what so ever. They love to learn, their parents set them up nicely for school and I have all the money I could want to buy supplies for school. We started my work sample this week, the Oregon Trail. Oregon Trail is usually a fourth grade activity but these kids are so advanced my teacher thought it would fit them accordingly. They are loving the unit and having fun traveling over the trail.
Math is the only issue with this class. They want to work faster than the book and it is hard to keep up with their needs and wants. The classroom I work in needs stations for the kids to work at when done and I can't wait to set them up. The other idea is to add music to our transition time to get the kids to transition from one activity to the next just a little quicker. So that's a run down of my first day... we shall see about the next five weeks! Wish me luck!
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Ok, so let me know what you think about my not so real blog.
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Today was the first of many. Today I officially took over my class in student teaching at the local elementary school in my small town. Yep that's right, the local elementary school..the ONLY elementary school in town. This is what happens when you live in a small town. My college decided it would be the best for me to not travel to the city to do my student teaching but rather work at the only elementary in this small town I call home.
See, I am one person who loves my small town. Driving into the city each and every day for classes at the university was more of a pain than a joy, being able to stay in my small town and enjoy life is what I enjoy the most.
Small towns are also great when it comes to classes. I have 15 students in my third grade class. The students are all bright with no issues what so ever. They love to learn, their parents set them up nicely for school and I have all the money I could want to buy supplies for school. We started my work sample this week, the Oregon Trail. Oregon Trail is usually a fourth grade activity but these kids are so advanced my teacher thought it would fit them accordingly. They are loving the unit and having fun traveling over the trail.
Math is the only issue with this class. They want to work faster than the book and it is hard to keep up with their needs and wants. The classroom I work in needs stations for the kids to work at when done and I can't wait to set them up. The other idea is to add music to our transition time to get the kids to transition from one activity to the next just a little quicker. So that's a run down of my first day... we shall see about the next five weeks! Wish me luck!
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Ok, so let me know what you think about my not so real blog.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
New York City here I come!
That's right folks. I am headed to New York City, the big apple. I interviewed and got a job in New York City Public Schools for next year. That means in Aug I will be headed to the big apple for my first teaching job.
The first question i have been getting is "Where in New York city?" I am not sure yet. I have passed the first round of screening for the district and been guaranteed a job but where I am not sure yet. I need to go visit the city and meet some principals before I can get a position in the district. This is to ensure that my teaching style matches with the principal, staff and school as well as me liking them.
But as it stands now the official move date will be varied. I will most likely be attending a wedding in Vegas on the 7th of July, going to camp in upstate New York on the 10th of July and then camp ends on the 6th of Aug and from there I plan to road trip to Niagara Falls and then down to the city. It looks like I will start officially putting together my classroom the last week of Aug. At some point I do need to fly to New York City to check out the school and stuffs, but not sure when that will be right now. Although a surprising note, dad said he would pay for the trip out there (since my Christmas present was gas money one way to NYC). So that will be less of a stress on my already stressed bank account.
Stressed. why you ask?!?! Apparently being an adult comes with bills. Between the car lock that has broken for a second time (two days after i got it fixed), the new air filter, oil change (paid for by mom), the windshield wipers that I got before heading to Seattle for the interview, and the money to buy bells in Seattle* expenses are killing my savings.
*For those of you who do not know, I collect bells of all shapes and sizes. Any trip that I take I must have a new bell. Most, not all, of my bells have their own stories to go along with them. After the three I got this weekend (one from Eric's mom from Hawaii) I know have 155. I think that is accurate but you never know when you get up that high.
So I am not to keen on the idea of becoming even more of an adult right now, especially on the day after realizing that the dream I have had for over two years now has actually come true. I'm headed to NYC... Watch out NYC here I come!
The first question i have been getting is "Where in New York city?" I am not sure yet. I have passed the first round of screening for the district and been guaranteed a job but where I am not sure yet. I need to go visit the city and meet some principals before I can get a position in the district. This is to ensure that my teaching style matches with the principal, staff and school as well as me liking them.
But as it stands now the official move date will be varied. I will most likely be attending a wedding in Vegas on the 7th of July, going to camp in upstate New York on the 10th of July and then camp ends on the 6th of Aug and from there I plan to road trip to Niagara Falls and then down to the city. It looks like I will start officially putting together my classroom the last week of Aug. At some point I do need to fly to New York City to check out the school and stuffs, but not sure when that will be right now. Although a surprising note, dad said he would pay for the trip out there (since my Christmas present was gas money one way to NYC). So that will be less of a stress on my already stressed bank account.
Stressed. why you ask?!?! Apparently being an adult comes with bills. Between the car lock that has broken for a second time (two days after i got it fixed), the new air filter, oil change (paid for by mom), the windshield wipers that I got before heading to Seattle for the interview, and the money to buy bells in Seattle* expenses are killing my savings.
*For those of you who do not know, I collect bells of all shapes and sizes. Any trip that I take I must have a new bell. Most, not all, of my bells have their own stories to go along with them. After the three I got this weekend (one from Eric's mom from Hawaii) I know have 155. I think that is accurate but you never know when you get up that high.
So I am not to keen on the idea of becoming even more of an adult right now, especially on the day after realizing that the dream I have had for over two years now has actually come true. I'm headed to NYC... Watch out NYC here I come!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Future...ready? GO!!!
Ok... well... as you can see from the title, the future is rapidly approaching and I am not sure what to do about it. I got the email that finally settle some fears but stirred up even more in the process. On January 28th, 2007 I will be interviewing for my dream job. That's right, my teaching job in New York City and I will be interviewing in less than two weeks. The interview is in Seattle so at least I get out of Eugene once this term. I just thought I would announce it to the world that I am interviewing less than two weeks. omg..freaking out... o well..time to go triple check that I have things in order for class tomorrow.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
So... Fun times
Two things to talk about in todays post..way bored at work and supervisors.
Way bored at work, that's right once again I am way bored at work. When I worked in the main office I felt bad for being bored at work, like I was the only student worker who had nothing to do and I should be doing something. To most people this logic makes sense, getting paid = actually doing soemthing. Aparently this philosophy is totally wrong for student working. I have started my new job and regular hours... 7-3 on Saturday and Sundays. Man, I thought main housing was bad...nope. There is not a single residence hall student up at 7 on a Saturday morning...so it being 10:30 I have worked maybe 20 minutes of my first three and a half hours. WOOHOO!!
So with this lack of work to do but still having to BE at work, I have taken to doing my homework. This is kind of like the snow day I had on Thursday (for those of you who dont know Eugene, where I live, got all of an inch and a half of snow on Thursday and EVERY school was shut down so I had a snow day!!!). I had nothing to do so I got a jump on my work sample, getting the first major part out of the way which included the pre-test and unit plan. And since it was done I fowarded it on to my university supervisor because they need to approve it all before I can start teaching. I got an email back Friday night saying that she was impressed that I already had this done and that I was getting a HUGE jump on things. HELLO!?!?! I was bored all day Thursday, I didnt wanna leave my comfortable littel bubble to find out the city was still full of snow and soon to be ice. So I did what any rational snow day kid would do...homework. !!! Look I can lie pretty well dont you think?!!? Anyway, she's gunna be REALLY shocked to see that I have already emailed her back with changes to both documents at 8:30 this morning!!!
O well... time to go pretend like Im working while I actually write lesson plans.... maybe maybe not we shall see.
Way bored at work, that's right once again I am way bored at work. When I worked in the main office I felt bad for being bored at work, like I was the only student worker who had nothing to do and I should be doing something. To most people this logic makes sense, getting paid = actually doing soemthing. Aparently this philosophy is totally wrong for student working. I have started my new job and regular hours... 7-3 on Saturday and Sundays. Man, I thought main housing was bad...nope. There is not a single residence hall student up at 7 on a Saturday morning...so it being 10:30 I have worked maybe 20 minutes of my first three and a half hours. WOOHOO!!
So with this lack of work to do but still having to BE at work, I have taken to doing my homework. This is kind of like the snow day I had on Thursday (for those of you who dont know Eugene, where I live, got all of an inch and a half of snow on Thursday and EVERY school was shut down so I had a snow day!!!). I had nothing to do so I got a jump on my work sample, getting the first major part out of the way which included the pre-test and unit plan. And since it was done I fowarded it on to my university supervisor because they need to approve it all before I can start teaching. I got an email back Friday night saying that she was impressed that I already had this done and that I was getting a HUGE jump on things. HELLO!?!?! I was bored all day Thursday, I didnt wanna leave my comfortable littel bubble to find out the city was still full of snow and soon to be ice. So I did what any rational snow day kid would do...homework. !!! Look I can lie pretty well dont you think?!!? Anyway, she's gunna be REALLY shocked to see that I have already emailed her back with changes to both documents at 8:30 this morning!!!
O well... time to go pretend like Im working while I actually write lesson plans.... maybe maybe not we shall see.
Monday, January 08, 2007
First Day
That's right... today was the first day of the rest of my life. Lets see...today I started a new job, not too bad in all, tonight I signed up for the interview in Seattle (for NYC) and tomorrow I officially start my student teaching.
So the job is significant because it is new and it is the job that will last me though student teaching, hopefully not there spring term as I want to return to Janice who I LOVE!!! the job is good although like I said I hope not to be there next term as it seems to be a job for more of the sophomore and junior crowd rather than grad students. But we shall see, maybe the young people around me will help me to relax on weekends.
Tonight I officially signed up for the Seattle interview. Hopefully I get one and if I do I need to do is to get a letter from the school saying I will be certified this summer. Then I head to Seattle in three weeks and FREAK OUT because I am interviewing for my first real job. OMG!!! The rest of my life seems to hinge on this interview...is that bad?
And last but not least, student teaching. I officially start student teaching tomorrow. In the state of Oregon you need to pass student teaching (among other things) to be able to apply for your licence to teach. Although that requires me to not to murder myself over my special education class that I have this term. It looks as if it is going to be an introduction to special education which none of us has EVER taken before...cant you tell!?! But student teaching should be a breeze as long as I get enough sleep.
Well, its time to hit the sack so I can get up nice and early to get ready for the second day of the rest of my life. Wish me luck!
So the job is significant because it is new and it is the job that will last me though student teaching, hopefully not there spring term as I want to return to Janice who I LOVE!!! the job is good although like I said I hope not to be there next term as it seems to be a job for more of the sophomore and junior crowd rather than grad students. But we shall see, maybe the young people around me will help me to relax on weekends.
Tonight I officially signed up for the Seattle interview. Hopefully I get one and if I do I need to do is to get a letter from the school saying I will be certified this summer. Then I head to Seattle in three weeks and FREAK OUT because I am interviewing for my first real job. OMG!!! The rest of my life seems to hinge on this interview...is that bad?
And last but not least, student teaching. I officially start student teaching tomorrow. In the state of Oregon you need to pass student teaching (among other things) to be able to apply for your licence to teach. Although that requires me to not to murder myself over my special education class that I have this term. It looks as if it is going to be an introduction to special education which none of us has EVER taken before...cant you tell!?! But student teaching should be a breeze as long as I get enough sleep.
Well, its time to hit the sack so I can get up nice and early to get ready for the second day of the rest of my life. Wish me luck!
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Getting Ready
It's that time again, time to get ready for a new term. This will, although, be my most unique term..student teaching. I will be teaching 40 hours a week (like a real teacher) for the next 11 weeks. I will take over the class entirely for 5 of those 11 weeks. But, the only difference between the real teacher and I is that she gets paid. I will be doing it for college credits. My worksample (state requirement) is based around a colonial American simulation where the kids colonize North America. It should be lots of fun for the students this year. We did this same thing last year and using it as my worksample gives me the freedom (to an extent) to do it how ever I want. We shall see if my way messes it up royally or is something that in implemented in the future.
When it comes to the rest of my life, I am also starting a new job. I will be working at the LLC (new residence hall)'s area desk. I will be working weekends, 7-3, both days. So thats right..for the next 11 weeks I have two days off. I figure if I can survive this I can make it anywhere. Thinking back I usually worked 6 days a weeek at least in high school and did bad at the same time. I can handle this.
On the job front it looks like im headed to Seattle in three weeks to interview of New York Public Schools. They will be in Seattle on the 28th of Jaunary so I think I am gunna head up on Saturday after work and pick up Eric on the way up. The Career fair is Sunday morning starting at nine am. To make sure that I do not have to worry about getting back, I am going to stay Sunday night and make my way back down on Monday, taking Monday as one of my two personal days from student teaching. Wish me luck y'all. O and I ordered business cards today so if you want one (if anyone reads this) let me know and it will be all official.
When it comes to the rest of my life, I am also starting a new job. I will be working at the LLC (new residence hall)'s area desk. I will be working weekends, 7-3, both days. So thats right..for the next 11 weeks I have two days off. I figure if I can survive this I can make it anywhere. Thinking back I usually worked 6 days a weeek at least in high school and did bad at the same time. I can handle this.
On the job front it looks like im headed to Seattle in three weeks to interview of New York Public Schools. They will be in Seattle on the 28th of Jaunary so I think I am gunna head up on Saturday after work and pick up Eric on the way up. The Career fair is Sunday morning starting at nine am. To make sure that I do not have to worry about getting back, I am going to stay Sunday night and make my way back down on Monday, taking Monday as one of my two personal days from student teaching. Wish me luck y'all. O and I ordered business cards today so if you want one (if anyone reads this) let me know and it will be all official.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Addicted to Books..is this bad?
I have come the realization that I am addicted to books. Ok, so I might not read like there is no tomorrow and I may not be reading the classics but dang... I think I am addicted to books. Las week in three days at work (being the holiday season I am working a lot with little to do) I read an entire Harry Potter book, book 5 for those who are wondering, and today I read an entire book at work.
Today's adventure, for those of you who care, was "Naked in Death" by J. D. Robb, aka Nora Roberts. This book was awesome. I fell apon J. D. Robb this summer when I picked up a book randomly at a store and bought it (being the teacher that I am and aparently addicted to books). I happened to read 7 books this summer in the "in Death" series this summer. All are murder mystries that include cop drama and no so children friendly scenes, but none the less good books. "Naked in Death" is the frist book of the entire series. This made the book even more interesting to me becaues I am seeing the character development of characters I already know and love. For instance, Dallas, the cop, in this book starts out thinking that the billionare Roarke is the main suspect, and by the end, lets just say he's cleared of all suspisions and is madly in love with Dallas.
But the only issue with this book...I'M DONE!!!! Now I am forced to go by another J. D. Robb book at the local bookstore tonight to see how the fabolious Roarke pops the question to Dallas who obviously says yes. I love it because it is like a time portal back to the beginning of these characters.
Today's adventure, for those of you who care, was "Naked in Death" by J. D. Robb, aka Nora Roberts. This book was awesome. I fell apon J. D. Robb this summer when I picked up a book randomly at a store and bought it (being the teacher that I am and aparently addicted to books). I happened to read 7 books this summer in the "in Death" series this summer. All are murder mystries that include cop drama and no so children friendly scenes, but none the less good books. "Naked in Death" is the frist book of the entire series. This made the book even more interesting to me becaues I am seeing the character development of characters I already know and love. For instance, Dallas, the cop, in this book starts out thinking that the billionare Roarke is the main suspect, and by the end, lets just say he's cleared of all suspisions and is madly in love with Dallas.
But the only issue with this book...I'M DONE!!!! Now I am forced to go by another J. D. Robb book at the local bookstore tonight to see how the fabolious Roarke pops the question to Dallas who obviously says yes. I love it because it is like a time portal back to the beginning of these characters.
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