Adventures of a first year Earth Science teacher. BA in Geosciences. Working on my MS Secondary Education. Changing careers from government environmental agencies to teaching. Four semesters of Earth Science experience, plus daily substituting.
The views and opinions are my own. I am not a representative of anyone else.
Evaluation
We got test scores back today. 76% passed, compared to 90% last year. I’ll post later about my thoughts on this.
I also had my formal evaluation with my principal today. It’s not so much an evaluation as a conversation. There are no forms to fill out or boxes to check. He wants to hear our reflections and plans to change, which is awesome. In between discussions of Napoleon, drug busts, and the uses of phone books, I mentioned that I do lots of group work, but it’s difficult with the desks in my room. I said a lab room or even just tables would be so much nicer. He picks up the phone, calls our bookkeeper, and says, “Send this teacher a list of the different size tables we can get.”
So I’m getting tables!!!
I wish I lived in a state/district that provided continuing education funds for teachers. As it is, I have to complete a certain number of credits every 5 years to keep my certification. Unless I find free courses, I pay out of my own pocket. If I got assistance, I would love to get another degree in Earth Science, the subject I love and teach.
- Student 1: I said I would be like Frosted Flakes because they're great!
- Student 2: That's awesome!
- Me: I thought so too, so I put it on my tumblr.
- Student 2: No way! You have a tumblr?
- Student 3: Don't act so surprised. It's not like she's old!
The Difference Between Teaching and Learning
I’m very interested to see the EOC test scores this year. Last year I was more traditional in my classroom. We did notes, then an activity or two. It was boring and I feel like the students just memorized things and didn’t truly learn to think. 90% of them passed last year.
This year, I followed a more inquiry based model. We had an activity or two that required interpretation and research, then de-briefed as a class with notes or discussion. The students are saying that I don’t teach and they didn’t learn anything. I have noticed improvement in their problem soling kills and ability to work independently though.
I wish students would just listen and participate in class rather than tweeting after the EOC test that I don’t teach them anything.
And I guarantee at least 90% of them will pass despite their complaints.
Friday Afternoon and Monday Morning
The absolute worst times for my freshmen to be taking their EOC exams.
Has anyone else noticed…
that at this point in the school year all your supplies seems to be breaking, broken, or missing?
Part of me is grateful things have lasted this long.
The other part of me is frustrated because kids seem to have no respect for things that don’t belong to them.
Yup.
“Miss, where are your crayons?” “Where is your hand sanitizer?” “Stapler?”
“Stolen, used, broken.”
My students don’t often email me,
But when they do, it’s on my personal day.
When asked how they expect to do on the EOC exam
- Student 1: Magnificently
- Student 2: I'm going to rock the test to the point of spontaneous combustion.
- Student 3: I'm gonna be like Frosted Flakes.
Because the kids at prom need to see what dancing can be.
Things to do for Next Year
Yes, I am already thinking ahead, because, well, reasons.
1. Make an awesome bulletin board using QR codes.
2. Have students practice experimental design to explore density.
3. Make only enough copies for the students I have. I never get out the extras I save, so I will only save a master copy in a binder.
4. Be the “mean teacher” to set up the rules because I want to have class discussions, and we can’t do that with side conversations.
5. Get edmodo started earlier with an in class assignment. This year I waited too long and some kids dismissed it as unimportant.
Tomorrow is the 15th which means #education dare day!
Feel free to start a little early.
