Dating Game Over

Well, I’ve moved on from dating.  Nothing came of that experience.  It was just something to entertain myself for a bit.  But now, I have to get back to serious things . . .taking control and steering things in the right direction.  It was nice to be distracted from work.  Deep down, I know that I have some work to do and I was only procrastinating.  Although, my dating adventures will make for some really fun posts.

Here are my plans for February:

• To complete the update of my resume.
• Apply for grant to study overseas
• Make a video bio.  I’m not going to pay for the real thing.  I’m taking the idea and doing it up teacher style.
• Get some video clips of me actually teaching in my classroom
• Get some applications and resume
• Work on my online portfolio

I’ve decided that as apart of my job hunt, I’ll be looking at private or suburban schools for middle grades (7-9).   I’d like to continue to teach World History (US is sooo boring, I don’t know how to breathe life into it).  I am not interested in teaching AP unless it is something like Euro.

I say this with all sincerity:  I have reach the point of burnout with my urban school.  Yes, I realize I will have to make adjustments anywhere I go and there will NOT be as much liberty with the curriculum.  I got into teaching to change the world.  To make an impact.  Instead of helping of others, I feel like my spirit is suffocating.  Personally, I think it is a result of this urban area . . .its so hard to see change and very few people ever say thank you.  It is like giving and giving and giving everyday and there is very little to replenish my soul. (Maybe, deep down, I got into teaching to satisfy my narcissism…and maybe therein lies the problem, who knows???) For now,  I am ready to make the trade-off:  teaching freedom for teaching newness

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It is Black History Month. . . and as you all know, I have an AWESOME unit for my World History classes.

• In a few weeks, my school will host the 1st Black History program that we’ve had in years.  I’m coordinating it and extremely nervous about how it will go over.
• Every morning, during the announcements, I have students highlighting notable African Americans

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I’ve also made the goal to do more “learning centers” or “stations” as we approach the end of the school year.  I really don’t use this strategy enough.  It is time consuming to put together, but they are the most awesome learning experiences when supported by connections and review at the end.    Before the end of the year, I am planning to put one together for:

• The Holocaust
• Civil War & Reconstruction (for AAH)
• The Modern Era (conflicts)