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)
Reflections | Miss Teacha | 
February 4, 2010 6:58 am
4 Comments
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By Anita, February 4, 2010 @ 5:39 pm
You made me laugh with your \\\”U.S. history is so boring\\\” comment. I teach U.S. History I (Colonies-WWI) and AP U.S. History, and I would be really upset if I couldn\\\’t get to teach it. It\\\’s my passion, and you obviously have that same passion for World History.
I did have a question for you though that is world history related. My fellow junior high teachers and I are looking to do an interdisciplinary unit on the Holocaust. The reading and English teachers are doing books on the Holocaust, and I want to teach a few lessons about the historical background. I have a lot of interest in this time period and studied it a lot in college, but I have never taught it. Do you have any suggestions for lessons that could simply and easily explain the Holocaust to 8th graders? They are starting with pretty much no knowledge of it, and I am concerned about inundating them with too much, which is easy to do when it comes to such a weighty topic like that.
Let me know if you have any ideas/suggestions/recommendations of places where I could look.
Thanks!!
Anita
By Angela Watson, February 5, 2010 @ 3:30 pm
I hear your frustration with the urban school burnout. Have you considered working in an urban Catholic school? I am in them frequently for my new job as a lit/math coach, and I can’t say enough good things about how well behaved the students are, even at the middle and high school level. Every child knows and is known by every other child and staff member. There is freedom to teach what you want to, how you want. Morale is typically pretty good. I know the pay is less, but like you said, if you feel like your spirit is being crushed, a few thousand dollar pay cut to BREATHE again may be worth it. Is that a possibility for you?
Angela Watson´s last blog ..Your Resolutions
By Margaret, February 5, 2010 @ 11:20 pm
You could really rediscover your passion for teaching in a different environment! My school is suburban and you would probably love it!
Margaret´s last blog ..Gray
By Midwest Teacher, February 5, 2010 @ 11:27 pm
I’ve been contemplating applying for a job at a suburban district in my city. I’ve heard good things about it from one of my former teachers, and a high school classmate who teach for them. They love the district. I’m just scared, I think, to apply and what if I get rejected? I think that’s the crux of my issue. But, I’m not sure if I’m happy. Plus, I don’t really think that I’m good friends w/ more than one person in my dept. That’s depressing. IDK — Anyway…
I can’t believe you don’t like US History! It was my fave history class throughout hs & college. I found World boring — bleagh. Oh well. That’s why I like American Lit too, b/c it’s US centric. ;-D
Midwest Teacher´s last blog ..The Bold and the True