Wednesday, March 21, 2007

New Beginnings

They say the first year you hate going to work. The second year you have a few days that make you smile. And your third year, you begin to enjoy this unique privilege called teaching.

This is my first year of teaching as a certified educator. I teach 9th and 10th grade English. I have two periods of sophomores that need to be differentiated thus leaving me with three plans.

I have spent days exhausted and crying, days just "getting by", and days delighted by the brilliant minds of students. In many regards, I feel ahead of the game when it comes to the pedagogical preparation I received in undergrad/graduate school. Also, my cross-cultural experiences growing up in foreign countries has proved a point of stability for culturally responsive teaching. However, your first year is your first year. It is tough.

My intent is that this blog will serve as a forum for discussions regarding theory and practice. May you be encouraged and inspired.