Year 3

I really need to get back into the habit of writing blog entries more often. I love the idea, but it's definitely hard to keep up with. Summer was a time of relaxing and taking a break from life and now that school has started (day after Labor Day) life has continued on at it's neckbreaking speed as I try to get settled back into routine. It is week 3 and I am already sick and stuck at home... so I guess this is God's way of making sure I slow down, and also gives me some time to actually write a post.

Year 3 has begun. It's crazy looking back on my time as a teacher. I never thought the story would unfold as it has. For the first time, the year started well. Yes, that's right, I have not actually had a fully bad day yet. I called my parents after the second day of school and said it was going well and my mom mentioned that 2 good days in a row is a record for me. Yes indeed, year 3 has been record breaking in many ways:

-Big Picture Ironbound Academy is still located at East Side High School, but we have been upgraded to our own hallway on the second floor.
-I have my own classroom, with a door, and desks, and white boards.
-I am teaching just math. I am no longer an advisor (which has it's pros and cons) but I am finally teaching what I love all day long.
-I see all the students at the school for math (both stressful and exciting to know everyone's name 2 weeks in)
-The 9th graders are eager and excited to learn. Homework has been turned in. More than 2 students have perfect attendance. It's pretty crazy stuff.
-Almost ALL the students are wearing their uniforms.
-I actually feel like I know what I'm doing some of the time. I guess 2 years under my belt really does make things like classroom management and investment easier.

When I think back to what our school was 2 years ago... I am astounded at the transformation. We still have a long way to go, but it is exciting to see things finally starting to look up. I can also see a difference in myself as a teacher. I have more confidence and am so much more comfortable in front of the students, even when things don't go well. I handle things with more flexibility and I find that I'm getting better at having fun in the classroom.

I'm definitely not a master teacher by any means, but it is comforting to know that there is improvement by year 3. There's another TFA teacher placed at my school this year and it really is a good reminder of where I was 2 years ago. TFA gives you such a steep learning curve, but I made it through and hopefully have grown for the better because of it.

I hope to continue posting often. I also hope to have some pictures up here soon so you all can see my new digs at school!