Open Forum!

Is your child fighting you with homework?
Do you need help developing a sense of responsibility with your child?
Are you looking for conflict resolution solutions?

I would like to celebrate your questions and assist you in any professional way I can.  If you have a question, please post!  Chances are someone somewhere is asking themselves the same thing.  Together we can make a difference!

T-E-A-M Addendum

A follow-up to my last post (compliments of Mom Baker who requested a clear-cut list of questions for parents to ask teachers).

First, please don't be scared to ask questions.  You are not bothering us unless you are emailing every hour asking how your little one is doing.  We are a team and we want to work with you but please understand that we can be on anywhere from 20 to 30 "teams" or more. 

So what questions should you ask?

1.  What are your certifications?  Where did you go to school?  What year did you graduate?

2.  What kinds of professional development are you experiencing to keep up with current educational trends?

3.  How can I help and support what you do in the classroom?

If a question pops into your mind, ask it.  Go with your gut.  You are your child's advocate!

T-E-A-M!

We had our annual Back to School Night last week as did hundreds of other local schools. I enjoy meeting my students' parents and sharing with them the expectations set forth to ensure a successful school year for us all. 

I always begin my presentation with my mission statement (why I really do what I do) and a brief personal account of who I am as a "real person."  I talk about where I grew up, what schools I attended, my degrees earned, my current goals and sometimes show pictures of my babies....err....cats. And then I ask, "What do you want to know about me?" 

Crickets.
Chirp. 
Chirp. 
Chirp.

I smile and continue, "You send your children to school to spend all day with me and you don't have any questions?"

Bueller?
Bueller?
Bueller?

I smile.  "Well, your children have a lot of questions for me every second of the day!"  And finally I get some chuckles.

Every year it's the same and I find it fascinating.  In every teacher magazine there are articles upon articles about how educators needs to partner more with families and include them in more school events.  Teachers and parents are a team!  Never be afraid to ask questions.  You are your child's advocate and have every right to know what is happening within the classroom.  Exterminate those crickets.  Send an email, drop a note or call the school.  Be active and involved! 

Twas the Night Before School...

I sobbed.  Like a baby.  In public.  On the beach.  Why?  Because Labor Day is here.

I know how fortunate I am to have ten weeks of vacation time; I'm certainly not complaining.  But every year Labor Day is the equivalent to New Years for teachers.  There is a mix of excitement, sadness and anxiety as that September Monday approaches.

What new policies are in place?

Will my new administrators like me?

How much has the curriculum changed?

Will my new class learn the routines and expectations?

Will they listen and be willing to learn?

Will parents be supportive?

Are my plans ready to go?

Are my photocopies made and papers stapled?

The past week I have dreamt about setting up desks, opening my classroom library and technology failures in the middle of my lessons.  I have stared at the clock in the wee hours of the morning because all I can think about is a million and one things that need to happen to make this "the best year ever" (and have come to learn that there is never such a thing!)   I tried to explain to Drew that each September is like starting at a new job.  The changes are endless with the expectations ever rising while the resources are constantly diminishing. 

But -

We will all go into our classrooms early, our nervous energy causing us to pace about while we wait for the moment we meet those new students.  And then the passion for teaching takes over.  It's what we do.  It's why we do it. 

 

Happy New (School) Year!