Last year was such a rough year that I think I went into this year with a defeated attitude.
I couldn't get inspired to create new products for TPT or Teachersnotebook and anything I tried to write for this blog seemed more bitter than humorous.
I also have the type of personality that once I start working on something I CANNOT stop. It remains on my brain until I finish it. I can't do anything else, including sleep, until my projects are completed.
Also, in November TPT sent me an email saying that they were no longer allowing sellers to use Google Drive for delivering products. This was not part of the terms of service when I started. On top of that I had also had 4 separate conversations with TPT support staff over the summer about that very product housed on Google Drive in which they asked ME to use it as an alternative to a buyer. Then they deactivated my English Curriculum. They didn't give any warning on this, just a snippy email, and a deactivation. I was so disheartened and frustrated with them and their customer service.
All of that coupled with other personal issues pushed me to a breaking point.
I finally decided to just step away and take some time. I didn't know that would end up being four months worth of time, but I digress.
During my time away I focused on organizing my house (still a work in progress), spending time with my animals, and doing holiday related things.
- I had my own little Thanksgiving at home.
- I baked pies with a new friend from work.
- I had a cookie exchange and ornament decorating party with friends from school and the ladies from my church.
- I went to see my pastor's two daughters in their school holiday play.
- I went to a Christmas Eve service with my friend and her son.
- I had Christmas lunch with two friends and their sons.
I am just starting to feel like I am becoming a normal person again after last year. We had 2 and 1/2 days off of school this week due to cold temps and weather so that could have something to do with it!
My school year is going okay. The large majority of our students this year are good kids that are willing to work with us.
My largest issue this year is with other adults, and I only have to interact/deal with them a fraction of the day!
I am apparently about to embark on a new journey as I got an email last night from a girl saying she is my student teacher who is starting on Monday!
I have never had a student teacher before and that makes me quite nervous.
Have any of you guys had student teachers before? Any tips?
Hello MSKCPOTTER! Happy New Year! I am so glad you are back, and rested. I missed you and I was worried about you! I hope you feel better! Welcome back and enjoy the happy things in life. I am using a lot of exclamation points because I am very happy to hear you are here and had spent quality time with your animals and friends and self.
ReplyDeleteI hope that all is well with you too! It made me smile to read that you missed me! :)
DeleteMy biggest piece of advice is to let her have free reign of the curriculum and management but be available as support. My cooperating teacher left me on my own day 2 and rarely ever came back in the room for the rest of the year. During the initial transition, I struggled because students had questions about assignments I couldn't answer. Also, I make sure you spend time teaching her your routines and expectations so she can be consistent with your students. Again, this was something I didn't know... and of course, they test the new teacher.
ReplyDeleteI have been working with her on my routines so I hope that helps!
DeleteOh my gosh, I'm SO glad you're back. I check in almost daily. Never had a student teacher, and I don't know if I'll ever be brave enough to do so. My coworkers who have had the largest degree of success are the ones who are the most laid-back (which is why I'm afraid to chance it...I'm not AT ALL).
ReplyDeleteEnjoying your point of view lessons right now (even though I despise teaching POV). I was on medical leave for four weeks prior to Christmas break (neck surgery), and I forced myself to tackle POV immediately upon my return before burnout sets back in.
Point of view is one of my top two most hated topics to teach! The other is apostrophes, which the student teacher will be the one to tackle this year!
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