I went to Macri's bakery this morning as I have done for years--maybe ten or more--on the day before we have classes. I bought five of their wonderful muffins to share while we went through policies and procedures as a staff. As I walked from the car to the store, I wondered if this would be the last time I did this--and then I wondered how many times I would be thinking that this year. It made me feel a little sad. Jim said what if I had thought I would be doing that routine for the next 15 years. I guess that would make me feel even worse!
It was a good meeting and everything is mostly ready for tomorrow. Tonight I had the usual phone calls: The first: "I have a referral to Christ Child Society tomorrow--is it OK if I come in late?" The second: "My mother didn't make it to do her laundry today at my house. Is it OK if I start on Thursday instead?" I gave permission to the first student and said no to the second one.
A Facebook friend said she would like to read this blog. I am not ready to post on FB, but I was flattered and will email it to her. Another friend wrote that she was wondering when I would think about retiring. And somehow I didn't find that affirming at all!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Day 2
Both of my blogging children called last night and said they had seen my blog. Dan said he had read it to two friends from his I-phone. He said most people who started blogs stopped after two entries. Well, here is my second one.
What are my goals in doing this blog? My immediate inspiration is reading The Happiness Project and Gretchen Rubin's joy in doing a blog. I like to write and I learn and think things through by writing. So am I doing this for me or for some imagined audience? I am not sure. I'd like to be read and to have comments. But how far I can share my thoughts and reactions, some of which will be negative, I am not sure either.
Our staff meetings and setting up time went well this morning. The child-care staff is fun, involved, and enthusiastic. We enjoyed Jimmy John's subs before we finished up for the morning.
But not all went smoothly. But I expect that after so many years. There were frustrations with internet access. There was the surprise resignation of our previous custodian but I know the new one and like him. I am his "amigo." There was the one word reaction of the bus coordinator when she asked when we started up this year and I told her Wednesday (two days from now.) "Lord," she muttered. I had sent her two emails and three faxes, but this was my first phone call. I have learned over the years to confirm everything. When we called a few new students, the result was "this person is not accepting any calls at this time"--the usual response when someone has run out of minutes. The table in my classroom was covered with boards and nails from a construction project in the next room. I was planning on two students coming in for individual evaluation, but neither one showed up.
None of this feels very discouraging right now. I am eager to start!
What are my goals in doing this blog? My immediate inspiration is reading The Happiness Project and Gretchen Rubin's joy in doing a blog. I like to write and I learn and think things through by writing. So am I doing this for me or for some imagined audience? I am not sure. I'd like to be read and to have comments. But how far I can share my thoughts and reactions, some of which will be negative, I am not sure either.
Our staff meetings and setting up time went well this morning. The child-care staff is fun, involved, and enthusiastic. We enjoyed Jimmy John's subs before we finished up for the morning.
But not all went smoothly. But I expect that after so many years. There were frustrations with internet access. There was the surprise resignation of our previous custodian but I know the new one and like him. I am his "amigo." There was the one word reaction of the bus coordinator when she asked when we started up this year and I told her Wednesday (two days from now.) "Lord," she muttered. I had sent her two emails and three faxes, but this was my first phone call. I have learned over the years to confirm everything. When we called a few new students, the result was "this person is not accepting any calls at this time"--the usual response when someone has run out of minutes. The table in my classroom was covered with boards and nails from a construction project in the next room. I was planning on two students coming in for individual evaluation, but neither one showed up.
None of this feels very discouraging right now. I am eager to start!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
64 and counting
I'm 64 years old and will turn 65 during this school year. I need to renew my teaching license by November 2011. We set up our classrooms tomorrow and the students come on Wednesday. Will this be the last time for this for me?
The decision may be made for me. Funding is changing and adult education may no longer be under the auspices of the school corporations next year. But the emphases have changed many times over the years from life skills to academics and now to work force development.
I have done lots of reading over the summer and have several ideas for improving our time in class. This is a good thing. I have met three of the new students and was encouraged by their eagerness to be a part of our class. That too is a good thing.
It is hard for me to imagine a life without the challenge and rewards of teaching. One former student called me a "legend in South Bend." That could be good or bad! But I am very comfortable in my classroom and that makes students comfortable.
I guess I will use this blog to record the good and the not so good and maybe that will help me decide if I can give this up or if giving it up would be a big mistake.
The decision may be made for me. Funding is changing and adult education may no longer be under the auspices of the school corporations next year. But the emphases have changed many times over the years from life skills to academics and now to work force development.
I have done lots of reading over the summer and have several ideas for improving our time in class. This is a good thing. I have met three of the new students and was encouraged by their eagerness to be a part of our class. That too is a good thing.
It is hard for me to imagine a life without the challenge and rewards of teaching. One former student called me a "legend in South Bend." That could be good or bad! But I am very comfortable in my classroom and that makes students comfortable.
I guess I will use this blog to record the good and the not so good and maybe that will help me decide if I can give this up or if giving it up would be a big mistake.
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