I think that teaching is a study in how people are different that I am. I'm constantly comparing the way I figure things out and the way others learn. I find these differences delightful! Every year, I think I become more patient, more kind, and more empathetic to my students and the people I work with. My favorite aspect of this career is that I can get better, every year, every day, every class period. 2002 me wouldn't recognize 2015 me.
This has been a summer of great growth so far. I'm teaching an ESL Summer Reading Enrichment program eight hours a week, and it's been a joy for me. I have anything from two to five students with me (from China, Brazil, and Ethiopia), and these students are in ESL 3 or ESL 4 (finishing up our program). My discomfort at not knowing exactly what to do has pushed me to be flexible and go with the flow, and it's fun! It's been great to stumble through conversations and figure out what works best. No grades, no stress. Just learning and conversation. Just reading and asking questions. I really want to observe some more ESL classes next year. It's fascinating work, and I think I could learn a lot from the people who do it every day!
I'm also taking an online class titled Engaging Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students and Families in Secondary Schools with the PD group Primary Source. It's been great to learn about this topic that applies so much to what we do. I can think of so many things we do well in our district and so much we can do to improve. What a blessing to be so diverse and learn from so many different people!
Also busy planning EdCamp Malden in October: http://edcampmalden.wikispaces.com/. Trying to advertise the event and get prizes. Hopefully it will be a good day of learning!
August is about AP PD week and two days each of co-teaching PD and Google 1:1 PD.
Don't worry--I'm having fun too. Going to the movies during the day, sleeping in, seeing friends and family.
Hope everyone out there is loving summer too!
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