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JOANNE
PAYLING
Diary #1
"Good
Enough" is
good enough for now
This
was my first week as an official, certified and employed teacher. I haven't
met my students yet, but, boy, do I feel like a teacher already. Three days
of in-service training have accomplished that. I managed to meet more fellow
teachers than I can ever remember, and I have shared enthusiasm, excitement,
and trepidation with them this week.
Our students
arrive on the 28th, ready or not. I have decided I am too old (wait, let's
make that wise) to stress over all the little stuff. Is the Welcome bulletin
board perfect enough? Are the desks arranged in the best configuration?
Where is my computer? Where will I fit the extra computers I have asked
for? The room will have to be good enough for the first days. I will have
the students help me finish the "decorating" more fully with their projects
and choice of posters. Open house is September 13th and I feel confident
that the room will reflect our personalities by then.
What I have
concentrated on this week is listening and learning at the in-service trainings
and making connections with the other 8th grade Language Arts teachers,
as well as with our technology teacher. I have a hunch he will be just as
important to know as the secretary and maintenance personnel.
All have been
most helpful to me, the new kid on the block. If I ever run short of ideas
or lesson plans, I know where to turn. I have received untold help on classroom
management pointers and on how to successfully navigate the first week,
face to face with students. I have also spent hours writing and rewriting
my Letter to Parents. Since this will be their first introduction to me,
I wanted to convey my love of Language Arts and, especially my belief in
the importance of reading and how all the rest follows from that proficiency.
While I still
have 1001 things to do, I believe I am ready to meet my students and begin
what will be an amazing year. I have high standards and high expectations
not only for my students, but for myself as well. Most of all, though, I
simply hope that I will be a "Good Enough Teacher." I will aim for Teacher
of the Year next year!
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