The Teaching Shift: Becoming Better Teachers

This is my 15th year in the classroom. Wow.

 

During that time, as you know if you personally know me or have followed this blog very long, I have taught a lot of different subjects, in a variety of places, and at all levels.

 

And while some won't agree, and some will be offended, I believe that basically there are two types of teachers. Those that adapt and improve and those that refuse/choose not to adapt and get left behind.

 

This year in our school district, we have a line in the sand for teachers. No one says this and it is was made very clear that using our new technology tool was optional and all that, but I truly believe, that this will be a telling year for teachers and how an individual teacher sees the profession.

 

You see, we are implementing My Big Campus. This is a huge shift in teaching. My Big Campus is basically a safe facebook. It will be an awesome tool should a teacher want to use it as such. If nothing else, it will be a great way to communicate safely and effectively with parents and students.

 

But there are some teachers out there that are really scared and unsure. I'm sorry, but some of these were the same teachers that thought email wouldn't last. And some of these are teachers that are new to the profession and they don't see the value in it as they don't communicate with parents or as  I quote one newish teacher... he "just teaches in a gym."

 

I however, am excited about My Big Campus. I am excited that our district is choosing to be proactive and give teachers, students and parents a safe platform for communication. I like that if a student posts something inappropriate, as the teacher, I can address it. In fact, I have to address it.

 

Isn't this a much better format than a student posting something inappropriate for all the world to see on facebook? As teachers, this is what we are here for. To guide students THROUGH the mistake, not to keep them from making mistakes.

 

So here we are at another teaching shift. I'm adapting and learning and growing. And yes, I'm going to make mistakes, but I'd rather make a mistake because I was willing to try new things than make the mistake of burying my head in the sand.

 

The profession of teaching has changed dramatically in the last 15 years and I can't even begin to guess at what the next 15 will have in store, but I am excited and determined to become a better teacher each and every year!

Mini Golf for Kylie's 3rd Birthday

We have a very sad little mini golf course in our town.

Good thing it's cheap family fun.

We had never taken Kylie or Lexi, so we decided to go play after dinner.

Here are a few highlights.

Doug tried to help Kylie. She was pretty sure that she could figure it out for herself.

And look! Proof that I was there too.

At the end of the course. Kylie was mad that she had to give the ball back.

And there you have it. A little forced family fun to celebrate the big #3!!

3 more things

1.We took the kids to play miniature golf tonight. It was interesting. I tried to load the pictures, but they didn't load. (thanks blogger... ) Kylie turns 3 tomorrow and we thought it might be fun.  I'll load the pictures and let you decide.

2. I have a blister on my toe from running. I'm gonna say that again. I've run enough miles that I have a blister on my toe! I realize that I should not be happy or proud of that, but I am.  I also purchased a new pair of jeans this weekend. They were too big. I will take them back and purchase them in a size that I consider to be the holy grail. Crazy!!

3. Something incredible is happening to our family. Specifically for Maddie. I'll post more soon. I can't wait to tell everyone!

And that's it for now.  I've got to go get ready for our school's convocation tomorrow. I have to speak for a minute or two to a few hundred people. no pressure. ..eek.

a few things.

1. I pulled a muscle this week. I don't think I've ever pulled a muscle before. This is something adult-onset athletes have to learn to deal with. Don't you love the term adult-onset athletes.... it almost sounds like a terminal disease.  The term is from a book I read called No Need For Speed by John Bingham. It's a good book and well worth your time if you are wanting to start working out and are not an experienced athlete.

2. Teachers went back to work this week. I love my job and I love summer. I don't love in service. I really, really don't like wasted days spent in "training." A couple of the nuggets from one of the worst days... "if you are in a district that requires grades..." What teacher works in a district where grades aren't required????  What the heck? And how 'bout this one... "well, I didn't say I would use (such and such technique), I'm just presenting it to you" when I asked about something that was presented that would get a teacher in our district in trouble!!

3. My room is looking really cool. I may have found my theme for the rest of my teaching career. Well, maybe not. I'm pretty ADD about this kind of thing.

4. I am so thankful to live and work in my community. We had our annual meeting today with Maddie's teachers about her health and her health plan for school. Everyone is so completely supportive of Maddie and our family. I can't imagine how difficult our struggles would be if we truly had to fight for everything Maddie needed.

And that's it for today. I just didn't want you to think that I had vanished.

The Best Birthday Party Slacker Mom Ever

I happen to be a birthday party slacker mom. I am completely aware of this fault. Each year, I get a little worse.

For summer birthdays, I have figured out the best ever birthday party!! So attention all you closet slacker moms, you will want to take notes!

1. Reserve a tent at the local pool. We have "Splashville" and it's reasonably priced, my kids love it and it's convenient. Big perk: I don't have to clean my house pre or post party!!

2. Send an evite to the parents. Yep, evites are easy and free. Make sure your evite includes the parents. This is important later.

3. Go to the event a little early and get your kids sunscreened and swimming so that when guests arrive you can direct them to the correct area without the kids underfoot.

4. Swim. All those parents that came with their kids are now entertaining and supervising their own children. SCORE!

(poor Doug. Lexi's best friend was getting a little too close for comfort..)

5. After everyone swims a while, take everyone to the concession stand and buy ice cream and drinks. Believe me, the money spent at the concession stand is less than a custom cake! And, each kid gets to pick his/her own item. The kids LOVE THIS!!

6. Swim some more.

7. Open presents. (hey look! I'm in some pictures. cool.)

And there you have it. Kylie's 3rd birthday party.

And your 101 Birthday Parties for Slacker Moms is complete!