Dear Christmas Break,
It has been a long time since I have last seen you. I am in dire need of your aid. Please contact me ASAP...
It took approximately 6 1/2 days after the installation of my new SmartBoard ...6 1/2 days before it was vandalized. One of my high school students, yes, sadly nearing adulthood, decided it was a wonderful idea to write on the SmartBoard in pencil. This piece of technology, worth more than these kids could even fathom, has served as the center piece of the classroom for the last week. The excitement and the novelty are still tangible, yet there I was, stunned as watched in horror as my student proceeded to glide the sharpened led tip across the delicate white screen...I went from giving no detentions all of first quarter, to writing two detentions within a matter of a week and a half.
Irony...one of many literary devices I have introduced to my students. The irony on this night is that yet again, as I write, the freshly baked cookies for tomorrow's Christmas pizza party lie cooling on my counter. I am frustrated beyond belief by laziness, apathy, and on days like today, disrespect. Yet somehow, I still love all 16 members of the crazy bunch that I will forever call the first of my very own students. Good and bad, thick and thin, they are teaching me more than I could ever hope or pray to teach them. As I write mid-term after mid-term, starting from scratch, I can't help but reflect on the foundation that I thought was so rooted up to this point. Little did I know, a seed had merely been planted. Now the real task begins, pruning and preparing myself, as well as the seedlings I have carefully monitored and guided, to weather the storm...the dry, cold, and sometimes lonely winter storm of wondering what comes next. Some days I can barely see in front of me, blinded by the flurries and fog of confusion and frustration. Thankfully, the occasional glimpse of the sun serves as a reminder that there is always light at the end of the tunnel and with every winter comes the smell of roses blooming in the Spring. I pray that eventually, with time and care, I can see the vibrant colors of spring, present in each of the unique seeds that I encounter daily.
Weathering the Winter Winds,
Ms Phillips
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
"It's because teachers don't get paid enough..."
It was Friday, a mere hour and half before the dismissal bell would be sounding, signaling the end of what had proved to be one of the longest weeks thus far and what would hopefully be the beginning of a relaxing and fun weekend. My patience had worn thin over the previous 4 days as well as the hours that had led up to this point. My frustration was no longer hidden. The students FINALLY seemed to catch on that Ms. Phillips was no longer joking. One observative student, comparatively, that is, paused for a moment. "I think I know why Ms. Phillips is so mad," he said as if having had a revelation, "...it's because teachers don't get paid enough." ...Who knew that students could read minds?!
Though last week was full of ups and downs; I must say, experiencing my first car accident on top of everything else was less than pleasant. However, in retrospect, it could have been much worse. I figure, if I managed to somehow maintain an ounce of sanity after last week...I can do this whole teaching thing! I kept repeating this mantra as I hit snooze for the 5th time this morning(sadly, no exaggeration here).
Today, after a long, cold day of dealing with students and parents, e-mails, phone calls, crises of all makes and models, I wasn't so confident in my choice of careers. I wanted to run home to my bed and wake up to a sea of solutions rather than an array of problems. Then I remembered, this is the real world and I am an adult now...that's a shame! Unfortunately, that wasn't the only thing I remembered. As it turns out, I have a 1/2 day training tomorrow, which meant I needed to put together sub plans. At this point it was 5 o'clock. 6pm rolled around and not only was the parking lot was empty but the cleaning man nearly ran me out of my classroom. I packed up and relocated to COSI, where I could keep working and eat quickly, refueling before the band concert I had promised to attend. Thankfully, the concert was a high point of the day, as I watched 2 of my students, one of which had a solo. They were in their element, and thankfully, I was able to see them in a different light, as they shined brightly on stage!
Big week...SmartBoard is being installed...pray that all goes well and mission is finally accomplished! Together, my students and I will welcome the Mod. into the 21st century...it's about time!
Peace,
Ms. Phillips
Though last week was full of ups and downs; I must say, experiencing my first car accident on top of everything else was less than pleasant. However, in retrospect, it could have been much worse. I figure, if I managed to somehow maintain an ounce of sanity after last week...I can do this whole teaching thing! I kept repeating this mantra as I hit snooze for the 5th time this morning(sadly, no exaggeration here).
Today, after a long, cold day of dealing with students and parents, e-mails, phone calls, crises of all makes and models, I wasn't so confident in my choice of careers. I wanted to run home to my bed and wake up to a sea of solutions rather than an array of problems. Then I remembered, this is the real world and I am an adult now...that's a shame! Unfortunately, that wasn't the only thing I remembered. As it turns out, I have a 1/2 day training tomorrow, which meant I needed to put together sub plans. At this point it was 5 o'clock. 6pm rolled around and not only was the parking lot was empty but the cleaning man nearly ran me out of my classroom. I packed up and relocated to COSI, where I could keep working and eat quickly, refueling before the band concert I had promised to attend. Thankfully, the concert was a high point of the day, as I watched 2 of my students, one of which had a solo. They were in their element, and thankfully, I was able to see them in a different light, as they shined brightly on stage!
Big week...SmartBoard is being installed...pray that all goes well and mission is finally accomplished! Together, my students and I will welcome the Mod. into the 21st century...it's about time!
Peace,
Ms. Phillips
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