Last Tuesday, my kids and I struggled together to conquer dimensional analysis. It was tough for all of us. My students were confused and frustrated, but they didn't give up. They kept asking the right questions and finding my (embarrassingly multiple) errors. My lesson plan was a flop, the method I had planned was a failure, and my kids didn't learn a thing that day.
I tried not to give up myself, and we went back over the objective on Wednesday. We spent over 30 minutes relearning what I failed to teach them the first time. I felt better about this admittedly difficult-to-teach objective by the end of the hour but still not sure if we were where we needed to be.
At the end of class, I gave them all teacher evaluation surveys. This is what they wrote:
"I always believe that I can and will achieve the goal for this class because Miss Cox is trying her best to teach me everything and in a short time and she's smart."
"I know my teacher cares about me because she have shown me and help me in class."
"She teach very good, always teaching happy."
"It's an AWSOME class!!!!!!!"
(This student whispered to his girlfriend, who is also in my class, to help him spell "awesome." Almost!)
I read and reread what my students wrote about me for over 10 minutes, smiling and laughing, maybe crying a little bit. Okay, yeah, crying. My students not only didn't give up on the content, but they didn't give up on me either.
Their trust in me has driven me to keep going. My students are the reason I teach. Even if I only have 6 of them (on most days).
Thank you to everyone for your kindness and support over the last week. I haven't felt alone for a second, and I don't think I'd be so positive right now without you. To my B'more family, my CMA group, and my family back in Kansas/Missouri... thank you. I love you.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Beginnings
Day 1.
My class has four students in it. They each bring their own stories to the class, but I think that they all have one thing in common: they hate chemistry. They hate the idea of it; they hate that they have to come to school in the summer to learn it; they hate that they are being force fed a year's worth of content in 18 days.
But they're here, all four of them, and that's a start.
Day 2.
Steven didn't come today. Yesterday he was loud and rambunctious. He was on his phone and he was disengaged, but he was there. After class I read his info survey.
"Three things people don't know about me: I fight but I hate it, I'm sweet, and I actually do care about school."
The other three students are wonderful. They're attentive, they're smart, they respond, and they ask questions when they're confused. I just hope that we have four students again tomorrow.
Day 3.
Making ice cream in class today!
All three of my students passed our objective with 100% mastery yesterday. They LEARNED. Today, we gained three more kids, and Steven is here! My collaborative partner (we both teach the same students, just at different times) called Steven last night. When he walked around the hallway corner toward my classroom this morning, he shook his head and smiled.
"Miss, y'all gone call my phone every time that y'all miss me?"
Steven is back.
Side note: I PASSED MY BIOLOGY PRAXIS. A standardized test says that I am qualified to teach the subject! HOLLA.
My class has four students in it. They each bring their own stories to the class, but I think that they all have one thing in common: they hate chemistry. They hate the idea of it; they hate that they have to come to school in the summer to learn it; they hate that they are being force fed a year's worth of content in 18 days.
But they're here, all four of them, and that's a start.
Day 2.
Steven didn't come today. Yesterday he was loud and rambunctious. He was on his phone and he was disengaged, but he was there. After class I read his info survey.
"Three things people don't know about me: I fight but I hate it, I'm sweet, and I actually do care about school."
The other three students are wonderful. They're attentive, they're smart, they respond, and they ask questions when they're confused. I just hope that we have four students again tomorrow.
Day 3.
Making ice cream in class today!
All three of my students passed our objective with 100% mastery yesterday. They LEARNED. Today, we gained three more kids, and Steven is here! My collaborative partner (we both teach the same students, just at different times) called Steven last night. When he walked around the hallway corner toward my classroom this morning, he shook his head and smiled.
"Miss, y'all gone call my phone every time that y'all miss me?"
Steven is back.
Side note: I PASSED MY BIOLOGY PRAXIS. A standardized test says that I am qualified to teach the subject! HOLLA.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Things that I am thankful for.
1. Baltimore.
This city is the perfect next step for me. I have a place in Fells and GREAT optimism for having an official placement in a school soon. Baltimore is a city of neighborhoods; each has its own feel and things to do. It's nicknamed "Small-timore," and believe it or not, it really has the type of small-town feel that I'm used to. The people are friendly and welcoming. B'more's also one of the most humid places I've ever lived, but we're all sweating together and are dealing with it together.
2. B'more Hardcore.
The biggest corps at institute (up 3 on D.C), we are nearly 200 strong and even stronger in our corps rapport. We yell obnoxiously (one cause, one corps, B'more, hardcore) at least once a day and put a lot of effort into saying hi to each other. It sounds silly, but we need a crazy amount of positivity in this sleep deprived, stress ridden environment. It's not too much of either of those things yet, but we know it's coming along with our students next week.
3. Edison High School
Shine on! This is the high school where I will be teaching chemistry this summer to Philly 10th graders who didn't quite get it the first time around. The school is monstrous (like, total enrollment is around 2800), and the summer school program itself has about 750 students enrolled. I'm completely relearning everything about lesson planning. I'm afraid that Christy Khan's KU School of Education clap pattern is not going to work for Philly classrooms. I'm on the same level as everyone else who have little to no background in education.
4. My roommates
Yeah, we totally got placed in alphabetical order and have no control over who is always around us, but the people around ME are incredible people. I mean, everyone's intelligent, inspired, and kind, but these girls are solid. I've signed my lease with three of them, Allie, Alexis and Courtney from Jersey, New York and Maine. Yep. Very east coast dominated vibe all-in-all. As far as I know, I'm definitely the only one from Kansas here (definitely in B'more corps).
5. Internet
I didn't have it for the last week. My ethernet port is non-functional on my computer, which I'm quickly realizing is a great excuse to make getting a new one a priority. My wireless also wasn't working since leaving home, but thankfully that's been cleared up. I'm quickly seeing that I'm going to have little to no time to blog faithfully, and "I'm sorry" to my friends and family in Kansas (and in France) who have no clue why I've been out of touch. I love you all and hope to get a chance to share again soon!
This city is the perfect next step for me. I have a place in Fells and GREAT optimism for having an official placement in a school soon. Baltimore is a city of neighborhoods; each has its own feel and things to do. It's nicknamed "Small-timore," and believe it or not, it really has the type of small-town feel that I'm used to. The people are friendly and welcoming. B'more's also one of the most humid places I've ever lived, but we're all sweating together and are dealing with it together.
2. B'more Hardcore.
The biggest corps at institute (up 3 on D.C), we are nearly 200 strong and even stronger in our corps rapport. We yell obnoxiously (one cause, one corps, B'more, hardcore) at least once a day and put a lot of effort into saying hi to each other. It sounds silly, but we need a crazy amount of positivity in this sleep deprived, stress ridden environment. It's not too much of either of those things yet, but we know it's coming along with our students next week.
3. Edison High School
Shine on! This is the high school where I will be teaching chemistry this summer to Philly 10th graders who didn't quite get it the first time around. The school is monstrous (like, total enrollment is around 2800), and the summer school program itself has about 750 students enrolled. I'm completely relearning everything about lesson planning. I'm afraid that Christy Khan's KU School of Education clap pattern is not going to work for Philly classrooms. I'm on the same level as everyone else who have little to no background in education.
4. My roommates
Yeah, we totally got placed in alphabetical order and have no control over who is always around us, but the people around ME are incredible people. I mean, everyone's intelligent, inspired, and kind, but these girls are solid. I've signed my lease with three of them, Allie, Alexis and Courtney from Jersey, New York and Maine. Yep. Very east coast dominated vibe all-in-all. As far as I know, I'm definitely the only one from Kansas here (definitely in B'more corps).
5. Internet
I didn't have it for the last week. My ethernet port is non-functional on my computer, which I'm quickly realizing is a great excuse to make getting a new one a priority. My wireless also wasn't working since leaving home, but thankfully that's been cleared up. I'm quickly seeing that I'm going to have little to no time to blog faithfully, and "I'm sorry" to my friends and family in Kansas (and in France) who have no clue why I've been out of touch. I love you all and hope to get a chance to share again soon!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
The Hardest Goodbye
When I was a kid, I devised elaborate plans of how I would grow up to be a teacher in good ol' Mulvane, Kansas. I'd be just like my third grade teacher, Mrs. Fike, who was my favorite because her husband owned a movie theater and she brought us huge bags of popcorn once a week. The arrangement would be perfect- I would be able to live with my mom even as a grown up! I dreamed of this perfect future as my mom, who I just knew was the most beautiful woman in the world, rubbed, patted, and tickled my back until I fell asleep.
"You'll have to find a husband who will rub your back for you," she'd say. I'd smile and nod, but I knew I'd never need a husband. Mom could have the job for life.
I went to high school, and I couldn't wait to move out. Then I went to college, and I couldn't wait to come back home for break. And now I'm moving to Baltimore, Maryland, the biggest step in my life so far. 1285 miles from Mulvane, the original dream, and 1285 miles away from my mom. That's more daunting than teaching 150 high schoolers a subject that I didn't major in.
My mom has unwaveringly been on my side for nearly 23 years. She worked full time my whole life but never missed a volleyball, basketball or softball game, track meet, piano recital, or band concert... she let me do that many extracurriculars and never complained about it. She has stood up for me when I didn't know to stand up for myself. She rubbed my back until I fell asleep all the way up til middle school, and admittedly, some nights in high school when I needed a dose of nostalgia.
I know I'm doing what I should be doing. I'm getting a head start at the career I've always wanted and the opportunity to attend one of the greatest universities out there. I'll be working with kids who will change the way I look at the world. I'll gain experiences that will make me a better, stronger person.
But I wouldn't be good or strong enough to do these things in the first place without my biggest supporter, my role model, and my best friend. I'm here, taking these wonderful opportunities, because of the the hard work she put into getting me here.
1285 miles just seems entirely too far away.
"You'll have to find a husband who will rub your back for you," she'd say. I'd smile and nod, but I knew I'd never need a husband. Mom could have the job for life.
I went to high school, and I couldn't wait to move out. Then I went to college, and I couldn't wait to come back home for break. And now I'm moving to Baltimore, Maryland, the biggest step in my life so far. 1285 miles from Mulvane, the original dream, and 1285 miles away from my mom. That's more daunting than teaching 150 high schoolers a subject that I didn't major in.
My mom has unwaveringly been on my side for nearly 23 years. She worked full time my whole life but never missed a volleyball, basketball or softball game, track meet, piano recital, or band concert... she let me do that many extracurriculars and never complained about it. She has stood up for me when I didn't know to stand up for myself. She rubbed my back until I fell asleep all the way up til middle school, and admittedly, some nights in high school when I needed a dose of nostalgia.
I know I'm doing what I should be doing. I'm getting a head start at the career I've always wanted and the opportunity to attend one of the greatest universities out there. I'll be working with kids who will change the way I look at the world. I'll gain experiences that will make me a better, stronger person.
But I wouldn't be good or strong enough to do these things in the first place without my biggest supporter, my role model, and my best friend. I'm here, taking these wonderful opportunities, because of the the hard work she put into getting me here.
1285 miles just seems entirely too far away.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
13 days!
As the number of days left between me and Baltimore are drastically decreasing, my stress levels are significantly increasing. How will all of my clothes fit into my suitcase? Do I really need all of things? Should I buy sheets here or wait until I get there? Where will I live when I get there? What AM I doing?
So it's easier to break it down into tiny steps. My focus right now is on Saturday: the Biology Content Praxis II exam. I'm finally feeling comfortable about the exam. My practice test scores have gone from 65% to 85% over the last six weeks, and I only need about a 70% to pass the test. I can DO this! (but I could still use your thoughts when Saturday rolls around. I am, after all, still an English major at heart).
When that's done (and I've finished cleaning my apartment in Lawrence), it will be time to focus on the pre-work I need to get done for Induction and Institute. It's a hefty amount, probably about 35 hours worth, but it shouldn't be a problem. I think (I haven't exactly looked at it yet) that it's mostly focused around the pedagogy of the job, and since I majored in education, this shouldn't be as big of a stretch as biology has been.
I'm very excited for Institute. I've received lots of information in the last week about what will happen when I get there, including interviewing with district principals and dinners with alumni and current corps members. I've applied for the Johns Hopkins School of Education. I've sent in every single piece of required paperwork. I've printed every informational piece of paper I've come across and organized them in a three-ring binder... that may not have been necessary, but I feel better after doing it. I'm reading about Inductions that have started in other regions and can't wait to share my experiences with others as well.
I can do this. I'm ready. Now I just have to wait.
So it's easier to break it down into tiny steps. My focus right now is on Saturday: the Biology Content Praxis II exam. I'm finally feeling comfortable about the exam. My practice test scores have gone from 65% to 85% over the last six weeks, and I only need about a 70% to pass the test. I can DO this! (but I could still use your thoughts when Saturday rolls around. I am, after all, still an English major at heart).
When that's done (and I've finished cleaning my apartment in Lawrence), it will be time to focus on the pre-work I need to get done for Induction and Institute. It's a hefty amount, probably about 35 hours worth, but it shouldn't be a problem. I think (I haven't exactly looked at it yet) that it's mostly focused around the pedagogy of the job, and since I majored in education, this shouldn't be as big of a stretch as biology has been.
I'm very excited for Institute. I've received lots of information in the last week about what will happen when I get there, including interviewing with district principals and dinners with alumni and current corps members. I've applied for the Johns Hopkins School of Education. I've sent in every single piece of required paperwork. I've printed every informational piece of paper I've come across and organized them in a three-ring binder... that may not have been necessary, but I feel better after doing it. I'm reading about Inductions that have started in other regions and can't wait to share my experiences with others as well.
I can do this. I'm ready. Now I just have to wait.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
What's next?
There are 8,000,000 steps between me and Baltimore, and only about a month to take them all. Between trying to graduate, pre-work for Institute, preparing to move, and learning a couple years' worth of biology... it's a little overwhelming.
How am I prepping for the move? By watching The Wire, of course. I've picked out the neighborhood I want to live in; I'm dying to move into a colorful row house in Charles Village. I bought a gallon of paint to get my room back to its standard drab. I've also packed about 200 of my books into boxes. That's as far as I've gotten.
I love studying biology. I'm still learning about cell processes; these things are amazing! I've never spent so much time learning about how living things work, and I'm totally geeking out about how interesting it is. Most of it is stuff I've learned before, and it's a been a crash course review to cram it all in my head before June 11th (test day!).
I'll go to Baltimore for the first time in my life when I move there on June 21st. I've already done all of the paperwork to get there--fingerprinted, TB-tested, FBI background-checked... All for a week in Baltimore, a month in Philadelphia, then back to Baltimore to get ready for school. I won't be back in Kansas until the first major holiday I can make it back for. I'm reminded today of what the toughest part will... being so far away from my mom. My mom's my best friend.
Don't want to think about that just yet.
How am I prepping for the move? By watching The Wire, of course. I've picked out the neighborhood I want to live in; I'm dying to move into a colorful row house in Charles Village. I bought a gallon of paint to get my room back to its standard drab. I've also packed about 200 of my books into boxes. That's as far as I've gotten.
I love studying biology. I'm still learning about cell processes; these things are amazing! I've never spent so much time learning about how living things work, and I'm totally geeking out about how interesting it is. Most of it is stuff I've learned before, and it's a been a crash course review to cram it all in my head before June 11th (test day!).
I'll go to Baltimore for the first time in my life when I move there on June 21st. I've already done all of the paperwork to get there--fingerprinted, TB-tested, FBI background-checked... All for a week in Baltimore, a month in Philadelphia, then back to Baltimore to get ready for school. I won't be back in Kansas until the first major holiday I can make it back for. I'm reminded today of what the toughest part will... being so far away from my mom. My mom's my best friend.
Don't want to think about that just yet.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Accepted
After three long months of stressful applications, recommendations, interviews and late nights awake worrying, I've done it! I've reached the end of it all, and I couldn't be happier with the results of my hard work.
On August 29th, 2011, I will welcome my first students into my sparkly biology classroom in Baltimore, Maryland. Yes, it will be sparkly.
I'm afraid my teaching won't be sparkly for the first few months/semesters/years. There's no way KU's School of Ed has prepared me for what I'm going to face in the schools of B'more (I'm trying to do the cool abbreviations already). At the same time, I'm not scared, like it seems some think I should be. I'm confident that I can handle it; my uneasiness comes when I think about effective lesson planning and differentiation, not relating to the kids. I've pursued this career BECAUSE of the kind of students I'm going to have in Baltimore. I can't think of another environment I'd rather work in.
I don't know what to think about the teaching biology part just yet. I know I can do it, but there are tests to pass and completely new lesson plans to dream up between now and then. Really though, cutting up frogs and making models of cells sounds like a lot more fun than dissecting Shakespeare and writing haiku poems any day. Honestly, I've been conflicted about teaching English for the last few months. I think I love reading and literature too much to force feed it to students who don't want to love it like I do. Hopefully science can be something we all can love.
I'm so grateful for everyone who has helped me get here. I would have never applied for TFA if I hadn't met and worked with the people I did on my Alternative Break in Chicago, and I would not have survived the stress of the last three months without my support systems in Lawrence and Mulvane. Thank you ALL, and I look forward to sharing my stories with you throughout the next two years!
On August 29th, 2011, I will welcome my first students into my sparkly biology classroom in Baltimore, Maryland. Yes, it will be sparkly.
I'm afraid my teaching won't be sparkly for the first few months/semesters/years. There's no way KU's School of Ed has prepared me for what I'm going to face in the schools of B'more (I'm trying to do the cool abbreviations already). At the same time, I'm not scared, like it seems some think I should be. I'm confident that I can handle it; my uneasiness comes when I think about effective lesson planning and differentiation, not relating to the kids. I've pursued this career BECAUSE of the kind of students I'm going to have in Baltimore. I can't think of another environment I'd rather work in.
I don't know what to think about the teaching biology part just yet. I know I can do it, but there are tests to pass and completely new lesson plans to dream up between now and then. Really though, cutting up frogs and making models of cells sounds like a lot more fun than dissecting Shakespeare and writing haiku poems any day. Honestly, I've been conflicted about teaching English for the last few months. I think I love reading and literature too much to force feed it to students who don't want to love it like I do. Hopefully science can be something we all can love.
I'm so grateful for everyone who has helped me get here. I would have never applied for TFA if I hadn't met and worked with the people I did on my Alternative Break in Chicago, and I would not have survived the stress of the last three months without my support systems in Lawrence and Mulvane. Thank you ALL, and I look forward to sharing my stories with you throughout the next two years!
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