I currently teach seventh grade English Language Development (ELD) and eighth grade AVID. This is my first year teaching at the middle school level. I taught high school for fifteen years before leaving to become an administrator of sorts at my school district office. After two years of that, I’m teaching middle school. When the school year began I had no idea even how tall a seventh grader would be, despite having filled in on numerous occasions as Assistant Principal for a different middle school. The idea of a whole classroom of them was not something I’d ever seriously entertained.
Since I am a teacher researcher (a teacher inquirer?) and like to write articles about what happens in my classroom, I decided to approach this new teaching venture as an inquirer. For the time being I will use this blog as my notes spot. I wish it could be one of those blogs where I share all the wonderful ideas I’ve got with other teachers, but I can guarantee it won’t be. Not right away, at least. I’m afraid it might just be one of those blogs where I express my puzzlement (okay, frustration) at all that is happening. Maybe even use a bad word every so often. Sorry if that offends you. If a “good teacher” blog is your search goal, you might want to search further for this year, because I have a feeling it might be a long year for me.
On a brighter note, I’m an avid photographer. I’m trying to see the story in the photos I take, and I do believe they are getting a little better. I only know that because when I see photos that other people take with my camera I don’t think they are as good as mine. Of course, that is just what I think. Obviously I’m only a little modest. (Modestly modest.)
Enough about me. I hope you enjoy the blog. I’d love to hear from you, so feel welcome to leave a comment!
UPDATE: I am beginning a second year of teaching seventh grade. Last year was everything I imagined and way more. Actually I never imagined it would be like it was. My mind just didn’t stretch that far. Suffice to say that I was surprised on a lot of levels, not all related to kids or teaching them. A few of my posts are hidden from view – sorry about that, but some things needed to not be viewable by everyone, yet still recorded for the purpose of inquiry.
I’m getting ready for another year, this time beginning more purposefully and with some background knowledge. I would love and appreciate comments!
