Photo belongs to Flicr user busy-pochi shared under Creative Commons
It’s been quite a while since I have written a post. I am now working in a new school and am just starting to feel like a part of this new community. Change is good and inevitable, but it definitely takes time to adjust.
In January of 2011, the staff at my former school was informed that our school would be a part of the Renaissance school program We were designated to be turned over to a charter organization. We spent several weeks learning about the Charter organizations, and wondering what it meant to be a turn-around school. There were meetings with the community and with the staff and students. We were a community in turmoil. The teachers were forced to make a decision whether they would re-apply for their jobs or just look elsewhere. The students were wondering what this new school would look like, and how the changes would affect them. Our team was breaking apart. Our school did not go charter due to some political mayhem, but it did become a Promise Academy, a new model within our public school system. All teachers were still required to either re-apply to the school, or search for a position elsewhere. The process dragged on so long that many teachers accepted positions in other school systems or at other schools within our district before the interview process even got started. It was a difficult time for everyone, a sad ending of the school year for both teachers and students. There were tears and hugs on that last day of school.
I interviewed for and accepted a position with a new school within our district. The first few months have been a time of adjustment. Getting to know new people, learning a new system. It’s funny how two schools within the same district can be so different. I have taught in several school systems, at different grade levels, and the only thing that remains constant for me is the kids. Kids are kids. They may have different abilities, or different family backgrounds, but they are just kids trying to live out their hopes and dreams.
So now that I am finally starting to get adjusted to the changes, I thought I might start sharing what we are doing in class this year. I would love your feedback. I have been teaching for 22 years, but I am still learning new things all the time. I am still trying to improve my craft, so please jump in with your ideas.
Thank you for your blog – your words (about change) are inspiring and were what I needed to read at the end of my day. This is my first year teaching high school at a new school system. The last fifteen years were spent in middle school – English, more writing and grammar than reading. I am learning so much this year – you are right about the one constant: kids are kids and that’s why we teach. I am teaching American Lit. for the first time since I had it in college – wow, the chain is old and rusty. I appreciate reading some of your ideas. Thanks!