Change is a comin'

Well 2014 is coming to an end. I cannot believe how much has happened in this year. From graduating college to starting my first career. I am thankful for the amazing year it has been. There has been so much change in my life and it has been for the better. I feel more alive and more myself that I ever have. 

With that being said there is another huge change that will be occurring as 2015 begins. I will be switching from the 6th Grade Jere Baxter Math Teacher to the 6th Grade Jere Baxter Reading Literacy Teacher. The change is going to be an good switch and will be best for my students. It is going to be an interesting transition but it is going to be one that is worth it. 

As for the rest of my break. I am going to be researching everything I can about the English  Language Arts subject. How to set up and run a reading/literacy classroom. What to do when students aren't on grade-level reading. There is so much in store for the future. 

With all that said. I ask that if anyone who reads this has resources, links or ideas, they will be very greatly appreciated!!

First Semester Done

WOW!!! I have completed one semester as a teacher. I have taught for five months of the ten month school year. One half of the year is over. There are only 18 weeks until Summer Break. There are only about 15 weeks until TCAP testing. But I have accomplished what some cannot. I am half way done with my first year. 

That being said, I want to take a time-out and just reflect on the amazing time I have been having. 

First and foremost my kids make it worth it. I know that at times I complain about them. I know at times I am disappointed in them. However, no matter what they make every day worth it. If it weren't for them there would be no reason for me to be coming to work every day. Those kids mean the world to me. Even the trouble makers that make the day a little tough to get through. 

 

Just a small group of my sixth graders. It is so great to reflect on what a year it has been and how I have already seen these kids grow. 

Secondly my teach at Jere Baxter. I cannot even begin to speak highly of them. They are tremendous. I am on a four man team with three lovely women. Willingham, McCaskill and Wade have all been role models and mentors of mine at Jere Baxter. Our administration has put their necks out for all of us and have been on our side no matter what. Campbell, Green and Harrington are what is going to make Jere Baxter an excellent school where all students can receive an excellent education. Our math team is just as amazing. Basely, Bohle, and Collins have been great people to go to as fellow math teachers. I cannot imagine Jere Baxter without them. I have gone to them countless times in need of math advice.

Lastly my friends. Nashville has turned out to be a place where I have a group of friends that mean so much to me. In seven months have have made friendships that will last a lifetime. We have gone through so much together. They have helped me grow and become a new man. I have transformed into a different person. It has been an amazing,wild ride. 

I cannot believe that I have made it this far. I am humbled and ecstatic to move forward and see what the next semester brings. I can't wait to see how much more is in store for me as a teacher at Jere Baxter Middle Prep. 

End of Calendar Year Advice

As a first year teacher, everything is a lesson to learn. No one realizes how much teachers are learning while they are teaching. So to say the least, I have learned more in my five months of teaching than I have in my 22 years of living. I truly mean that. I have learned about myself, colleagues and students. 

One thing I have learned and feel called to pass on to other first year teachers in the future, is to never plan a test for sixth graders right before a large break. I made this mistake this year and it was not a good idea. Students are ready to leave, they have checked out. Teachers are exhausted and need a long winters nap. There is no reason to really do it. I will never in my life as a teacher, plan a test within the last three days as teachers. 

If you so feel called to do the same thing, please be warned. 

From a lesson-learned first-year teacher.