Wow, did someone say I'm almost done?
HeatThis week was unique because it was our hottest yet. It is getting to the middle of July, and it is Michigan heat and humidity peak time. It has brought a new challenge since the classrooms do not have air conditioning, and this adds to the stress of the students, and teachers for that matter. We actually got dismissed early one day because it was so hot, and it continues to remind me about the importance of the conditions in which our students work.
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Late WorkAs a student, I often thought what's the big deal about late work? I used to naively think that teachers made such a fuss over grading assignments three weeks late because my thinking was they should just be happy it's done, right? Wrong, the task of figuring out what assignment they are even making up is daunting, and going through a list of six of more assignments they need to do in the next couple days is even more overwhelming on their part. Many of them just call a quits in seeing the length of the list, which is also discouraging. So how exactly do we encourage them and get them to turn in the assignments on time? I'm starting to realize why many teachers have these policies in place, and it is making me consider more closely how far late I will accept late work, for both my sanity, and the student's.
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Breaking ThroughThis week, I've continued to break through my students walls, and also the other teachers in the building. I'm learning to find myself in this school, and creating a place that is comfortable. The teachers are getting used to seeing me, and including me in their conversations, and their ideas. More students are feeling comfortable explaining to me their goals like going to college, being a nurse, or reuniting with their families. I'm learning more every day about their history, and the challenges they've already faced. It is nice to know, and it is helpful when planning these lessons. I got into teaching because I have a passion for it, and that passion stems from the love of people. I love human interactions, and learning to trust another person. Working at this school has reminded me over and over again what a valuable trait this is, what a rewarding passion it is, and what an incredible future I have in front of me.
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Recent News
There is another intern at my school, and she works in a classroom downstairs. We completed this video project about our community and school, and it reminds me that this school is a family something the news often forgets
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Working with these students has made me reconsider my future in many ways, but the biggest would be that I never really considered myself a "city girl". However, I'm starting to enjoy it more and more. I could see myself teaching in an Urban district in the future now, and I'm excited to say that teaching these students has taught me so much about myself, like learning to explain better, expressing opinions clearly, showing praise, remember that a sassy attitude goes a long way, and that respect is only earned when it is given. I thank these students for teaching me more than an education course ever could because they showed me real life examples, and expressed their concerns. I just hope I taught as much as I learned.
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Photos used under Creative Commons from wildscapes2012, torbakhopper, symphony of love, Exile on Ontario St