Well, it was almost like 1st year teaching again except that I had a veteran teacher's resources to use and an awesome mentor/colleague. Even with the frustrations that are inevitable in a middle school/junior high classroom, I still want to do this. Am I crazy?? (don't answer that!) At the very least I will be back as a sub this next year.
What else did I survive?? My independent study economics 110 class. It literally took me the full year to finish (mainly because I was full-time in the classroom) but I have completed everything. I am now just waiting to see the grade for the final test and overall course grade. After that, I can get a more permanent teaching license in ND and it will increase the subjects the state says I am qualified to teach. :D
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Pseudo Mrs. Cartmill's classroom
Well, this is as close as I've gotten since MVA in Murray, UT. I have been long term substituting in a US History 8th grade classroom. It's really Mr. Thompson's classroom but I'll take what I can get. I think I'm doing ok. The kids' lack of discipline and respect is where I've had some problems. This week I'm going to start using Citizenship grades to help them learn how to manage themselves. I hope it works for them. Perhaps seeing their grades can be positively affected by good behavior will be the key. Maybe their parents will also see.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
So, the last 3 weeks I have finally been able to substitute in U.S. History @ the junior high school. The first 2 weeks were a combination of only afternoons and a full-day. I taught the Bill of Rights based on his materials. 3rd week was odd but has turned into 7 straight days of full days assignment. With the help of the other teacher that does 8th grade history/7th grade geography, I'm teaching a little ND government. She gave me materials but I am deciding what to do - all the fun of teaching without most of the preparation. Since our state legislature is currently in session, I'm going to come up with my own activity for Wednesday. I feel like this is going really well.
Other than a few behavioral problems, the students are a good group. That is normal. Their teacher had a surgery and they've had other subs in rotation before I arrived. The continuity should help and I hope they are actually learning something. Of course, it's not the same as their normal teacher who has been teaching since I was a newborn. He has so many more side stories and examples. I am keeping it simple and just trying to do a good job. I hope that this leads to something more permanent.
The only drawback to this whole thing is that I'm falling behind on the last class I am doing via Independent Study. It's a good thing I have until July. It's the last class I need to meet the requirements set by the ND Ed Standards and Practices Board for a regular (vs my current interim) license.
Other than a few behavioral problems, the students are a good group. That is normal. Their teacher had a surgery and they've had other subs in rotation before I arrived. The continuity should help and I hope they are actually learning something. Of course, it's not the same as their normal teacher who has been teaching since I was a newborn. He has so many more side stories and examples. I am keeping it simple and just trying to do a good job. I hope that this leads to something more permanent.
The only drawback to this whole thing is that I'm falling behind on the last class I am doing via Independent Study. It's a good thing I have until July. It's the last class I need to meet the requirements set by the ND Ed Standards and Practices Board for a regular (vs my current interim) license.
Friday, August 20, 2010
No real classroom... yet
I'm already stalking the schools and staking out my claims. No full-time job yet but I'm letting them know I'm ready to sub. I even approached the Econ teacher at the H.S. who is also a football coach to let him know I'm available. I think he's going to have me do his class in the spring when he is in D.C. for a week. We'll see. That's a long way off. I talked to him before the parent meeting for football so that he would keep me in mind when they have to leave early for away games.
Speaking of which, I'm doing my last Econ class via BYU Independent Study. If I can motivate myself, I could be done before Christmas. The problem is motivation without a schedule and during the summer. I do great when someone else tells me when to turn something in, but when it's open ended, not so much. I WILL get this done and have my full certificate! I will be eligible for all social studies courses instead of a limited list (which is still pretty comprehensive.)
Speaking of which, I'm doing my last Econ class via BYU Independent Study. If I can motivate myself, I could be done before Christmas. The problem is motivation without a schedule and during the summer. I do great when someone else tells me when to turn something in, but when it's open ended, not so much. I WILL get this done and have my full certificate! I will be eligible for all social studies courses instead of a limited list (which is still pretty comprehensive.)
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The EVIL Praxis Content exam
I passed the Praxis II Social Studies Content exam!!! Only 1 more course to finish to get my regular (versus interim) ND license. :D
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Summer time is almost here...
Spring is a busy time to sub here in Dickinson. Spring sports - specifically track - have A LOT of competitions. The majority of them are during school and not in our time zone. The best part is that one of the coaches teaches social studies and he trusts me enough to teach his classes. Literally teach. Not monitor worksheet time or watch movies (although there is some of that since the classes are 90 mins long).
Still no job prospects but more than half way done with classes and tests to get a permanent certificate here. One independent study class in June. One Praxis test in June. Last class in the fall. I'm okay with subbing for a while. My turn will come... either that or we will move again and I'll have to start the certification process in ANOTHER state. ;)
Still no job prospects but more than half way done with classes and tests to get a permanent certificate here. One independent study class in June. One Praxis test in June. Last class in the fall. I'm okay with subbing for a while. My turn will come... either that or we will move again and I'll have to start the certification process in ANOTHER state. ;)
Monday, December 7, 2009
So, I'm getting used to the school system here in Dickinson, ND. I'm subbing quite often. I like the junior high school. The teachers are friendly. The students are good considering they are 12-14 yr olds who mostly would rather be doing anything other than sitting in school.
Once again, I think I will have a hard time finding a full-time gig but I was telling someone that I think part-time would be even better. If I could do about 4 classes a day, that would be awesome. It wouldn't be an overload and I'd have time to get my feet wet. Unfortunately, I was chatting with some of the junior high faculty and they are concerned about the upcoming enrollment drop (which will be followed by an increase since there has been a swelling of the lower elementary grades). So, the 2 position they anticipate the district could cut include a social studies position. Great. Here we go again. But the kids told me one history teacher is leaving (and she's young) and there is another one that has been teaching as long as I've been alive. To make it even worse, they are like, wonder what will happen when these smaller classes get to the H.S. So, lest I feel confident, let's makes sure I'm discouraged about employment prospects around here.
I will continue to sub and hopefully that makes a positive impression. In the meantime, the State of North Dakota has me working on an economics minor, taking 2 required tests, North Dakota history, and a Diversity class. By the end of spring, I will have completed 12 of 18 credits all online. WooHoo! Keepin' the dream alive.
Once again, I think I will have a hard time finding a full-time gig but I was telling someone that I think part-time would be even better. If I could do about 4 classes a day, that would be awesome. It wouldn't be an overload and I'd have time to get my feet wet. Unfortunately, I was chatting with some of the junior high faculty and they are concerned about the upcoming enrollment drop (which will be followed by an increase since there has been a swelling of the lower elementary grades). So, the 2 position they anticipate the district could cut include a social studies position. Great. Here we go again. But the kids told me one history teacher is leaving (and she's young) and there is another one that has been teaching as long as I've been alive. To make it even worse, they are like, wonder what will happen when these smaller classes get to the H.S. So, lest I feel confident, let's makes sure I'm discouraged about employment prospects around here.
I will continue to sub and hopefully that makes a positive impression. In the meantime, the State of North Dakota has me working on an economics minor, taking 2 required tests, North Dakota history, and a Diversity class. By the end of spring, I will have completed 12 of 18 credits all online. WooHoo! Keepin' the dream alive.
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