Not Your Average Teacher

30 First Days

// August 21st, 2009 // 10 Comments » // Comments, Features

I (Jarred) am lucky to have a great support system in my new school, and wanted to see what the first day of school feels like for a true veteran of the field.  Doreen has been an amazing team leader for me so far, and has welcomed any question or problem I’ve had with open arms.  I know people like her are not in every school, but I wish they could so every new or pre-service teacher could see what it means to find a great “fit” in a school.  Here is Doreen’s version of first day jitters:

I’m in such good spirits today!  It’s Friday and it’s been a great start to the school year.
As always, I spent several sleepless nights before the first day of school.  Do I have everything ready?  How will I do things differently this year?  What more can I do to make school fun and exciting?  One would think when I’ve had 30 first days of school I’d feel more at ease with it, but the “butterflies” come each year.  I guess I’m glad they do.  I think it means that I’m still excited about what I do.  I must admit that the job never gets any easier and actually seems much more difficult than when I started.  But I still walk out of school each day, glad for the job I have, for the opportunities I have to make a difference, and for the outstanding people I work with.  At least I feel like that almost every day!

Thanks Doreen.  I encourage anyone else that wants to share their first day/week stories with us here (hint-hint CT’s!!).  As a pre-service and now a service teacher, it is always nice to know the nerves never go away!

Back in School again!

// August 20th, 2009 // 3 Comments » // Comments

The students are back in buildings and the energy is there once again. There is something special about the first day and this year the NYAT team is working within the Lincoln Public Schools teaching everyday. We are excited and ready for the challenge. Keep in touch and for all the new teachers and pre-service teachers please send in some comments on how the start of the year is going for you. Remember we have space if you want to blog with us!

Lets get it started again

// August 12th, 2009 // 2 Comments » // Comments

A quick energy podcast from 2 enthused teachers.  We are about to embark on our fall journey of teaching.  Welcome Back Listeners

[display_podcast]

Brand New Day

// August 11th, 2009 // 8 Comments » // Comments

I sometimes have a problem allowing myself to see the good in things that are happening in my life. A week ago I was uncertain about my path and if I would be teaching beyond subbing this fall. I just got offered and accepted a job in the local district of Lincoln Public Schools and I am excited, nervous and hopeful. I will be an Instructional Technology Coach, which is a newly created position. I feel a bit as if I about to enter the Wonka Factory and am not sure what to expect.  There is a lot of room for creative development so I am excited.  I want to say thank you to all in my personal learning network who have helped bring me to this point. Thinking about and reflecting on education with you all has been huge to my professional development. Tomorrow I will meet the rest of the team I will be working on and I am looking forward to being a change agent in the district. I will keep you all posted as to how things look and what cool new projects are coming along in my realm. I know now that I will be expanding my digital presence and working to integrate tech into curricula. Collaboration is the name of the game on this block. Again thanks and to all the new teachers out there this year, good luck and keep in touch.

“We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of dreams”

Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka

Dale

Another First

// August 4th, 2009 // 2 Comments » // Comments

Hey everyone, this is Jarred. I just wanted to drop a quick note about how great and relaxing this summer has been. Dale and I have been hard at work in many avenues of our lives, and this site has unfortunately taken a bit of a back seat as we figure out the next steps in our lives. I was recently hired at Mickle Middle School here in Lincoln and my first day of new teacher training/orientation starts tomorrow. I am super excited to start, and I can’t wait to share my first year experiences with you all. I want to extend a huge thank you to this network as well as all of you that have helped me get to this point. I wouldn’t be here without you all.
In the near future, you will see a lot more content on this site, as we will each have new experiences and thoughts to share. Keep on the lookout, and do not be afraid to add suggestions about what you would like to see on this site.

Wish me luck!