Been Awhile ... Some Thoughts on the 2nd Half

So I really want to do a better job of blogging. I want to do a better job of blogging, not only the successes of my class, but the failures. I know the benefits of blogging - the sharing of ideas, gaining insight, the reflecting and improving my craft. Yet it seems that when things get crazy, it's the first thing to get dropped.

This semester has been particularly crazy - in both good and stressful ways.

the good
- I have my AP Macroeconomics classes this semester. This is probably my favorite class to teach, for some strange reason, I love economics. the details of the craft. I also love to take a subject that students hate when they walk into the room, and turn it into a class that they look forward to and want to perform well in. We are less than 4 weeks away from crunch time - May 15th, the College Board AP Test.
- I have pushed myself as a teacher, in flipping my AP European History class (this was an easy choice, since it's the first year I'm teaching the class, lots of prep work anyway). These kids have taught me, and been patient with me, as we try new things, experiment with learning. The students have created some wonderful work - videos, infographs, Socratic Seminars, written many DBQs and FRQs, been on field trips.
- I've had the joy of helping mentor a student teacher, and through this process have learned much about myself. The student-teacher working with my economic classes, is willing to try new things, fail, reflect, and try again. I wish more of us (including myself here) were willing to do these things. Its been inspiring and refreshing.

the stressful
- Did I mention I teach two different AP classes, and that those test are in less than 4 weeks?
- We lost our Superintendent, and then principal within a 3 week period. As department head, I'm trying to think ahead to next year (building sections, class sizes, and teaching assignments) while getting hard answers on things is impossible. Through in changing state guidelines for graduation and course requirements, it's like trying to aim at a moving target.


Even with all these things, I love my job. I love teaching. I love seeing kids get it.

Looking forward to a strong close to this year (including more blog posts, hoping to have a minimum of one a week) and then this summer - AP grading, presenting at iPadpalooza, going to Technopalooza, submitting presentation proposals for state social studies conferences. The list goes on, and it keeps me motivated to be not only a good teacher, but a great one.

Till next time - Live long and prosper.