I haven’t written in a week because I’ve been studying (and doing some chip work, which gets in the way of studying). Today though, I attended a teacher training day. Usually, I wouldn’t be doing this, but I was helping with the setup, technology and tear-down, so the principal let me stay and participate. I eventually joined the Social Studies teachers. While at this all-day event, I learned quite a bit about how things will be taught starting next school year (not this school year). I also made a lot of contacts, since there were 70 teachers and four administrators there. The break-out sessions were enlightening because the teachers rarely meet with each other apparently, so I was getting to know the teachers even as they were getting to know their peers from other schools. They all shared similar goals and frustrations, and came to some conclusions as to what they would try under the new system by this coming November (the next teacher gathering). Since the new standard is a year away, these schools are going to try to use some of the new standards this year. I applaud their efforts. This also means that I’ll be coming into the school system (should I get a job) just as the curriculum changes. I see this as a good thing.
Oh ya, one of the history teachers talked to me at length. After he spent much of the day with me, he said that I certainly had the “chops” and the knowledge to successfully teach. Just one thing remains: learning classroom management. The secret to teaching middle school and high school, he said, is all about classroom management. If you can manage the class, you can teach effectively. If you can’t control your class, it doesn’t matter how good or smart or knowledgeable you are, you simply won’t get the opportunity to teach. He recommended that I pay more attention to that in my upcoming college experience than anything else. Effective teachers are first effective managers of students.
On the college front, no word on a job there, but I’m progressing on my application process. I have one excellent letter of recommendation, and another on the way. My transcripts should also arrive soon. With that gathered, I should be registered soon.
Oh, speaking of jobs, I had a friend call me out of the blue and mention that he is now at a new semiconductor company and thinks that I would fit great there. He’s not aware of any job opening right now, but he’s going to talk to the powers that be anyway. I’m not looking for a job right now, but I’m also not going to snub my nose at anything that comes my way that easily.
My wife’s middle school also announced the sudden departure of one of their history teachers – he’s now at the district level as a tech guy. The principal lamented that I didn’t already have my credential. I could have started on Monday! This sudden opening creates a one year only contract position. If the guy who left that position doesn’t return the following year, that job will be open again next year as a permanent position. I don’t know that I want to teach seventh grade, but I do like the subject: Ancient Civilizations. Maybe this will aid in motivating me towards completing my credential quickly. I don’t know if I can actually get a credential in just under a year, but I’ll ask.
And, one of my former college profs also wants me to come in and teach as a guest lecturer. I’m not going to turn that down! I need all the experience I can get.