About this Blog
a Teach For America teacher's blog
Administrators at my placement school routinely prescribed “engaging lessons” as a remedy for nearly every classroom problem. Yet so many teachers, who were well-liked and regarded as effective, leaned toward accountability or control as the panacea for off-task behavior, disrespect, or low achievement. Sadly, the children I taught were not accustomed to joy in learning, something that was so often rote, alienating, and painful. Yet, I knew then and know now that “engaging work” is the more enjoyable, more effective (especially in the long run), and more holistic medicine. In Montessori terms, good work normalizes the classroom (“normalization: a natural or ‘normal’ developmental process marked by a love of work or activity, concentration, self-discipline, and joy in accomplishment”). And so I’m thankful that these last weeks have brought joy not in spite of our lessons and work but because of them:
- I’ve laughed with the children as they creatively illustrated…
It’s spring break! I always enjoy the change of pace and chance to recharge come this time of year. As in past years, I’ve spent large parts of my spring break on school-related items: attending a national conference, writing my summative reflection for administration (why is our school a better place because you are here?),…
read more »Two years and some odd months later, I’m back! Those were some long months of learning myself and the prevailing methods of the American education system, at least through the lens of my Atlanta middle school placement. Much of my reflection was turned toward action-oriented classroom items, many of which were difficult to write about…the…
read more »This morning I’m full of joy and anticipation as I look to the school year in just two weeks. These past two weeks have been quite enjoyable and imperative to feeling settled for the school year. I’ve moved into my apartment, organized my things, stocked the pantry shelves, and added some furniture (with help from…
read more »As a friend pointed out this week, my last post in early May was indeed so long ago! Since then, I’ve graduated, completed induction and institute with TFA, and found a place to live here in Atlanta. It’s been up and down, and very busy at points, but certainly a joyful journey thus far. Here are…
read more »With just about a week left on campus and then two weeks at home, it’s not long until I will be in Atlanta. Hopefully the sun will be shining and good company plentiful as we roll up our sleeves and continue to learn about teaching as leadership. I’m very excited, but it’s so difficult to believe…
read more »As I write this afternoon, I almost long for the time incentives posed by a ticking clock, mounting bill, and gaggle of travelers. The emotionally-charged nature of a blog, whether on my experiences abroad or my preparations for teaching, slows my communication as I search for the words to express my myriad emotions, and I am convinced that last summer’s…
read more »Slowly, I am growing my own Teach for America timeline and list of experiences. I feel so much a part of this organization and its mission, though I have yet to teach my first formal math lesson. Speaking for the first time with a corps member, crafting my personal statement and sample lesson plan, checking…
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