@longliveregina I appreciate the standards after using them to work through curriculum guides and build them to what the teacher's need. I watch others who have delved into them, be overwhelmed and completely not comprehending when they haven't been a part of the process, so being a part of this process is something I've enjoyed to a degree! The PA standards (new) aren't really that awful when you understand them. It's more having the resources and knowing how the heck to put it all together. But you have to really have the discussions and analyze them deeply. And yes, we have no real standards for SS at least not ones our district is using as they should! Our Sc/ss blocks are a disgrace!!
Have an awesome 1st day! You and baby will kick butt!!!
@longliveregina Good luck!! I hope the day goes smoothly and the kids are a blast!
@kelizr I'm in the Midwest, so I'm not familiar with PA standards. The Common Core is constantly talked about among districts, but since our state has steadfastly adopted them, teachers abide by them regardless of their individual beliefs. I went through college and student-teaching learning about the Core and have never known anything different, so I'm essentially just fine with them. Being a SpEd teacher, I'm more adept anyway at the Essential Elements that make up the Alternate Assessment, and I really love them. They break down the core standards into "bitable" chunks, and I've begun recommending that even gen ed teachers check them out. Sometimes the core standards are either really vague or super packed, and they can give me quite the headache trying to figure out what all I have to accomplish!
@dubcompanion in PA, they did not adopt the Core. Instead, they created their own version... Still just a vague! That's why if you haven't studied them in depth, it's a mega challenge! I did all my college training a good bit before CC took affect, as did most of the teachers in our school. That's why I think so many become stressed and overwhelmed by them and the fact that the state can't make up it's mind!!
@kelizr That would be frustrating! I don't agree with everything about the Common Core - I take issues particularly with their push for advanced math concepts at younger and therefore developmentally inappropriate grade levels, as well as an emphasis over technical writing rather than creative, and nonfiction over narrative literature. However, I realize the convenience of being able to teach at literally any public school in the state using the exact same standards and only having to differentiate according to individual IEP services and UDL.
Now that I think about it, our state does have its own standards, but they're mirrored so closely to the Common Core that they're essentially interchangeable. (Which makes sense, because otherwise we would not have bothered to adopt the CC.)
Pretty low key...no students until Labor Day! I did have to push a lot of my heavy furniturecaround and realized I couldn't access anything on the network that I saved last year and All the copiers were broken, lol. So normal first day problems. I did manage to highlight all the days off this year in my calendar so I feel accomplished
Ugh... just have to post. First official day with the students.. I heard my son's favorite song being played in P.E. (It's "Lion Sleeps Tonight") and almost cried. Then I met with a woman who was telling me all of the responsibilities that the person with my job previously had and I lost it. I looked so pathetic but for my current phase in life, with a 17 month old and husband who works door-to-door 12.5 hour days, my family is my priority and that doesn't mean staying late or joining tons of committees or working every night after he goes to bed or on the weekends.
I wish I could be that super woman but just would rather be super wife and super mom.
Does anyone else feel the same way or am I crazy?
PS: Last year, I worked a modified schedule of 8:30-2 which was AMAZING. I thought my position was going part time and my mindset was that until it didn't survive budget cuts in July and then had to find something else. So, big adjustment over here.
For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. 1 Samuel 1:27 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
@shines721 I'm so sorry for the pressure you're feeling! I'm pregnant with my first, but I'd still feel overwhelmed too hearing all the responsibilities I'm "expected to take on." In fact, if I had been in your position, I'd probably state (with/without crying), "That's great and all, but I have family obligations. I'm sure the previous teacher did too, but mine presently take up all of my time during non-school hours." But of course, I've had time to think that out. I'd more than likely just cry!
I do know of teachers who have families that can devote some of their time to after-hours/evening school work, but I know of *zero* that have small children who do (at least routinely). Thus, please do not take on more than you can handle. I'm of the extremely strong opinion that as parents, families are our first job. I hope there's a way you can manage your workload while still feeling successful at your job. By that, I mean you don't feel like you're being judged or that your job is on the line for not doing more.
@shines721 exactly what both PPs said. Your family comes first and if you have a good boss, they will agree and respect that as long as you are putting forth what you are able for your students. There's a difference between slacking off and not committing to things that you can't reasonably do because you are mom first. I'm fortunate to have a principal that gets this and does what she can to ensure we do what we need and have support so our families don't suffer. I wish higher up admin cared as much! She's retiring this year and I fear a boss who doesn't get it! Hang in there momma! You will also fall into a routine that works for you and your loves, but it is an adjustment to get there! But you will!!
@longliveregina Not terrible. Group isn't too bad, just a lot of boys and in an elementary room, that's just constant volume and gas! At least I can hide mine.;) I'm trying a totally new approach in management this year and I think it's the perfect class for a more rigid setting. And thankfully I have several parents who want exactly that for their kids! Biggest drawback: Spending all morning and straight through lunch with a nasty belly. Love when my male team member sees my pale face and immediately hands me his crackers with barely a hand signal from me! Lol First day like this in a week or two, so hoping things aren't starting up again!!
Re: Hi Teachers! GTKY Back to School Style
Have an awesome 1st day! You and baby will kick butt!!!
@kelizr I'm in the Midwest, so I'm not familiar with PA standards. The Common Core is constantly talked about among districts, but since our state has steadfastly adopted them, teachers abide by them regardless of their individual beliefs. I went through college and student-teaching learning about the Core and have never known anything different, so I'm essentially just fine with them. Being a SpEd teacher, I'm more adept anyway at the Essential Elements that make up the Alternate Assessment, and I really love them. They break down the core standards into "bitable" chunks, and I've begun recommending that even gen ed teachers check them out. Sometimes the core standards are either really vague or super packed, and they can give me quite the headache trying to figure out what all I have to accomplish!
Now that I think about it, our state does have its own standards, but they're mirrored so closely to the Common Core that they're essentially interchangeable. (Which makes sense, because otherwise we would not have bothered to adopt the CC.)
@longliveregina How'd your day go??
I wish I could be that super woman but just would rather be super wife and super mom.
Does anyone else feel the same way or am I crazy?
PS: Last year, I worked a modified schedule of 8:30-2 which was AMAZING. I thought my position was going part time and my mindset was that until it didn't survive budget cuts in July and then had to find something else. So, big adjustment over here.
1 Samuel 1:27
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I do know of teachers who have families that can devote some of their time to after-hours/evening school work, but I know of *zero* that have small children who do (at least routinely). Thus, please do not take on more than you can handle. I'm of the extremely strong opinion that as parents, families are our first job. I hope there's a way you can manage your workload while still feeling successful at your job. By that, I mean you don't feel like you're being judged or that your job is on the line for not doing more.
Biggest drawback: Spending all morning and straight through lunch with a nasty belly. Love when my male team member sees my pale face and immediately hands me his crackers with barely a hand signal from me! Lol First day like this in a week or two, so hoping things aren't starting up again!!