Jake reports on what has really been quite a remarkable re-entry into teaching after a long segue. I think he has decided well in terms of simplifying his job and of reducing daily stress. Note in particular what he says about planning below:
When I sat down over the summer to attack planning for my first HS teaching job in 9 years, I had the textbook, my laptop, curriculum maps, and a legal pad. Then began a process of elimination. After looking at the textbooks for 10 minutes, I was done. It was the exact same thing I saw when I was in high school 16 years ago. It was just dressed up nicer. So, out with the textbooks. Then, I started going after all the TPRS sites, gobbling up all I could, writing down everything that seemed relevant to me. Then, I joined this PLC, and I read more about the Invisibles and NTCI. I became a believer almost immediately. Then, out went all the lesson plans I had already drawn up (which they took me hours and hours to do 4 of them). Then, stillness on the waters. I have entered into this school, yes, a bit anxious for understandable reasons (new at a school, trying something new, etc.), but beyond that, I’m cool as a cucumber. I’ve seen MOUNDS of papers that English teachers and others are printing out, and I thank God for what I’m teaching and for the Invisibles.
On a side note, last Friday I had printed out some jGRs to hand out to my classes today, but I left them in the Fac lounge over the weekend. I went to pick them up this morning, and one of the Title reading teachers saw me grab them and asked if they were mine. I said, “Yes”. She then talked about how she loved the rubric and she made lots of copies for her students. It made me think of how intuitive this is. I’m also proud to be a part of such a great group of people (none of whom I’ve ever met!) who are dedicated to their students. I’m truly standing on the shoulders of giants! Thank you!