[bobve2]

Congratulations to all of the teachers that see this. You are all my heroes. I taught high school Alg. in the 70 and 80's for 21 years and I can't tell you how I feel today when some 45-50 year old ex student comes up to me and tells me she/he remembers something that we did in my class. I can only imagine how difficult the job is now compared to then and especially the reading thing. OA, Des, Michael and others you form a great community of which I am proud to be a small little part of. sincerely Bob VE

[October's Autumn]

I have 5 days now until my school year is over. I'm pretty excited to be done with the hell that is the 1st year of teaching. Oddly, I've been teaching for 5 1/2 years (most of it subbing) and this is actually my second year with my own class although it is my first year on contract. For several reasons this year was more stressful than my first year -- partially because there are more demands on a 1st year teacher under contract than one who is a long term sub.

[McKenna]

October, on May 20 2007, 08:02 PM, said:

I have 5 days now until my school year is over. I'm pretty excited to be done with the hell that is the 1st year of teaching. Oddly, I've been teaching for 5 1/2 years (most of it subbing) and this is actually my second year with my own class although it is my first year on contract. For several reasons this year was more stressful than my first year -- partially because there are more demands on a 1st year teacher under contract than one who is a long term sub.

Congratulations on almost being done! Sorry that it was stressful...do you think it will be better next year?

[October's Autumn]

McKenna, on May 20 2007, 08:41 PM, said:

Congratulations on almost being done! Sorry that it was stressful...do you think it will be better next year?

I have been assured that the second year of teaching is no where near as stressful as the first year! Plus, on the first day of my 3rd year I receive tenure

[McKenna]

October, on May 20 2007, 10:43 PM, said:

I have been assured that the second year of teaching is no where near as stressful as the first year! Plus, on the first day of my 3rd year I receive tenure

Well that's good to know!

[October's Autumn]

McKenna, on May 21 2007, 08:57 PM, said:

Well that's good to know!

I hope it is true because it is the only thing (well, that and the rent) that is getting me back in the classroom next year!

It is finally over. I sent them all home today! I couldn't get some out of the room! When I was a kid I wanted nothing more than to go home on the last day of school!

[McKenna]

October, on May 25 2007, 06:33 PM, said:

I hope it is true because it is the only thing (well, that and the rent) that is getting me back in the classroom next year!

It is finally over. I sent them all home today! I couldn't get some out of the room! When I was a kid I wanted nothing more than to go home on the last day of school!

Aw, bummer that this first year was such a downer for you I certainly hope next year is a better experience!

Good to have it over with, though! Wow, they get out of school early! Here school lasts for another three weeks or so.

Aw, they didn't want to leave? That's so cute!

[October's Autumn]

McKenna, on May 25 2007, 08:08 PM, said:

Aw, bummer that this first year was such a downer for you I certainly hope next year is a better experience!

Good to have it over with, though! Wow, they get out of school early! Here school lasts for another three weeks or so.

Aw, they didn't want to leave? That's so cute!

We are track schools. I am on "A" track. We start in July, take a break in October, a break in February and are done at the end of May. B, C, D tracks are in session until June 22. Their breaks are different months. This started as a way to accomodate a large number of students in a small space! Only 3/4 of the students are on campus together at any one time.

[McKenna]

October, on May 26 2007, 08:58 AM, said:

We are track schools. I am on "A" track. We start in July, take a break in October, a break in February and are done at the end of May. B, C, D tracks are in session until June 22. Their breaks are different months. This started as a way to accomodate a large number of students in a small space! Only 3/4 of the students are on campus together at any one time.

Yikes, that sounds complicated!

Good luck next year

[October's Autumn]

McKenna, on May 28 2007, 07:26 PM, said:

Yikes, that sounds complicated!

Good luck next year

It is! But once you figure out the system it isn't so bad. It is horrible for the students, though -- from an educational perspective.