What I've Learned From 5 1/2 Days of Teaching

First, here's the rundown of my first week of teaching:

Thurs., Nov. 13 Liberty HS Orchestra (1/2 day, one class only) (see previous blog)!!
Fri., Nov. 14 Boulder City HS English (seniors, bright, disciplined)
Mon., Nov. 17 Centennial HS Drama !! (freshman, talented, rowdy, fun)
Tues., Nov. 18 Foothill HS English Honors (dream classes...very bright, disciplined)
Wed., Nov. 19 OFF - Dr. Appt.
Thurs., Nov. 20 Eldorado HS Math Fundamentals - Freshman (rowdy bunch)
Fri., Nov. 21 Green Valley HS Orchestra/Guitar (three orchestras, one guitar, another dream come true. It's hard to believe Mr. Neuman gets to do that EVERY DAY! It's heaven! I'm going back for four days in December...I CAN'T WAIT!!)

I'm also booked for two days in December for the orchestra at Centennial HS, a result of leaving my card when I was there Nov. 17.

These pictures are from Boulder City HS English Class...taken without students present of course. You can barely see my name on the board behind me.

I just got my first phone call from the computer, initiated by an algebra/geometry teacher requesting me specifically for next Tuesday. It came from Foothill, where I did English Nov. 18. He must have heard how great I was from the English teacher. I had send emails to the Performing Arts teachers, but noone else.

So here's what I've learned.

1. You have to be very clear with directions and repeat them often.
2. They don't automatically know how to turn in papers. Without direction, it's total chaos!
3. Music classes are the best. They challenge all the musical skills I have. Thank goodness you're allowed to sweat in heaven. :)
4. The older they get they easier they are to control. That's why I don't do middle school. The Freshmen are fresh out of MS, so it's mostly discipline with them. I tried to do some fun stuff and it was too chaotic and unfocused, so I wound up stopping the fun and going back to the policing.

5. I CAN TEACH MATH!!! (see pic on left) Or more accurately, I can conduct a math class. There's not much actual teaching on my part, except for very basic algebra and geometry. I can't wait to try a calcucus class.

6. This is without a doubt the best job I've ever had. See my next post for the reason why. It's all about what teachers make.