"Some days I think I would have it made as a teacher if I could blend my grammar lessons with a surround-sound speaker system that played hot music tracks with vibrating bass lines. As students completed research projects, lasers would shoot throughout the backlit, mist-filled classroom, forming red graphic organizers that would hover in the air above their heads. One wall of the classroom would slide open, revealing a twenty-five-foot movie screen featuring filmed versions of students' narratives. We'd eat popcorn and pizza, and everyone would earn an A."
Rick Wormeli, Meet Me in the Middle, Page 7
So, I have a strange sense of humor! But, I find this quote hilariously honest. In excitement about and preparation for my move to Lee Road Junior High School this coming year, I have been reflecting upon my own teaching again. I had actually bought the above-mentioned book BEFORE I went to the Job Fair. My heart had said that I would remain in the junior high area, even though I had felt that I would return to St. Tammany Parish to teach. Even if I did not, the learning would be valuable. So far, this book has lived up to my expectations and more.
Concerning my return to St. Tammany, let me say that I am honored to have been offered this wonderful opportunity to teach at Lee Road. Even though I haven't spent much time at the school yet, I have definitely been there in heart already. Reading this book has been helping me to translate that zeal into concrete plans for differentiated, purposeful instruction. New Teacher Orientation in St. Tammany Parish also has helped me to connect to some of my new colleagues. Learning about Positive Behavior Support at my school and soaking in the Summer Institute for St. Tammany Parish are on the "menu" for next week. The so-called (again, humorously penned) "lazy days of summer" are drawing to a natural close. And, I'm excited!
New Teacher Orientation Video: St. Tammany Parish Schools
Concerning my move to and from Bogalusa to teach, let me at this point keep it simple. I have discovered that a person can be "from" a place and have a heart toward the people and progress of that place, yet not fit "in" that place. My questions have been answered. Sometimes I think that I will at some point share my experiences here so that I might help others in similar situations. At other times, I wonder if some of those stories might discourage others who are still fighting that good fight toward reform in a troubled school system. For today, I will simply state that St. Tammany School System is my family, my home, my safe place to teach.
I am including this video below because of Annie Chapman's description of life for a family with a child in middle school. My experiences from November through May of this past school year in Bogalusa Middle School (BMS) have reminded me that what she says is true. After the privilege and joy of visiting with a couple of those BMS students at Walgreen's this past week, I thought about their futures. I pray blessings upon them. May what they are building upon educationally stand and may those who help them to build be blessed and prosper in that purpose!
Teachers make a difference!
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