The NPTT PLC is now in session. This is the place where members of the NPTT program can interact and exchange ideas, information, teaching strategies etc. both during and after the program.
Yes! As if we don't have enough to post in discussions already... bu they, someday that will end and where will we be? Without our faithful and fellow NPTTers. So, this is a place to continue doing what we do best: discuss. Let's share the good, the bad and the ugly. What's working and what isn't. This blog is about the power of the group, and that is something we are all familiar with by now. I think this blog could have a lot of strenth from our diversity and the fact that we all teach at different schools.
I agree. Plus, we've already established a comradery and understand the strengths and weaknesses of each of our cohortmates. I so appreciate having you all to talk with!
I finally made it! I am looking forward to this discussion board. Getting input from others has been invaluable to me this last year. Teachers at school are sometimes too entrenched in local "politics" and don't always give good, objective advice. Plus, I want to focus on learning new things and not just learning to do something the way that my mentor does them. Anyway, I am looking forward to sharing here! Jane
Hey gang. Glad to be here. I was hoping to get some advice from all of you. I am having a sort of crisis in my life right now, and a good part of that is centered around what I feel I should do with my life. I am not sure I want to teach, and I hate coming to this realization when I'm so close to finishing. But I still have a semester to go of the internship. Are any of you in the same place or have you been? What changed your mind? I could use any input you have.
I am having a similar experience right now. I don't have a job lined up for next year. I did do my internship and loved teaching. Not having a job lined up for next year makes me feel a bit funny about continuing with my Masters as in where will I find a job with a Masters? The general consensus that I've recieved from my Aunt (who has a Masters of Ed and teaches 8th grade English), my husband as well as some veteran teachers- finish it up while you still can. So that being said, I recommend finishing it up and getting the notch on your belt and THEN you can figure out what you want to do with one more option to consider!
Roxann, you are not alone. I am also having concerns and I will be doing my internship this coming school year. At this point, I'm just planning to hang on and finish and see where I can go from there. Job prospects for teachers are very poor where I live and lately I'm finding myself going, what am I doing this for? Hopefully, with the master's, there will be other options as well. This program will serve you well in a variety of positions, not just teaching, I think. Do your best to stay positive, and there are some of us feeling the same way. Good luck, I hope you finish it out and see what comes along! Keep us posted... --Wendy
Is it feasible to finish the program without the internship? I thought that was part of the whole package? I am in my second year of teaching and in a new school -- the weird thing is that it is more frightening this second time around. Last year everything was new and I thought I knew everything. Now, after experience, I am more afraid of failing because it seems like more of an option than it did last year. Does that make sense? It might just be the thought of a new school and having to live up to the references that I received from LHS -- my belief is that they made me sound like a superwoman in order to help me get a job since they were not offering me one this year. Anyway, that's a long, ugly story and I won't go into it here.
I say, finish up the Master's. I truly believe that it will be very useful whether you decide to teach or not. There are always community colleges, state education departments, textbook companies, insurance companies, educational unions, etc. that will want someone with a good education. At least that's what I'm counting on since I am not sure that I want to stay in Wyoming.....
Oh Jane, you are making me chuckle! I am going into my second year in the classroom this fall, and this year will be my internship because last year I was a para. I also feel the same... like I know even less than when I started... how can that be? I think it's natural if you care about what you are doing and strive to do it well. This past year's lessons were painful for me at times, so I think I realize that those will keep happening and that is just part of the process. Trust in your instinct and remind yourself that the school is lucky to get you (that's what I'm chanting to myself)! Good luck! It's comforting to me to see that there are others out there having the same feelings. I don't wish it on anyone but I think it must be a natural part of this transition. --Wendy
Good to see everyone here. I think we all go through the "do I really want to do this" a few times a day. . .
no, seriously. . From what I've heard, a lot of teachers go through "sophomore year" of questioning their choice. I think it comes from the fact that it does take so long to get up to speed and we feel uncomfortable still being unsure of ourselves in our second year. I did my licensure a little different and am starting my fourth year of teaching and I'm still unsure on a couple of things, but with each day, I feel a little more confident. I just found out I'll be teaching history this year instead of English so now I have to shift gears and I have a whole new set of things to be unsure about.
Hey, if teaching was easy, everyone would do it. . You can, you have.
I think that time of doubt is part of almost any career change. I have gone through a couple of changes, and there seems to always be a period of "What have I gotten myself into" If the questioning is just this self doubt, stick with it, give it a year or two, then you know enough about it to make an informed decision. If you absolutely hate every minute of teaching, and the interaction with the kids is not for you, then do not wait, jump ship and run. I have seen others who thought "I really want to be a teacher" but just could not handle the interaction with all the teenagers. I can understand that.
Bottom line is do not give up on teaching until you have put in enough time to call yourself a teacher. And even if teachign is not for you -- get the masters. It will help in whatever career you choose.
Well, all, I am glad that I'm not the only one. I know that it is natural to doubt oneself but it sure makes me feel like I must be a horrible teacher if i don't feel self confidant every step of the day. As in, how can I show the students that i work with how to be strong if I'm not feeling it today?
I am so bummed that I don't have a job and I wonder if I'll find the passion that I had last year. I miss my students and the staff that I worked with. To be quite pout-ty (did I spell that right?) It's not fair that I am here and the jobs i want are not.
I'm with you Jane and Wendy and all, I plan to finish it up and at the very least I have a Masters. Of course where I want to work they probably won't hire me as I'll have too much education and not enough experience but we'll cross that bridge later.
Hang in there! I remember reading an NPTT post that said it takes about 3 years to become an effective teacher. I am just to enter the classroom for the fourth time and from my experience that above line is so true. The good new is it gets better with time and experience. Give it a chance - the first couple of years are hard, you have no time/life etc. but now I am begiingint oreally enjoy it and feel confident enough to take chances and experiment.
Hello all, sorry it has taken so long for me to get on this blog. What a great idea!
It is refreshing to read the conversations and hear the support for each other. I was talking to my neighbor last week. He is a 70 year old retiree. He said he still hasn't figured out what he wants to do with this life. He is a good guy and it is a reminder that we are all figuring things out. Honestly, I don't know if I'll be a teacher for the rest of my days but I did have a good time last year. I feel like it is one of those jobs that you can always come back to.
On another note, has anyone finished their portfolio work for the teaching license? I was going to wait but I think I am trying to talk myself into cranking things out. Good to hear from you all, Nia
I have turned in my final project, put my house on hold (unpacking), and have been working like a madman on my portfolio! I need it to get my certification. Hopefully, this weekend will be the end!!! YAY!!!
Did you all know that I got my new job at the same school where Erica teaches? I have not had the pleasure of meeting her yet, but am anxious to do so. It will be nice to have a fellow NPTT student to discuss things with. Jane
Two long years of classes comes down to two envelopes on my desk, one for Jamie and one for the OPI. This has been a great experience. I have enjoyed getting to know you all. Thank you for all of your support and guidance throughout the last two years.
I am going on for the masters. American Indian Studies is my next class. I was hoping for a regular semester class...just once!...but this one is Sept 7 - Nov 2. Another condensed one. I am hoping that this second year of teaching is a bit easier than the first one so that I don't freak out so bad about homework. I would like to spend a couple of weekends doing something fun!!! LOL
Hi everyone! I have a bit of a dilemma. In order to teach literature, teachers usually choose one book to teach all classes. The only choice I have for juniors is Huckleberry Finn (it's the only book available). This wouldn't be a problem except for the fact that I have one (yes, only one) black student in my class. I am a little nervous because of the race issue in the book. I would hate to make things any worse than they already are. Last year I got no experience in area because we had no race issue. This school is the same except for this lone black boy (he's the only one in school). It's very weird. Anyway, do any of you have suggestions as to how I might approach the teaching of this book? Jane
Hi Jane. If you really want to teach this book, I think you have a great opportunity to really get some cool class discussion going on this. I would do A LOT of frontloading, prepare them for the word, show them how it is used, discuss the pros and cons of its use, ask them what they think, etc. I would use a lot of guided discussion. It may depend on the students though. Do you sense they are mature enough to deal with this steep issue relatively well? Let me know what you decide! I believe there are several articles for this specific issue on line, especially in back issues of the NCTE journals. It's a common issue.
21 comments:
Yes! As if we don't have enough to post in discussions already... bu they, someday that will end and where will we be? Without our faithful and fellow NPTTers. So, this is a place to continue doing what we do best: discuss. Let's share the good, the bad and the ugly. What's working and what isn't. This blog is about the power of the group, and that is something we are all familiar with by now. I think this blog could have a lot of strenth from our diversity and the fact that we all teach at different schools.
I agree. Plus, we've already established a comradery and understand the strengths and weaknesses of each of our cohortmates. I so appreciate having you all to talk with!
I finally made it! I am looking forward to this discussion board. Getting input from others has been invaluable to me this last year. Teachers at school are sometimes too entrenched in local "politics" and don't always give good, objective advice. Plus, I want to focus on learning new things and not just learning to do something the way that my mentor does them. Anyway, I am looking forward to sharing here!
Jane
Hey gang. Glad to be here. I was hoping to get some advice from all of you. I am having a sort of crisis in my life right now, and a good part of that is centered around what I feel I should do with my life. I am not sure I want to teach, and I hate coming to this realization when I'm so close to finishing. But I still have a semester to go of the internship. Are any of you in the same place or have you been? What changed your mind? I could use any input you have.
Hi all. Roxann, here are my words of advice!
I am having a similar experience right now. I don't have a job lined up for next year. I did do my internship and loved teaching. Not having a job lined up for next year makes me feel a bit funny about continuing with my Masters as in where will I find a job with a Masters? The general consensus that I've recieved from my Aunt (who has a Masters of Ed and teaches 8th grade English), my husband as well as some veteran teachers- finish it up while you still can. So that being said, I recommend finishing it up and getting the notch on your belt and THEN you can figure out what you want to do with one more option to consider!
Roxann, you are not alone. I am also having concerns and I will be doing my internship this coming school year. At this point, I'm just planning to hang on and finish and see where I can go from there. Job prospects for teachers are very poor where I live and lately I'm finding myself going, what am I doing this for? Hopefully, with the master's, there will be other options as well. This program will serve you well in a variety of positions, not just teaching, I think. Do your best to stay positive, and there are some of us feeling the same way. Good luck, I hope you finish it out and see what comes along! Keep us posted... --Wendy
Is it feasible to finish the program without the internship? I thought that was part of the whole package? I am in my second year of teaching and in a new school -- the weird thing is that it is more frightening this second time around. Last year everything was new and I thought I knew everything. Now, after experience, I am more afraid of failing because it seems like more of an option than it did last year. Does that make sense? It might just be the thought of a new school and having to live up to the references that I received from LHS -- my belief is that they made me sound like a superwoman in order to help me get a job since they were not offering me one this year. Anyway, that's a long, ugly story and I won't go into it here.
I say, finish up the Master's. I truly believe that it will be very useful whether you decide to teach or not. There are always community colleges, state education departments, textbook companies, insurance companies, educational unions, etc. that will want someone with a good education. At least that's what I'm counting on since I am not sure that I want to stay in Wyoming.....
Oh Jane, you are making me chuckle! I am going into my second year in the classroom this fall, and this year will be my internship because last year I was a para. I also feel the same... like I know even less than when I started... how can that be? I think it's natural if you care about what you are doing and strive to do it well. This past year's lessons were painful for me at times, so I think I realize that those will keep happening and that is just part of the process. Trust in your instinct and remind yourself that the school is lucky to get you (that's what I'm chanting to myself)! Good luck! It's comforting to me to see that there are others out there having the same feelings. I don't wish it on anyone but I think it must be a natural part of this transition. --Wendy
Hi gang,
Good to see everyone here. I think we all go through the "do I really want to do this" a few times a day. . .
no, seriously. . From what I've heard, a lot of teachers go through "sophomore year" of questioning their choice. I think it comes from the fact that it does take so long to get up to speed and we feel uncomfortable still being unsure of ourselves in our second year. I did my licensure a little different and am starting my fourth year of teaching and I'm still unsure on a couple of things, but with each day, I feel a little more confident. I just found out I'll be teaching history this year instead of English so now I have to shift gears and I have a whole new set of things to be unsure about.
Hey, if teaching was easy, everyone would do it. . You can, you have.
Hi Roxann,
I think that time of doubt is part of almost any career change. I have gone through a couple of changes, and there seems to always be a period of "What have I gotten myself into" If the questioning is just this self doubt, stick with it, give it a year or two, then you know enough about it to make an informed decision. If you absolutely hate every minute of teaching, and the interaction with the kids is not for you, then do not wait, jump ship and run. I have seen others who thought "I really want to be a teacher" but just could not handle the interaction with all the teenagers. I can understand that.
Bottom line is do not give up on teaching until you have put in enough time to call yourself a teacher. And even if teachign is not for you -- get the masters. It will help in whatever career you choose.
Well, all, I am glad that I'm not the only one. I know that it is natural to doubt oneself but it sure makes me feel like I must be a horrible teacher if i don't feel self confidant every step of the day. As in, how can I show the students that i work with how to be strong if I'm not feeling it today?
I am so bummed that I don't have a job and I wonder if I'll find the passion that I had last year. I miss my students and the staff that I worked with. To be quite pout-ty (did I spell that right?) It's not fair that I am here and the jobs i want are not.
I'm with you Jane and Wendy and all, I plan to finish it up and at the very least I have a Masters. Of course where I want to work they probably won't hire me as I'll have too much education and not enough experience but we'll cross that bridge later.
Roxann,
Hang in there! I remember reading an NPTT post that said it takes about 3 years to become an effective teacher. I am just to enter the classroom for the fourth time and from my experience that above line is so true. The good new is it gets better with time and experience. Give it a chance - the first couple of years are hard, you have no time/life etc. but now I am begiingint oreally enjoy it and feel confident enough to take chances and experiment.
: )
Shira
Hello all, sorry it has taken so long for me to get on this blog. What a great idea!
It is refreshing to read the conversations and hear the support for each other. I was talking to my neighbor last week. He is a 70 year old retiree. He said he still hasn't figured out what he wants to do with this life. He is a good guy and it is a reminder that we are all figuring things out. Honestly, I don't know if I'll be a teacher for the rest of my days but I did have a good time last year. I feel like it is one of those jobs that you can always come back to.
On another note, has anyone finished their portfolio work for the teaching license? I was going to wait but I think I am trying to talk myself into cranking things out. Good to hear from you all, Nia
I have turned in my final project, put my house on hold (unpacking), and have been working like a madman on my portfolio! I need it to get my certification. Hopefully, this weekend will be the end!!! YAY!!!
Did you all know that I got my new job at the same school where Erica teaches? I have not had the pleasure of meeting her yet, but am anxious to do so. It will be nice to have a fellow NPTT student to discuss things with.
Jane
I just finished!!!
Two long years of classes comes down to two envelopes on my desk, one for Jamie and one for the OPI. This has been a great experience. I have enjoyed getting to know you all. Thank you for all of your support and guidance throughout the last two years.
Kevin
Good to hear Jane and Kevin... you two are keeping me motivated. Will you two be continuing the Master's class as well?
I am going on for the masters. American Indian Studies is my next class. I was hoping for a regular semester class...just once!...but this one is Sept 7 - Nov 2. Another condensed one. I am hoping that this second year of teaching is a bit easier than the first one so that I don't freak out so bad about homework. I would like to spend a couple of weekends doing something fun!!! LOL
Does anyone know the ball park dates for the NPTT 564 portfolio course?
Nia, I only know it's in the spring semester.....
Hi everyone! I have a bit of a dilemma. In order to teach literature, teachers usually choose one book to teach all classes. The only choice I have for juniors is Huckleberry Finn (it's the only book available). This wouldn't be a problem except for the fact that I have one (yes, only one) black student in my class. I am a little nervous because of the race issue in the book. I would hate to make things any worse than they already are. Last year I got no experience in area because we had no race issue. This school is the same except for this lone black boy (he's the only one in school). It's very weird. Anyway, do any of you have suggestions as to how I might approach the teaching of this book?
Jane
Hi Jane. If you really want to teach this book, I think you have a great opportunity to really get some cool class discussion going on this. I would do A LOT of frontloading, prepare them for the word, show them how it is used, discuss the pros and cons of its use, ask them what they think, etc. I would use a lot of guided discussion. It may depend on the students though. Do you sense they are mature enough to deal with this steep issue relatively well? Let me know what you decide! I believe there are several articles for this specific issue on line, especially in back issues of the NCTE journals. It's a common issue.
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