Friday, September 4, 2009

Post 6: I teach therefore I drink

Casual teaching is a lot harder than I remember. I do believe it takes a very special person. My day consisted of bullying, a punch up, and I could continue but I won't.

I'm sitting here talking deep breaths, drinking glass of wine (I went directly to the bottleo after work).

I'm a good teacher and I have taught some very challenging classes... so what is it with the lack of respect.

Back to it on Monday

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Post 5: First Day

First day back in the classroom tomorrow - wish me luck!!!

Post 5: First Day

First day back in the classroom tomorrow - wish me luck!!!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Post 4: The interview

This morning I have an interview with a vice Principal at a school I went to yesterday. The office lady asked if I wanted a late morning time slot which sounded great - apparently late to her is 9:30. Being currently unemployed 9:30 is early!! I'm sitting here trying to stay awake.

My ideas for my interview - Don't wear jeans... mentally searching cupboard for something other than jeans that don't have to be ironed.

I have a teaching portfolio, but it's a mess (note to self work on this). I'm preparing myself for the usual questions 1. what would you do with a difficult student 2. how would you prepare for a day 3. what if the teacher didn't leave any work.

The answer is simple - if I set the expectation e.g. behaviour by setting some rules for the day. Make the day different from their usual teacher. Give the students some rewards e.g. games, lots of games.

When I was teaching I created a casual teacher folder. It was full of simple activities, colouring in etc. All I hoped for was that the casual would return to my classroom and end the day happy without my kids killing each other. This folder worked really well - my kids were happy for the break.

I think it's time to go wish me luck