Today is Friday, September 14, 2012 - the day I, Bianca Nicole, complete
my 3rd week of teaching 4th grade. I've had 3 weeks filled with faculty meetings, lesson plans, minimal sleep, lots of coffee...
I'm exhausted.
Teaching has been one of the most challenging tasks I have ever taken on. I have SO much to learn, & just not enough time. I want to be the best I can absolutely be, yet I am nowhere near exemplary. I'm not used to struggling so much - I feel like I'm barely keeping my head above water, one step away from drowning in work.
But when I think of my students, I know that they need me. They are absolutely wonderful. They remind me that I need to try my best, that we are on the same path to reach a common goal, that "one day, all children in this nation will have the opportunity to attain excellent education."
I'm learning to love the struggle.
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| My 19 new children |
My days clocked into work begin officially at 7:30 a.m., & end at 4:40 a.m., but in reality, a teacher's day is much longer. I aim to arrive at school at 6:50 a.m., teach, & leave at about 5:30 p.m. (on a good day). I continue working from home until it's time for bed, then do it all over again.
I'm waiting for the day when teaching "clicks." So far, I don't feel like a teacher. I don't feel like I know what I'm doing. I do know that I'm learning, though. A LOT. At least I have that!
Here's my 3 weeks of school in photos:
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First day of school. My students told me what a good teacher should do,
& I wrote it on the board. |
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| My officially official teaching badge! |
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| I got an apple from one of my students...it made my day :) |
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| Dora the Explorer birthday invitation from another student. Adorable. |
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| De La Rosa candy from a student. |
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| My class, in action. |
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Teaching my students about the 2012 presidential election. We listened to
Michelle Obama's speech from the Democratic Convention. |
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| Gotta get them reading! |
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| In line in the hallway. Did I mention I have 15 boys, & only 4 girls?? |
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| Cualitativo vs cuantitativo |
Things I've been able to do in Fort Worth during my minimal free time...
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| Red velvet & banana nutella cupcakes from Red Jett (a food truck) |
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| Attending weddings in beautiful places |
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| Flying through the sky amidst travel |
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| My babies. |
