After a long and eventful summer I was extremely excited to be returning to Grafton High once again. This year I will be working with Mr. Taylor, who teaches biology, and I couldn't be happier. The first couple of days at the school were spent arranging our room and preparing for the students. Mr. Taylor and I will be teaching two advanced biology and four conceptual biology courses this semester. Last year he had all advanced courses so the conceptual course will be new to both of us. One task we took on during these first couple of days was to create the curriculum map for the course. Being able to work on the map with him was a valuable experience for me. I learned how to go through the course text and organize it into a logical progression for a class.
On Tuesday we also had the faculty meeting. The meeting consisted of electing the faculty senate, the principals addressing the faculty, and discussion of new policies and important topics. We also had to meet with the staff in the special education department and collect all of the IEP's for students in our classes. I had never actually seen the IEP's or any of the forms used so I was happy to finally be introduced to the process.
Wednesday the students reported for their first day of school. Having been placed in a 9th grade classroom last year I quickly recognized many of my former students as they did me. It was great to see their reactions. Some came in and said, "Oh yea! Mr. Wasserman is back." while other sarcastically stated, "Oh no, not you again." Either way I was very happy to see them all again. The first day started and ended with homeroom where we gave all of the students the forms that they needed to have signed and discussed students policies with them. Our biology classes proceeded in much the same way. We talked with the students about the structure of the course and our expectations of them.
Thursday I was absent but I do know that Mr. Taylor passed out their books and had them read a chapter. Friday he began lecturing. I have learned that he mainly lectures the class. We have discussed this and I told him that I like to be more activity based. He seems to have no problem with it and is very open to anything that I want to do in the class.
Based on this first week I think that it is going to be a great semester and I can't wait to get more involved in the class.
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That's a very thorough entry! It sounds like you've definitely gotten some valuable experiences. Don't be afraid to try new things that Mr. Taylor may not typically do himself. Part of us being a PDS is to share ideas and promote growth. You never know-you might just teach him a few tricks!
ReplyDeleteBrad was very helpful the first week. He is taking on responsibilities well and learning who the students are. He actually had most of the students last year with Mrs. Robinson, so he knows them better than I do.
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