Sometimes my students say things that make me feel really crappy, but other times they hit me right in the heartstrings!
Several of my students have been complaining a LOT about things this past week. They think the lesson is hard, they think there's too much homework, class is too long.
But just when I get discouraged by all the comments, someone pipes in with a comment that I catch in my ear that makes me feel like I'm doing my job right.
The other day I had a student tell me that I taught way better than their 8th grade math teacher because they just understood it so much better this year.
When I commented that after Christmas, some of them would be changing to the other algebra 2 teacher's class, a couple of students commented that they really hoped they weren't changing. Another said that they already knew their schedule and they were glad they were still going to be in my class! On the flip side, one student asked if they could still change their schedule to be back in here in the Spring.
The one comment this week that really made me smile though was from a student that has been struggling to get caught up after he missed a ton of days of school and got really far behind. With excitement about how he understood his homework and actually turned it in on time, he told me, "Miss Duncan, you're the first teacher that's ever made me try! And it's so easy!"
In one way that makes me happy and in another it makes me sad. I am so excited that he sees how much easier math can be if you put in the effort and try, but it makes me sad that he has had such a bad experience with teachers in the past.
I refuse to quit on my students. I will not give up. Some days that's easier said than done, but it's my goal to have all my students passing by the end of the year. I may or may not reach this goal, but one thing is for certain: I will push them and fight them and drag them along as far as I possibly can hoping that at some point, they will begin reaching towards that goal themselves.
Katelyn
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Truckin' on...
It's crazy how fast this semester is going! I've been super busy with school but have also been having some fun! I feel like I actually have a life outside of school now. I've started going to trivia on Thursdays with some teachers from school. It's pretty fun! I've also started teaching pitching lessons on Tuesdays to a girl from church. I've been going to band competitions to watch my students and seeing friends in Nashville on weekends! Needless to say, it's been a whirlwind here lately.
At the state band competition I played football with our band! They loved me playing with them. They made me be QB but it was laughable! I had a blast with them and some of the kids were still talking about it Monday at school.
Over the past few weeks I've had a few problems with some kids. One of them was skipping my class and leaving school! He finally got caught and now I'm having to get him caught up. I've also had a student supposedly transfer to another school and now he's back after a week. He was already behind and NOW I'm having to get him caught up as well... I am literally bending over backwards for these two kids... it's wearing me out!
I have also lately been struggling with my kids talking a lot in class. I can't get them to shut up. My roommate gave me a reward idea I think I'm going to start using. That way I'm not always punishing, but also rewarding good behavior.
I'm SO tired all the time but so glad I have stuff going on to keep me busy!
Just an update,
Katelyn
At the state band competition I played football with our band! They loved me playing with them. They made me be QB but it was laughable! I had a blast with them and some of the kids were still talking about it Monday at school.
Over the past few weeks I've had a few problems with some kids. One of them was skipping my class and leaving school! He finally got caught and now I'm having to get him caught up. I've also had a student supposedly transfer to another school and now he's back after a week. He was already behind and NOW I'm having to get him caught up as well... I am literally bending over backwards for these two kids... it's wearing me out!
I have also lately been struggling with my kids talking a lot in class. I can't get them to shut up. My roommate gave me a reward idea I think I'm going to start using. That way I'm not always punishing, but also rewarding good behavior.
I'm SO tired all the time but so glad I have stuff going on to keep me busy!
Just an update,
Katelyn
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Having kids
No, I don't have kids. However, I do have students. And these are my kids. I love them so much!
Yesterday I had professional development in the morning. In the afternoon I went to school to finish up the day. We had a good day in 4th block! My kids were very attentive and we had a little fun. It makes me smile every time I think about how much I care for those kids. At the beginning of class I had a student ask me if he could stay after and get some extra help on his work. I was shocked. This student is failing my class and doesn't put any effort into my class. I jumped at the opportunity! He stayed for an hour and I think we made some headway into his understanding of some concepts!
At the football game last night, I loved getting to see my kids. Several kids commented that during the class I missed that morning that some discussion about the bible and verses from the bible happened in my class. Two of the boys leading this conversation were two that are always causing problems in my class and also happened to be the ones who said not so nice things to me a couple of weeks ago. I was shocked! I've been praying every night for individual students by name and I pray that God is continuing to work in their lives.
After the football game I was chatting with Coach Evans about softball stuff and the football players started coming out of the locker room. I got some hugs and high fives from students. I really can't describe in words how much I love what I get to do every day! I love the feeling I get that I have kids that I love and who love me. I don't know what I'll do when some of these kids graduate. It makes me a little emotional just thinking about it!
I thank God every day that I was called to this profession and that I get to wake up each new day and see those wonderful kids!
Thankful,
Katelyn
Yesterday I had professional development in the morning. In the afternoon I went to school to finish up the day. We had a good day in 4th block! My kids were very attentive and we had a little fun. It makes me smile every time I think about how much I care for those kids. At the beginning of class I had a student ask me if he could stay after and get some extra help on his work. I was shocked. This student is failing my class and doesn't put any effort into my class. I jumped at the opportunity! He stayed for an hour and I think we made some headway into his understanding of some concepts!
At the football game last night, I loved getting to see my kids. Several kids commented that during the class I missed that morning that some discussion about the bible and verses from the bible happened in my class. Two of the boys leading this conversation were two that are always causing problems in my class and also happened to be the ones who said not so nice things to me a couple of weeks ago. I was shocked! I've been praying every night for individual students by name and I pray that God is continuing to work in their lives.
After the football game I was chatting with Coach Evans about softball stuff and the football players started coming out of the locker room. I got some hugs and high fives from students. I really can't describe in words how much I love what I get to do every day! I love the feeling I get that I have kids that I love and who love me. I don't know what I'll do when some of these kids graduate. It makes me a little emotional just thinking about it!
I thank God every day that I was called to this profession and that I get to wake up each new day and see those wonderful kids!
Thankful,
Katelyn
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Short Stories...
So I had students write short stories for extra credit. Among these were some interesting topics...
- Nazi Germany
- Drugs
- Stories written about other students
- Cheerleading academy
- A crime ring in NYC
I guess I'll be taking a trip to chat with my principal about a few of these tomorrow...
Ready for whatever comes next,
Katelyn
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Teacher Moments
Over the past 2 weeks I've had several awesome teacher moments! Just wanted to document them...
- I had a student ask me why I wanted to run on the trail after school. "But you're not out of shape Miss Duncan." Talk about a confidence booster!!
- I had a student do really well on their make up quiz from a day they were absent. This student is currently failing. After doing so well, his grade came up! Now he is only 1 point from passing!! I enjoyed getting to share in this victory with him. He was very excited too!
- After a few tough days with one specific student, I had a breakthrough. During homecoming events, he stayed in with me and got work done. He really seemed to understand the concepts I was helping him with. When he got home, his mom emailed me and told me that he had a good time in my room today and was proud of himself for the progress he made!! I was so happy that he recognized his success!
- I have one student that has a particularly tough situation outside of school. I learned of a specific part of this situation and it really shed some light to part of his behavior from last week. I still hold him to the same standards, but I try to keep these situations in mind. Since, I have seen a change in his attitude and his outlook on math and my class. He gets his work in and seems to have a little bit of fun!
- Today I was scrambling to find something my students could do for extra credit in my algebra 2 class since I'm a day ahead of the other teacher. At the last minute, I told students they could write a short story using terms from the last chapter. I realized this would be difficult considering what the words were so I tweaked the assignment a bit. I told students they got to determine what the new definitions of the words were. THEY LOVED IT!! I had several students go above and beyond on this assignment! I enjoyed reading some of the stories and can't wait to post them in my room!
- Today a student gave me a potholder he made in art class. Presh.
- I had my first observation yesterday and the principal told another teacher that I did awesome! That was for sure a relief!
I truly love my job, my kids, and the fact that I get to wake up every morning and teach them every day!!
Blessed,
Katelyn
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Tough Teacher Times
I've had my first run in with kids who don't like me as their teacher. I have found that I have several students who just don't like to do their work. I also have some students who like to throw things in my room at each other and just cause a lot of behavioral problems in my room. It's SO immature and annoying, but it's something I have to constantly deal with. Because I am constantly on their case about getting their work turned in or their bad behavior they don't like me very much...
The other day I had an interesting 2nd block. I had several kids saying inappropriate things to each other and then to me and about me. I was called names that I never expected to be said right to my face! I was really surprised!! It was definitely a test of my authority. I think I handled it pretty well. And it's good to know that my administration has my back.
The next afternoon I had a student get upset about his failing grade and how he wanted a C. He then refused to do anything (not even considering that this would contribute to his failing grade). After all was said and done with him and the principal he had told her that I was a really good teacher and he was learning a lot from me (but he just didn't want to do the work).
This past weekend on the retreat I went on, one girl that goes to my school told me that her friend (whom I have in class) told her that I was the best teacher she'd ever had! Those are the moments that just remind me that I am making a difference and doing what I'm called to do.
I am learning and growing as a teacher every day. All of these good and bad experiences are shaping and molding me into (hopefully) a teacher who the students know cares for them and would do anything to help them learn and to further their well-being. I love my students and I'm glad that I have been given the chance to impact their lives!
Thankful,
Katelyn
The other day I had an interesting 2nd block. I had several kids saying inappropriate things to each other and then to me and about me. I was called names that I never expected to be said right to my face! I was really surprised!! It was definitely a test of my authority. I think I handled it pretty well. And it's good to know that my administration has my back.
The next afternoon I had a student get upset about his failing grade and how he wanted a C. He then refused to do anything (not even considering that this would contribute to his failing grade). After all was said and done with him and the principal he had told her that I was a really good teacher and he was learning a lot from me (but he just didn't want to do the work).
This past weekend on the retreat I went on, one girl that goes to my school told me that her friend (whom I have in class) told her that I was the best teacher she'd ever had! Those are the moments that just remind me that I am making a difference and doing what I'm called to do.
I am learning and growing as a teacher every day. All of these good and bad experiences are shaping and molding me into (hopefully) a teacher who the students know cares for them and would do anything to help them learn and to further their well-being. I love my students and I'm glad that I have been given the chance to impact their lives!
Thankful,
Katelyn
Friday, September 9, 2011
Labor Day Awesomeness!
Last weekend I went to the lake with some of the most amazing people! One of my close engineering friend's family has a lake house. He got all our friends from school together and we planned a weekend for us to just be together on the lake hanging out and getting our fill of water sports.
I drove up after the football game on Friday night. Of course I took some work to grade, but Jacob's brother quickly nipped that in the bud. I did get some grading done, but overall I just relaxed. We all hung out on Friday night for a bit. Me and Brooke had pillow talk and headed to bed.
On Saturday we all got up super early and went out for some wakeboarding! I didn't try it that day, but it was fun to soak up the sun and watch the guys wakeboard. It felt amazing that day! We came in for some breakfast. Jacob's mom was super sweet and was always making us food even though she just had her appendix out! What a servant! After breakfast and some rest, we went back out for tubing!! I've never tubed like that before (granted, I've only tubed once before), but it was so much fun! The guys called it street tubing! We were jumping from tube to tube behind the boat and pushing each other off! It was the most fun I've had in a LONG time! After hours of tubing, we came in and got ready for dinner. We all had dinner together in the clubhouse with a couple of other families that were good friends with Jacob's family. That night, some more people came down to join us.
On Sunday we got up and had church service in the clubhouse. It was uplifting to be there worshipping with my friends! Later that afternoon we went out on the lake again. It was rainy but we had fun anyways! A few of our friends left that day. That night we went out to see the crazy people dancing at the pavilion. Jared had talked it up all weekend and it sure lived up to it!! These old rednecks dancing were HILARIOUS!!! We also watched True Grit which was REALLY good!
Monday we got up early and went out wakeboarding and on the wave runner. It was FREEZING, but we were gonna get every ounce of fun out of that weekend that we could!! I got flung off the wave runner! I even tried wakeboarding. I couldn't get up though. The waves were RIDIC! It was SO choppy out there! We came in and ate lunch. Then we all kinda chilled out and rested. A few went back out on the boat that afternoon, but I opted for the nap. Some of us played cards and just hung out. It was a lot of fun and I wish I could go back to last weekend! It was SO fun and I miss those friends so much. I love that God gave me such amazing friends and that I am able to have such fun making memories with them!
Thanking God for great friends,
Katelyn
I drove up after the football game on Friday night. Of course I took some work to grade, but Jacob's brother quickly nipped that in the bud. I did get some grading done, but overall I just relaxed. We all hung out on Friday night for a bit. Me and Brooke had pillow talk and headed to bed.
On Saturday we all got up super early and went out for some wakeboarding! I didn't try it that day, but it was fun to soak up the sun and watch the guys wakeboard. It felt amazing that day! We came in for some breakfast. Jacob's mom was super sweet and was always making us food even though she just had her appendix out! What a servant! After breakfast and some rest, we went back out for tubing!! I've never tubed like that before (granted, I've only tubed once before), but it was so much fun! The guys called it street tubing! We were jumping from tube to tube behind the boat and pushing each other off! It was the most fun I've had in a LONG time! After hours of tubing, we came in and got ready for dinner. We all had dinner together in the clubhouse with a couple of other families that were good friends with Jacob's family. That night, some more people came down to join us.
On Sunday we got up and had church service in the clubhouse. It was uplifting to be there worshipping with my friends! Later that afternoon we went out on the lake again. It was rainy but we had fun anyways! A few of our friends left that day. That night we went out to see the crazy people dancing at the pavilion. Jared had talked it up all weekend and it sure lived up to it!! These old rednecks dancing were HILARIOUS!!! We also watched True Grit which was REALLY good!
Monday we got up early and went out wakeboarding and on the wave runner. It was FREEZING, but we were gonna get every ounce of fun out of that weekend that we could!! I got flung off the wave runner! I even tried wakeboarding. I couldn't get up though. The waves were RIDIC! It was SO choppy out there! We came in and ate lunch. Then we all kinda chilled out and rested. A few went back out on the boat that afternoon, but I opted for the nap. Some of us played cards and just hung out. It was a lot of fun and I wish I could go back to last weekend! It was SO fun and I miss those friends so much. I love that God gave me such amazing friends and that I am able to have such fun making memories with them!
Thanking God for great friends,
Katelyn
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