Why teach? This is a question many college students tumbling through their senior years will be asking themselves. I don't really know if I have the right answer to such a question, but one reason that sticks out in my mind is:
It is a difficult job. Teaching, at least for me, has not been easy. It has been an evolving processes since the first day in the summer school classroom. I've always enjoyed challenges, and problems. Teaching presents both, sometimes overwhelmingly. So far, I think I have gotten close to the solution in Algebra II, and I feel that I am getting closer with Transitions to Algebra (although my third period class today may argue that last point). While some days I feel like curling up in a ball and hoping that a freak snow storm cancels the next day of class, when it comes down to it, I constantly feel a need to improve my class, because the better my class is, the more my kids will learn. So its been a constant process, a constant tweaking of the classroom, and I enjoy that dynamic. Eventually, I will tweak less and things will run more smoothly, and although I will probably enjoy the job more once all the wrinkles are gone, it is the ironing process that makes me better.
So my first semester of teaching is coming to a close, and as I look back I realize that hindsight truly is 20/20. Overall, I am mildly pleased with how the semester went, although come January I need to make some tweaks and will take advantage of the break to facilitate said changes. Mostly, I need to alter my Transitions to Algebra class. So, a short list of changes that be made:
1. The class is rather boring. I like teaching Algebra II because it is stimulating material,
but I get bored with transitions because it is so basic. Perhaps I will incorporate more
games and such into the class.
2. I need to do more vocabulary work. So far I have focused on just the numbers and let
the terms slide by the wayside, but I have a fear that my kids be underprepared in terms
of math vocabulary if I do not make some changes.
3. I need a more organized grading system. Luckily, I think I already know how to solve
this and it involves lots of folders.
Overall though, I have really enjoyed teaching Algebra II over the course of the first term. Although I often become frustrated with some incompetence in Transitions to Algebra, I think the first term has been satisfactory, I just need the second half of the year to be better, and I will be happy with the class as a whole.
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