First Week Back!

It's the first week back, and I have the energy, inspiration, and that extra "oomph" that I will need this quarter. Yes! 

The perfect book for my current frame of mind? A Sustainable Start.

John Spencer shares from his life and experiences and asks the reader to think of their own story. If I could write my own story for going into teaching thus far, what would that look like? Spencer talked about his own experiences in school, which sounded mostly negative, and his desire to want to change the system. My experiences in school were resoundingly good, and I have a desire to work in a school like the one I attended. It was a small, poor school with a group of brilliant teachers who had autonomy in their classrooms. I remember lots of projects, music, art, science, "field trips" (for a poor school, this means walking the 10 blocks to a small lake to take soil samples. It sounds boring, but it was fabulous.) This is similar to what I dream my career will look like. Student focused and a plethora of subjects and creative freedom!  I have big hopes and dreams, and I look forward to my student teaching where I can help shape my classroom and give a positive learning experience for all of my students.

I've only had Spencer's book for a few days, but I'm delving into it. He shares some of my same insecurities, questions, and struggles. Right now I'm thinking about how inexperienced I truly am- how much time I've really had in my main placement, compared to the years of rich experience my cooperating teacher has had. I have so much to learn. One thing I've taken away from this week, which was my mantra for Allison's class Friday, is to value taking risks. This will be the quarter of taking risks, and trying, and being appreciative of feedback. My first observation is in a few days, and so this mantra will continue on!

Also, for anyone else who would like to add Mr. Spencer to their blogroll, here it is.