Happy Teen Pregnancy Month

Yep...it's teen preggers month. I know. Seemed weird to me too, but I'm new to this teacher stuff, so I'm not asking questions.

I just cut into our 2nd home grown tomato of the season and I have to tell you...homemade tomatoes make you feel like dancing. Instead, I'm going to take a stroll around the block with Jim Brill (state legislator) before it's back to the wedding planning and nagging of Philadelphia Human Resources Departments that shall remain nameless.

Today was the first day of induction for the Philadelphia Department of Ed. It was a little strange because we were being taught by Powerpoint instead of being taught by Mary. There were no colorful posters to create nor Objectives to read aloud...and nary a post break peppermint to get the electricity going in our brains. I suppose it's a good thing to experience different kinds of teaching before actually jumping in head first because you realize what to do and what not to do. Today I learned not to create powerpoint lessons. Also, I learned not to take things like cell phones from students, but to take shoes from them...or...give them a pencil for a shoe or a quarter...or something. Seriously...I'm not really sure. Maybe I just miss Mary.

In other news, Mr. Tony Danza was at induction, also learning to be a teacher in the Philadelphia school district. He's filming a reality show for A&E wherein he teaches English to high risk youth and he looked at a bunch of schools before settling on one in the Northeast...he even looked at G-Dub (Go Eagles). While he still has a lot of cred points to earn in my heart (and Katelyn agreed), he def earned a check plus today for being there and learning the biz. Nice work, Mr. D.

To Being The Boss,
Jes

Soft Fruit

So far this week has been bitter sweet. While the summer school kids are in class until Friday, yesterday was our last day. We didn't tell them we were leaving until the end of the day after we threw them a pizza party. I have to admit, their reactions surprised me.

It was never my goal to be friends with my students and I went in with the idea that I wouldn't strive to be the most well-liked. Because of this, I imagined that the kids would be happy to see me go...I was harsh at times and I think I really challenged them. But they weren't happy to see me go. They said that they'd miss us and they seemed a little sad when we told them that we wouldn't be in class today. And I was sad too....I probably won't see any of them ever again and they all left such a mark. I'll never forget the first 5 kids I taught...not ever. But the sad is matched with happy. I realized that I made the right decision to join PTF. I've never felt such a mixture of emotions before nor have I ever felt this rewarded.

Funny how things work out.

Love
Jes

Math Blaster Mystery

Today was my first day teaching Math. I taught Order of Operations, (PEMDAS or Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally). Students were bad today and it was a huge challenge, but then they surprised me...they all got 100% on their quizzes. 100% at 100%. I think that's sticker worthy. I was a happy math teacher today. Despite the attitudes.

Love
Jes

Hello on the Fly

Hello There!

I'm flying by to say hello and let you know that I'm doing great and could not enjoy my PTF experience any more than I am. I've also never been busier and I'm having quite the time with...time management. I'm thinking that Nicole was right in her efforts to introduce me to the word of pocket planners. l...I'm managing and may even go to the beach on Saturday...we'll see.

Here are some highlights from the week:
1. One of my students has created a habit of waving to me from different parts of the classroom.
2. Another student used something I taught her...CONTEXT CLUES. My heart sortof fluttered.
3. James caught 3, 3!!!!, treats when I threw them to him. This is a trick that we have been really practicing and our practice is starting to make perfect (especially when it comes to popcorn...his favorite medium).
4. Tomatoes...tons of the them...are growing in my backyard. It's amazing when things grow before your eyes. Especially when you can eat said things.
5. Mom found a dress to wear to the wedding, well, two dresses but we narrowed it down to one. She bought both. They're both incredible and she looks great in them. She's wearing the blue one to Jenn's wedding.

Happy Thunderstorm Thursday.

Love
Jes

Hello From Sunny Philadelphia

Just saying hi and letting you know that, yes, I'm totally overwhelmed, but also really happy about what I'm doing. I get observed again tomorrow, again on my 7th grade reading lesson, so, needless to say, I've gotta go and get some stuff done. Wish me luck.

In the meantime, here's a pic of the other SPED Science Fellows, also known as "The Greatest People You Will Ever Meet". Just imagine all of the smartest, warmest, funniest people you know in one classroom. You should probably invite them to be on your Quizzo team.

Love,
Jes

you can do it, put your brain into it

It was definitely one of those days. The kind with a soundtrack in the background where you picture yourself walking around smiling and your hair and outfit look perfect.

Today, my cooperating teacher, a teacher that I respect and admire very much, told me that I was born to teach. I know, right. I sortof felt like moonwalking and crying and retreating all at the same time.


Love
Jes

terminal

Today I learned that I have a lot more learning to do. I gave my first mini lesson to a class of 4 and wasn't thrilled with it. At all. Embarrassed even. No bueno. Luckily, I'll have a few more chances to practice.

In other news, I have an incurable case of "not enough time in the day" and I fear it may be my downfall.

I recommend not changing everything about your life in the course of 3 months.

Bummer.

Jes