Nautical

Monday, June 27, 2011

The Book Whisperer Read Along

As a beginning teacher I hungrily search for advice and guidance from those who have been in the teaching profession longer than myself. This has led me to turn to teacher blogs and I must say that this has become a new hobby of mine. There are so many great, experienced teachers out there who take time out of their busy schedules to blog about what they are doing and I am one of the people who greatly appreciates this. Through blog stalking, I have stumbled upon this summer read along that is being hosted by several teachers. The chosen book is The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller. After reading Chapter 1 I felt like the book was speaking directly to me and about me. I am so ready to learn everything that this book has to offer in terms of setting up my reading program for my own students. I could barely put the book down. Chapter 1 is littered with highlighting and post its.

NOTABLE QUOTES
  "Reading changes your life."
 "...my job as a teacher to equip the travelers, teach them how to read a map, and show them what to do when they get lost, but ultimately, the journey is theirs alone."

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Fonts Galore

Ok as a new teacher I'm just getting into this crazy font phase and I'm ready to start using them so watch out.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Books, Books, and more books

This book captured my eye especially since it is a nonfiction story written about the state that I live in and specific cities that I have also resided in. However, I never expected for this book to feature someone I actually know. As I read this story a certain name jumped out at me and I recognized it as being someone that I have personally had the opportunity to work with. After reading the account about this particular person, I was in awe at what he had accomplished. I knew he was a special person but I never realized just how special he really was. This made me even more honored to have had the chance to work with him and I definitely hope that I can work for him sometime in the future. My hat goes off to him. 
Now I'm off to read and revamp my library of children's books. 

Saturday, June 18, 2011

June 2011 Summer Reading List

Because I'm such an avid reader I decided to list my summer reading list in two parts, June and July. This list consists of books for fun and books for professional development. I'll start with my list of books for fun.
I'm sure it's apparent that I'm a fan of James Patterson and mystery novels. Now for the books for professional development.


This is just a brief list of some of the books that I currently reading or already read this month. I will be adding on to this list as necessary.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Interview Season

I have been invited to interview at a high school for a teaching position. I have been asked to prepare a 10-15 minute demo lesson for  about 15 8th graders. First reaction-freaking out. I have never had to teach for only 15 minutes. What do I teach? Where do I begin? I do not know what level these students are on or what subject I should teach. I guess I will have to figure it out though. I can do this. This is my passion and my light will shine.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

JOB FAIR Season!

Job fairs. Man those things are hectic. So far I have attended two this summer. The first one was pretty much a waste. There were no jobs to be found in the district. I found myself impressing administrators for no reason. I chalked it up as practice for my next job fair. Job fair number 2 was 45 minutes away from my home and it made it there with plenty of time to spare. I found this job fair to be more successful because of the fact that there were actually job positions available. I know that I may be at a disadvantage because I am not fully certified yet but that will definitely NOT stop me from attending these fairs and making my best impressions. I feel that I have the ability to land a job and I am the best candidate for the position. I am currently composing an email to the principal of one of the elementary schools that I interviewed with and I will calling an assistant principal of another at her request. I was also approached by a principal of a middle school and the assistant principal of a high school and they requested that I speak with them and leave my resume. I believe that something good will happen this summer. I'm just waiting for it to occur. Like I said, I'm on my way...

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Update from May

Wow May was a very intense month. I had the best experience with some of the best people and I enjoyed every minute of it. Okay maybe not EVERY minute but majority of them. I got to work with some of the most misunderstood kids and I was even able to teach them some things. Keep in mind that I was working with severe/profound students so this is VERY BIG! This position prepared me for the future in a big way. I have come to realize that my potential in this field is far greater than even I imagined. Next step is finding a job for the 2011-2012 school year. I'm on my way...