First, please take a look at this blog I came across about readers:

http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/book_whisperer/2008/01/have_you_praised_a_reader_toda.html

Second, today I ventured in a giant teacher store and I had a blast. It's called Teacher's Pet and its located on the Lawrence/ North Andover line and I've wanted to go there since I was a little girl. It was a bit overwhelming since its a huge place (I'm talking bigger than Dave and our apartment combined twice). I picked up a few literature guides for Macbeth and Animal Farm since I'll be teaching them this semester and had them place an order for Brave New World. These guides are going to be very helpful this semester. They include vocabulary, discussion questions, activities, paper topics, quizzes and/or tests, and anything else you might need.

Anyway, diving into Merchant of Venice. I can't believe I have to finish teaching it next week!!!!

Life Memoir in Six Words

I originally heard about this on NPR but was reminded of it by one of the new blogs I've been reading: Classical Bookworm (see links on the right hand side).

The point is to write, in six words, your biography and an image that goes along with it. While mine has more to do with the present, I think those who really know me understand how this has to do with my past and future:

Student teacher, so much to learn.

Feel free to post your six word memoir in your blog or if you don't have a blog (Doug), post yours in the comment box!

First teaching vacation

I know this seems crazy but I was looking forward to this school break, even though I've only been "teaching" for two weeks. I'm using this break to catch up on the unit I came into half way through (Dracula and Merchant of Venice), prepare for taking over some units (poetry and Merchant of Venice) and starting a new unit in March (Brave New World). On top of all this, I have correcting for two classes (two quizes and a small pile of one page papers). I hope you guys don't think this is complaining. I'm so glad I'm doing this stuff; It will prepare me for my first teaching job.

Speaking of that, I'm going to a teacher job fair the end of the month and I'm so excited/nervous. I'm going to talk to my mentor about it and see what suggestions she has. I'm hoping it might lead to at least one interview for this fall. I know Lowell Public School has eleven high school English teacher positions. Hopefully that is an option as well.

Anyway, I'm gonna get back to American Idol and reading Dracula. Thanks for reading!

Quick update

I'm taking a break from cleaning the apartment and wanted to update the blog. I had a horrible cold this week, so that explains part of the laziness (which is now infecting the hubby). Also, I'm getting used to my new schedule (up at 5am, on the road by 5:30am, school by 6:30am, and classes start at 7:30am).

Anyways, here is the fast recap of the week:

I'm at my student teaching placement and already feel part of the group. I have my own little room to use during prep periods and before and after school. I've spent most of the time observing different teachers. I've also done a little correcting, photocopying, and unit planning. The big news is that I'm teaching one class on Monday (to get some practice in before I have to take it over on the 27th of this month). I'm really pumped and interested to see how it goes.

The plan for this week is to actively assist the teachers who's class I'll be taking over because after Febrauary vacation, I need to take over two classes. I'll be taking over a sophomore English and a Critical Writing course. I'm really excited/nervous because this so new and foreign to me. I taught a little last semester, but it was what I wanted to teach. This time, I need to finish the units they are working on and I'm assuming I need to follow the unit plans my teachers have made.

On a religious note, I had a very bad Ash Wednesday. I felt really sick between my cold and fasting all day that I broke the fasting rule and had a snack while I was at my afternoon college class. I felt like I was going to pass out. I got all sweaty, my ears were ringing.... not a pretty picture. On top of that, because of the time I got out of my night class, I missed my parish's Mass and didn't get my ashes (the one near school wasn't having Mass until 7, which means I would have had to wait around and not get home until 8pm (and not have dinner until I got home). I know.. excuses, excuses. I feel so bad. I'm going to confession today to talk to one of my priest about it and show my remorse. I feel really bummed about missing the ashes especially since last year I came into the Church and this is my first official Lent season as a Catholic.

Anway, I'm off to finishing cleaning the house, read today's devotions in my Lent book, and then lunch with Danielle.

Hope you all have a wonderful day!