Teacher WHAT Day?!

I love the fact that the school district calls a student holiday a "Teacher Work Day". As if I didn't already spend (almost) every waking moment slaving over a lesson plan, guided notes, a test, or an activity to benefit my less-than-grateful kiddos. As if I don't wake up at 5:15 every week day morning to go to work, and spend my weekends sprawled out on the living floor typing frantically away on my computer. But regardless, I won't complain. "Teacher Work Days" may be the best thing ever invented--it's just the name I have some beef with.

We had a TWD on Monday, and it was by far the best day of the school year. I was incredibly productive, planning lessons to last me through the rest of the week. Not to mention I was actually able to enjoy my weekend, knowing that I'd have an extra day to prepare myself for the onslaught of chaos on Tuesday. I even had a semi-normal life this weekend, going to a party with TFA friends and having breakfast before church with a non-teacher friend. And now here I am, on a Wednesday night, eating leftover cookie dough out of a bowl while my peanut butter Hershey kiss cookies bake, blogging away when normally I should be lesson planning or copying, and waiting for Modern Family to come on. Sure, I can make a few revisions to make my lesson a little more rigorous, and I will. But for now, I'm enjoying the existence of Courtney, rather than Miss H.

Because we've been giving more benchmark tests this week, my classes are now behind on their lessons. That does mean, however, that I am even more ahead in planning, which is fabulous. This weekend could potentially be the most work-free weekend I've had since I started teaching. And perfect timing, because my grandparents will be in town, my friends are coming home, and it's my sister's birthday. Bring on Friday, I'm ready to have a life and not feel guilty about it!

The kids have been great these past few days, only because they have been using the laptops to take their tests. Which means they get to play math games when they are done. I have NEVER seen 25 children so silent as when I tell them they can put their headphones in and play games. have found my new bargaining chip.

I've also been working closely with a woman from Teach for America's National Design Team, Rachel, who is helping me take steps to transform my classroom management. She's come in to video tape, observe, and debrief with me, and she's been checking in with me over the phone. One of my biggest obstacles is honestly overcoming the preconceived notions I have in my head of these kids and why they behave the way they do. I'm working on going into all of my classes with a more positive attitude, conducting it in a more businesslike yet warm manner, and handling misbehavior with a more neutral tone. I've noticed that I tend to react rather than just act when a kid goofs off, and they love the response I give them when I get mad. It was hard to admit that I am part of a struggling classroom, which is what makes me eligible for the intervention from Rachel. But as she reassured me, they wouldn't be investing in me and my classes if they didn't expect a transformation out of it. So keep your fingers crossed for me!

Only two days left in this week. Teacher Work Days should be a mandatory part of every school week. I'm such a better teacher, being able to plan ahead and take care of myself. Plus, it doesn't hurt that there are only four days to get through :)