I've survived two weeks in my new job! I'm teaching high school geography and psychology at the Denver School of the Arts and let me tell you - it is nothing like my previous job teaching special education in Aurora. Like, at all. Although I do really miss West on most days, this seems like a pretty good spot too.
The transition has been stressful and exhausting, but most of all it has been entertaining. So, if you would like, here is a list of updates on my professional life:
- We get a weather report during the morning announcements. It's really helpful for planning out my weekly outfits.
- Students arrive 5-10 minutes early to class and then ask permission to do anything and everything. It's your passing period. Just go to your locker. That is the definition of a passing period.
- I've been asked to take over the Mongolia Club. I get a free trip to Mongolia this summer. I am now passionate about Mongolia.
- My computer will only print if it is physically touching the printer. It's adorable. And driving me insane.
- The main behavior distraction I have to deal with is too much classical music being performed in the hallways during class. Excuse me, cellos, this isn't working. Um, what?
- There is more racial and social economic diversity than I had expected - and I love it! Diverse kids who love to learn? Yes, please!
- I have 2.5 hours of plan everyday. It is still not nearly enough time to get everything done. Also, I get bored.
- There are pretty much no female teachers who work here. I don't know how it happened, but only young male teachers and old women teach here. Mostly I feel lonely. Also, people think I'm super stylish.
- My principal laughs deeply all the time. He just finds his staff to be hilarious. I never realized that my previous administrators never laughed. It completely changes the staff culture. Plus, I'm naturally hilarious, so I fit right in.
- As you are aware, paper is rationed. One has to bring your own paper to the copier, make your copies, and carry back your unused paper. I don't know. I just...I don't know.
- As you are aware, paper is rationed. One has to bring your own paper to the copier, make your copies, and carry back your unused paper. I don't know. I just...I don't know.
- I have more male students who wear make-up than I would have anticipated. Usually better applied than mine. But it's really great to see the level of acceptance for all sexualities here. Also, costumes as clothing.
- Sometimes I have to grade 170 essays over the weekend. Rookie mistake.
- We had an entire staff meeting yesterday about how to write top notch letters of recommendation. I'd never sat through that professional development before.
- There isn't much need for teacher-led lessons, which has been a difficult transition to make. Classes are held as Socratic seminars and discussions. I miss hearing myself speak.
- Students use my last name when referring to me. And as someone who was just called "Miss" for 5 years, it is entertaining to hear the various pronunciations of my name.
- Grades are now a really big deal. I have had to clarify which nights I will be posting grades so that parents and students will stay calm. On that note, I have had to grade this year (I miss you special ed!).
- People don't email. I get about 3 emails per day. I miss the days of all-school mass emails asking each other if anyone has seen your coffee mug. Or my keys (let's be honest).
- Teachers come by constantly to check in on me. Since there were a total of 3 new teachers hired this year, we stick out like a sore thumb. Sometimes I hide so that no one can find me to talk about my feelings and needs.
- I'm really, really exhausted but really, really happy. I never knew teaching could be like this. I never knew that I could be this teacher. I'm so grateful that I leaped out of my comfort zone.
