I just found out a few days ago that due to decreasing class sizes and budget cuts, we are losing one of the English teaching positions at Annandale. My first thought was my concern for my friend/co-worker Molly, who has the least experience and will now be cut. She’s a fantastic teacher and she will be sorely missed… both personally and professionally. She taught all of the 9th grade English classes, and has done a great job with them.
My next thought, selfishly, went to myself- who will now be the new 9th grade English teacher. I have taught 12th grade for 13 years, so this will be quite an adjustment. Those outside of education probably wouldn’t see the significance to this- high school kids are high school kids. Anyone in education would know that this is completely not true. I will need to not only create an entirely new curriculum; but I will need to review how to communicate, organize, teach, etc. to a whole new age group.
Which brings me to my technology connection. Thus far in this course I have been gearing all of my thoughts and ideas toward my seniors. However, I need to change how I’ve been thinking about implementing blogs, wiki, etc. I’ll certainly still be able to add new and great ideas, but my thought process needs to think differently.
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I'm sorry to hear about this cutback. And I'll be curious to hear about your plans for shifting to younger students. I still remember how different 9th graders are from 12th graders -- and I wish I knew how to tap into the collective energy they produce.
ReplyDeleteYes, energy! The one definite benefit is that I'll be trading off senior apathy for freshmen energy!!
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