Like many young teachers, I started out as a first year teacher full of zeal. I had tons of fun and niche ideas that had been festering in notebooks since I was a student, waiting to be shared with future students and classes. Since then, each school year started by laying out my unique systems and ideas with zest and enthusiasm that was contagious to my classes. However, as a fourth year teacher, I’ve realized that a lot of my ideas haven’t been as sustainable as I planned. As I grow as a teacher and become a little older (and more valuing of my time outside the classroom), I’ve come to the point where I’ve needed to simplify some rituals and routines of my classroom. And well, being in a global pandemic, teaching on a hybrid schedule is a good time to reconsider my teaching practice and make some changes. This week, the second quarter commenced at my school. So looking back at the last two months, here are some changes that I’ve made this year:
2 Comments
Last Christmas, in a fit of restlessness, I started applying to random things at 2AM. These random applications ended up changing and making my trajectory for 2019. The first was a summer job in London, which I ended up getting and allowed me to work for 6 weeks in England over my summer break. The second was an application to present at NCTE. Mostly on a whim, I submitted a proposal to speak on my most successful teaching ideas so far- The Renaissance Faire (article on that coming soon!). Two months later, I found out my application was successful and was finally going to achieve my dream of going to the National Council of Teachers of English Conference and Convention!
It’s hard to believe that it is already my third year teaching. It seems like just yesterday I was getting the keys to my classroom, walking into the space that would be mine, sitting down at my desk, and dissolving into tears. After years of dreaming of being a teacher, my first reaction upon arriving into my new classroom was to start sobbing. And these weren’t tears of joy or of a dreaming coming true- these tears were because I was completely overwhelmed
World traveling is one of my favorite hobbies. Having both studied and lived abroad, I've had the opportunity to visit 14 different countries and make so many of my own adventures. Settling down to a job has been a hard transition for me, so I work to make sure that my travels are never behind me. I bring them into my classroom every day!
Hi!
My name is Megan and I am a high school English teacher. Just writing that gives me a thrill! I've almost finished two years of teaching, but yet I still get a little wave of excitement that I am living my dream. I've always wanted to teach literature, inspire creativity, and make a difference in students' lives. And I'm doing it!!! Here a few quick facts about me:
I am really excited to share some of my teaching ideas, resources, and personal reflections here! Can't wait to have you along for my journey. |
AuthorI'm Megan and I teach high school ELA. I'm all about literature, creativity, and aesthetics! Archives
February 2021
Categories |