Last Monday, right as we returned from Fall Break, I told my students that I didn't want them to dread coming to Spanish class, that I wanted them to look forward to class, and that I didn't want them to look back on this class in 20 years and think of me or my class as the worst in their high school career. Besides, I teach juniors and seniors, and those classes are the ones that tend to color the overall high school experience.
Personally, I think I'm an outstanding teacher.
But to students who are adapting to a different teacher this year and a different pace and even different methods, it's been a challenge for all of us to get on the same page.There are societal differences; there are cultural differences; there are obviously academic differences. I told them that I recognize that this class is unlike any other they take currently or have ever taken before, so this quarter, I want to do a better job at three things:
Personally, I think I'm an outstanding teacher.
But to students who are adapting to a different teacher this year and a different pace and even different methods, it's been a challenge for all of us to get on the same page.There are societal differences; there are cultural differences; there are obviously academic differences. I told them that I recognize that this class is unlike any other they take currently or have ever taken before, so this quarter, I want to do a better job at three things:
- Have fun in class. This is something I've always prided myself on as I usually have a lot of (caffeine-inspired) energy in class and keep moving throughout the class and throughout the day. And while that has translated (pun intended) to more engagement from students, needing to slow my roll with the students this year means help them grow rather than simply teaching them to raise them up to a certain level.
- Try something new. I've been a teacher for a number of years, but not everything reaches everybody. While I'm still on the path to proficiency, it's time to reach out to my PLN and engage now more than ever!
- It's still going to be hard. Not every day is going to be fun. Not every lesson is going to reach all students Spanish. Not every kid is going to be hanging on my every word as I teach 90% in Spanish. It's hard when students don't do exactly as you've instructed no matter how much I restate instructions or provide scaffolding; it makes me feel invisible as a person. As a teacher, though, I need to replenish myself, so I can give to the students.