Well,
the dreaded KPTP is now out of my hands. It has, by this time, floated its way
through cyberspace, and sits in digital suspension waiting to be read,
reviewed, and graded. It is funny how waiting for a grade on one of the most
important assignments I have ever completed is far less stressful than its
creation. There is a sense of relief in knowing that there is nothing further
can be done. I have always believed that the only things worth stressing about
are the things within my control, so I can now sit back and wait for the
results without much worry.
I
am still focused on my teaching, which, at this point, occupies good portion of
my time and mind. They are working on a research project, and it is proving a
challenge. It is really the first time that my students have had to do a true
research paper, and while I feel that some of them will do great, I know that
others will struggle. It is clear that many of them require constant direction
and a feedback. I am seeing some big strides being made. I have had to focus a
bit of attention on MLA, and despite the fact that they are tired of bellwork
and constant questioning that focuses on citation, they seem to actually be
catching on to it. My CT says that she thinks that it is going well, and she is
happy to see it. It was clear that they did not remember much from their first introduction
to it last semester. I created a handout of which I am pretty proud. It was not
an assignment that the class necessarily did outstandingly on, but is has come
to be a good resource.
On
top of my two junior classes, I am co-teaching a language class with Mr.
Slattery. It is a low level class, and the content is quite simple, but the students
are, well, challenging. There are only five of them, but three of the five take
more energy and effort than all of my other students combined. Up until this
point, he and I were assisted by our CTs, but we have been given full reign of
the class over the last week. There are days where it has fully tested our
classroom management skills and patients. Although, when things go well, it
feels like we have taught Helen Keller to say water. It’s not easy, but it is definitely rewarding.
All in all, things are going well. I enjoy being
in the classroom. There have been times when I feel like I have just finished a
15 round boxing match, but I don’t think there is anything else I would rather
do. I find myself finally coming to realization that this part of my journey is
quickly coming to an end. The countdown has began, and there are only 44 days
left until I walk across the stage and step in the world where I will occupy the
space on the other side a desk. I am filled with the most interesting mixture
of excitement and terror that I have ever known. It’s an odd feeling, but I
like it.
