What a long strange trip it has been

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.