getting better

Today was the first day (of many days) of me taking over my two classes at Hiram Johnson.

And it went surprisingly well.

I mean, there were the usual kinks and problems that come with a new teacher up in front of the class, but I was so happy and impressed with how well my students did, and how willing they were to do what I asked. Aside from a few new students in my 2nd period who didn't know all the rules (such as, don't get out of your seat and show another kid a picture on your cell phone, although you'd think that would be obvious), it was a great first day.

Oh, one thing that wasn't so great: I thought I lost my ring. The beautiful, full-of-sentimental-value ring that Robbie gave me when we'd been dating for about 6 months, which I usually don't even wear to school. I had it on this morning, and then I looked down at my hand second period after a girl asked me if I had a boyfriend, and saw it wasn't there. I mentally freaked out, and asked the students to look on the ground and see if they saw it. They were SO sweet and helpful - saying things like, "Ms. Ingram, if it would've fallen off, we would've heard it", "Did you leave it in your jacket?" and "I really hope you find it!". But then, the more I thought about it, the more I didn't remember wearing it out of my apartment...and I remembered putting lotion on my hands just before I left, which I always take off my ring to do. And sure enough, when I got back to my apartment, it was sitting on my coffee table. I swear, I'm so dumb sometimes.

One other thing before I go eat lunch: I might already have a job for next year. My mom knows/used to work with the Director of Special Education for YCUSD, who is on her way to becoming the Superintendent of Schools, and apparently she's always asking my mom if I'm going to come back to YC next year. She told my mom to have me email her (which I did), and we could set up an appointment (which we did) to just talk about possibly working for YCUSD next year, where I would pretty much have the school of my choice (jr. high or high school), amazing benefits, and a starting salary of around $40,000. Needless to say, I'm sorta excited.

Oh! And one more thing - my mom is now taking classes to get her MA/Admin Credential. I'm so proud of her! It's something she's wanted to do for a long time, but which she had to keep putting off because of taking care of my grandma, bills, etc. But she's finally doing it, and will have it all done in 1 1/2 to 2 years. And she'll be able to work in administration, and get away from all the drama and stress that is part of her current job.

Ok, that's all you'll hear from me for awhile. I really can't believe it's almost February...

eight days a week

Well I am stressed. I need to write a whole month's worth of lesson plans for 2 classes by sometime this week, so my supervisors & teachers can look over them to make sure they're ok. So far, I've written three. For one class. But I'd really just rather watch my TiVo'd Law & Order: SVU. I freakin' love that show.

However, despite the level of stress I'm feeling (which is probably way lower than the level of stress I should be feeling), I'm extremely excited about teaching. I observed my 2nd period class on Friday, and it made me remember why I had been so looking forward to going back to Hiram Johnson, and so bummed that I might not be able to work with this particular teacher (long story). Basically, the class played Jeopardy for most of the class to review for their final, and it was HILARIOUS. Even though it's an intervention class, which usually comes with a lot of attitude/behavior problems, these kids have such great attitudes and senses of humor, so I'm really excited to start working with them.

Alright, I seriously need to get back to work now...as soon as this episode is over.

get back

So yesterday I get home to find, among about 50 packages from Amazon full of books for my classes this quarter, a big fat envelope from Chelsea, my master teacher at Norwood Junior High. I knew she was sending me signed copies of a letter of recommendation, but she ALSO sent me a stack of hand-made thank-you cards from the kids in my class. It was so sweet, and made me miss them all! Here are a few of my favorites:

Dear Miss Ingram,
You were one of the best teachers I have ever had. I had a wonderful time and I'm sure that everyone did too. You taught us really well, I learned a lot from you. So, did you have a good time with us?
I hope you become a teacher because you are so good at teaching. Those kids would be lucky to have you as a teacher. Well, thank you Miss Ingram for being a wonderful teacher!
Sincerely, Janiz

Dear Miss Ingram,
Thanks 4 all the chances U have given 2 me. It was a blessing having you as our student teacher. I think I had a good score on my final cause of U. U taught everything I needed to know. I am gonna miss U a lot. Have a good time!
Much love, Charles

Thank you Miss Ingram for teaching all of us. I know I am your favorite student. I was going to get you a box of chocolates but I didn't get it in time. So I am writing this letter, you might want to use a magnifying glass [he writes REALLY small]. Thank you for always being here. I wish we could see you again. Well I've got to blast!
See you, John

And then I got a group-signed card from the entire class, with the school slogan, "Life is good at Norwood" changed to "Life was good at Norwood". Yeah, totally cute.

Ok, now I have to go finish getting ready for Nerdfest '07, aka dinner with a bunch of people from Rob's engineering program.

Alright, well I find myself with some free time on my hands (even though I probably should be working on my unit for the class I'm taking over on January 29th), so I decided to start a blog.

This way, not only Robbie has to listen to my disjointed rambling about random topics. Such as: why do crows walk like robots? Discuss.