Ready or Not
Hanne Denney was a third year special education teacher at Arundel High School in Gambrills, Maryland. A career changer who entered the profession through an alternative-certification program, she’s an older “new” teacher trying to bring relevance and rigor to her classes by tirelessly seeking wisdom as an educator. Hanne shared her perspective and ideas in this opinion blog. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: new teachers.
Education
Opinion
Resolved: Make More Lists
My resolution for 2006 is to make more lists. I meant to buy a new notebook at the store today, so I could write down things I need to do, but I forgot. If only I had written it down …
Education
Opinion
Professional Sharing
Professional Sharing
Since I began writing this blog I have heard from many teachers across the country and around the globe. Many are “career changers”, who are entering the teaching field later in life. I appreciate your comments! I hope when you read what I write, you also read the comments posted by other readers. That’s the really good stuff. Thanks for sharing.
Since I began writing this blog I have heard from many teachers across the country and around the globe. Many are “career changers”, who are entering the teaching field later in life. I appreciate your comments! I hope when you read what I write, you also read the comments posted by other readers. That’s the really good stuff. Thanks for sharing.
Education
Opinion
Break for Refreshment
Good news! I’ve had a couple of days off, time with family, lots of good food and too much coffee drunk while reading the entire newspaper. I woke up Saturday morning thinking about my classes and my students. My first thoughts were about the upcoming world civilization unit on explorers. So I must be refreshed. That’s why teachers need breaks! I’m enthusiastic again.
Education
Opinion
Day of Rest
It’s Sunday night, and I feel great! I think to myself. Then I have to ask, Why? Uh oh, guilt sets in as I recognize my mindset. I feel great because I don’t have to teach tomorrow! What kind of a teacher would say that, even if only to herself? And here I am saying this publicly, that I am happy I am not teaching tomorrow.
Education
Opinion
Post-Ob
My English 9 observation with Mrs. Stratton was good, and I am relieved. I tried to say I wouldn’t be nervous, but of course I was. The students were quiet until the point where they forgot the principal was sitting to the side of the classroom. Then they loosened up and began participating in their eager way. There was lots of discussion about symbols, several excited voices trying to share a personal story at once, and one student (who was annoyed with me from the previous day) with his back turned towards me. All’s good. The lesson was successfully completed.
Education
Opinion
Under the Microscope in English Class
As happens to all new teachers periodically, I’m having a formal observation this week in my English 9 class. My principal, Mrs. Stratton, will enter the class, sit silently to the side, and note everything I do, say, or indicate with a motion or facial expression. The students will begin the class quietly, a little nervously, until they realize her presence has nothing to do with them. Then they’ll be their normal easily-distracted-bored-by-learning-trying-to-find-their-place-ninth-grade students. I really like this class, and sometimes we have a discussion that surprises me. But I hope I don’t get any surprises next Wednesday.
Education
Opinion
Old Stories
I am 47 years old, and only a second year teacher. I began my high school teaching career after 30 years of other jobs. I don’t know as much about teaching high school as those teachers who completed a four year college program, but I know a whole lot of other stuff. All that other stuff adds up to a lot of knowledge to apply to the classroom. What specifically can I offer as an older but inexperienced teacher?
Education
Opinion
Home Visit in New Orleans
You know my niece and nephew lived in New Orleans, two young adults just beginning their post-college professional lives. I appreciate your good thoughts and prayers, and I’ve let Nick and Michelle know of them. I am sharing their story because individual stories shape cultural history. The story of Hurricane Katrina is now part of the history of our country and its people.
Education
Opinion
Calling Home
Saturday morning, and I am celebrating with a second cup of coffee. Saturday brings the chance to get up and actually see the sun rise! What glory it brings. Usually by now I’m looking at sixteen students ages 14-18, all “eager” to learn parts of speech at 7:30 am. If I’m lucky the sleepy ones had a caffeinated drink for breakfast. If I’m really lucky the overly-energetic kids have had their medication and not a caffeinated drink.
Education
Opinion
Career Changing
In my last job, I helped to raise over fifty children from infancy through school age. I was a family child care provider for 12 years. That was a very satisfying job – exhausting, rewarding, and fun.
Education
Opinion
Here They Come
Ready or not, here they come. They did come; the students, that is. All 2,086 ethnically, politically, economically, racially, religiously, ability diverse of them came. Arundel High School opened its doors after a two-day delay for construction. And I wasn’t ready! I admit it!
Education
Opinion
Lesson from the Heart
I am so touched by the response from so many other new teachers. I have heard from people around the country about their fears and their triumphs as teachers. Thank you; please continue to let me know how it’s going. I like making new friends.
Education
Opinion
First Day Jitters
I am really nervous about the first day of school. That’s what I keep thinking. I am very excited about this upcoming year, but I am really nervous about the first day of school. Every young teacher, I’m sure, worries and frets, anticipating that moment of first standing in front of the class. How will they see me? Will they respect me, or be laughing inside? What if they’re laughing outside?