A new challenge

Monday I will start my 13th year teaching, but this year feels different. I will be teaching a new class completely unlike what I have ever taught. I can feel the expectations are high, and to be honest, they scare me a bit. I have received multiple emails this summer from teachers asking me to include in my curriculum that which doesn't fit in theirs. Many support staff have asked me to distribute information that might help lighten their load. Many parents have viewed this class as one that is just taking up space in their child's schedule and want justification as to why their child has to have it. The administration would like to see this class reach the point where everyone desires to take it. Truthfully, it is difficult to create a class that fulfills all of these expectations. I already sense that some are upset that I am teaching it and it has me feeling a bit uneasy going into the school year. However, I have tried to incorporate as many things into the curriculum as possible to help out fellow teachers and to get our freshman on the path to having a successful four years.

If I look past my fears about this class, it has also created some excitement. I am ready for a new challenge. I am excited to get to speak English half of my day now as it offers opportunities to get to know the students better. I am looking forward to teaching freshman. I am hopeful that this class will help our freshman transition with less stress, more coping skills, and cut down the time that teachers have to spend on study skills, low achieving/motivated students, and make up work. With a student load this year of 229 students I know I have quite a challenge ahead of me, but I have spent the summer preparing for what is to come and trying to make this new challenge one that works well for everyone. 

As far as my Spanish classes, I have a few fun new tricks up my sleeve to increase speaking, challenge my students at a new level, and hopefully getting them out into the "real" world to use their skills with confidence. I have redone my room to fit with both of my classes (XX and SpIV) and I have to say I am excited to have a new looking room with a new feel to spend my days in. I have a "words with friends" wall for my SpIV's to have fun with, a few conversation boards for my XX's and a few motivational signs to remind all of us to keep forging ahead. Though the work is never done, I'm feeling pretty ready for what the year has in store for me. I'll post pics of my newly redone room as soon as I feel like it's officially ready!