the days of nothingness

Yesterday and today I had more subbing days. The beginning of the week looked bleak for some work, but I got a text from my cooperative teacher from last semester saying he was going to be gone on Wednesday, and I should get the job. This meant I got to sub my familiar class again! It was a sweet day full of students being surprised at my being there and me being comfortable with the students and the content area. Such a good time.

Then today I got a call at 10:00 asking me to come in as soon as possible because a teacher had a family emergency. I accepted and came in midway through the day. Students were pretty respectful since their teacher had gone for a somber reason. However, by the end of the day, they were just anxious to get out for the day and enjoy the weather, which is understandable.

So, here is what I have learned about subbing throughout my short experience:
1. Freshman are obnoxious. I know, I'm sorry. I shouldn't generalize, and I shouldn't be that biased, but it's a proven fact. I taught freshman in college....equally obnoxious. It's just a hormonal imbalance that causes everything to seem hilarious, even squeaking a chair on the floor over and over and over (and over and over and over...hilarious, eh?).

2. "Street Cred" is important. Even if only one or two students know who you are, the whole class automatically respects you. Without that, you're a nobody that they test and test and test.

3. Plans are so important. I'm especially going to keep this in mind when I teach. I've had jobs where I had great instruction and all the information I needed for the day. On the other hand, I've had days where I knew very little of what was going on for the day, and I felt nervous and fumbly throughout the time. Students notice that as well. The more comfortable you are, the better a day it will be.

Those are just three tidbits I've learned during my time of subbing. I'll hopefully have a couple of more jobs before the end of the school year, but if not, ah well. It's been an interesting experience while it lasted.

Subbing

That's right, people. I had my first subbing job yesterday.

I AM PRODUCTIVE!

So I was incredibly nervous before the day (stupidly enough). Chaz constantly tried to comfort me and reassure me that everything would be fine, but of course I didn't believe him. I awoke at 4:30 in the morning, nervous, and my mind raced so that I couldn't get back to sleep. Yesss!.....5 hours of sleep. I subbed for a social studies class having mostly freshman. There were a couple of classes of older students, and some students I had last semester where in them, so it was fun to see them. Plus, since I've already built good rapport with them, they didn't feel the need to "test" me. It was an okay day, and I think it would've been better if I hadn't been so TIRED. Mostly it was fun to see students I had last semester. I also got in on the Yearbook photo, so that was thrilling.

Last night was rough as I was incredibly tired and emotional. I finally gave up trying to make sense and went to bed. This morning I awoke to another call for a sub. I rejected that job, and wasn't going to go in today, but then I got online and saw a math position for today in which I just had to watch while students worked on their assignment. I wasn't tired and figured I should take all opportunities to work now while I still have them, and accepted.

So now I'm at the beginning of another day, this one looking much better than the day before. I'm hoping to coerce students into letting me read a Jane Austen-themed Choose Your Own Adventure book. I hope I hope I hope I can!

lazy dayz

As I said in my last blog, I'm finally done with 201. So what have I been doing the past week or so? Pretty much....nothing. I've read the sixth Harry Potter book, and yesterday I read the seventh in one day. I've watched television (yay Create!), felt guilty about being lazy, got sick because I ate nasty leftover food in the refrigerator, and gone home to celebrate Mother's Day (which was not a waste or lazy).

Today, however, I do not feel guilty. Today is a good day. I could feel a change when I woke up this morning. I watched my usual morning shows, had a bowl of cereal (there's nothing like replenishing your food supply to get you rejuvenated), took a shower, and made a tasty lunch. Then, I was watching the Create channel (my new favorite PBS channel full of cooking shows, craft shows, and do-it-yourself goodness), and what should come on? Mexico: One Plate at a Time with Rick Bayless! I haven't seen the show in a long time because it hasn't been on our Create channel since probably November/December. I was really wanting to watch it recently too. I was super stoked, and it didn't disappoint. I really want to have a Mexican Paella party now....haha.

To add to the goodness, I finally went in to turn in my subbing application! (One bad sidenote: Chaz left me his car to drive, and it was extremely windy today, and the Administration office is waaaaay across town, but Chaz's car had a flat tire, so I had to bike. I was sweaty when I arrived) So yes, I am officially in the system to sub in the district. And I'm scared. I've heard horror stories, but I know I'll feel better being a bit more productive than I've been the past week.

Glorified babysitting: here I come!

hodge podge of thoughts for today

I just wanted to say how excited I am about mewithoutYou's new album "it's all crazy! it's all false! it's all a dream! it's alright" coming May 19. Just when I thought these guys couldn't get any better with "Brother, Sister," this album looks to be even MORE incredible and even MORE amazing! You can check out a couple of songs on their Purevolume site. Ah! They just make me want to dance (I'm obviously listening to them right now).

Anyway...I'm done with 201 today! We had the final this morning, and we're having the grading meeting in a couple of hours. *sigh* Crazy to think that this semester is over. I have survived teaching a college course. Spent 10 hours yesterday finishing grading projects. Eek! Now on to other things. What? Still don't know, but at least I'm not worried about it (for now).

So many things coming to an end:
College
201
Shift
Marriage: Year 1
Year 23 (in a couple of months)
Living in Ames (?)
My Sanity (kidding)

Transition periods. Ah, life.