Week 7 at University High!

This week has been a bigger transition; I have fully taken over four of the classes. In addition, I have begun to plan for all five of my classes beginning next Wednesday. This will be a lot to take on, but it will only better prepare me for my full time career as a math educator. I have been building stronger relationships with my students, mentor teachers, and colleagues. It has been great to get help and advice from all the great support at University High School. I have been so encouraged by everyone.
One of the biggest things that I have recently been making sure to keep in mind is the purpose of everything I am doing in my classroom. It is important to maintain focus on why you are doing the things you are doing. There should be significance for every activity that takes place in your class. Most days, I have the students complete a five minute check to prepare them for the lesson or to get them thinking from what they had learned the previous day. Even the five minute check needs to be purposeful. I may also use it to go through problems that I know they may be having a harder time with. I am always trying to make sure to keep focus on the ideas of what will help my students succeed in my class, other classes, everyday life, and a future career path that they may choose. Altogether, I am maintaining my focus on purpose in the classroom. Also, I am learning more about myself and how I can become a better teacher to benefit my students.

Who dares to teach must never cease to learn.

~John Cotton Dana