Teaching, Teens, Trips, Tournaments, and Thanksgiving!

First of all, my apologies. I'm sorry that I have not posted in MONTHS! But sometimes life happens and you get swept up in a million other things that seem more pressing than a blog post. But alas, I'm back with lots of pictures and stories to tell. October was tough beyond belief. With all of the organizing, behavior correcting and grading that must happen during that month, I was overwhelmed. It felt like year two was no simpler than year one, and I was unhappy. But so many little moments brought me back to myself. My parents sent giant button candy (my grandmother's favorite) and my student who switched schools visited me twice! Homecoming was around the corner and I found my school spirit again. My yearbook students took fantastic pictures at the big football game and parade, and my parents and brother were in town to see my after school teacher-life. My family and I spent a day kayaking, they took my spin class, and I showed them around Fremont Street and the container park (old moving containers that have been converted into miniature shops and restaurants). 

     Last year I became a co-adviser for the class of 2017 student council and this year we amped up the fundraisers! My students hosted a dodgeball tournament. Students could enter teams of six and play against other students as well as TEACHER TEAMS. I mean, what student doesn't want to throw things at their teacher? (OR VICE VERSA!) Of course I encouraged my students to participate, but I was overwhelmed by their interest. A few of the boys on the baseball team (mostly my 12 honors English kids) formed a team called the "Maroon Cobras" and they dominated the tournament. Their champion t-shirts are on the way and they have pledged to hold on to the victory by participating in as many future tournaments as we host! 

     

     While reading Frankenstein with my seniors, I heard about an event going on at a local theatre. National Theatre Live plays a broadcast of the incredible Danny Boyle production once a year in October. I advertised the event to my students and talked up the movie as best I could. I also told them that I'd be an hour early and buy the first 3 student's tickets FOR THEM! They seemed interested so I hoped that a few kids would show up. Not only did I have nearly 20 students attend the movie, but 6 students were there when I arrived, so I very happily bought 6 tickets, and of course my own. 

      The kids made the night unforgettable with funny and insightful commentary as the movie played. I was proud beyond belief and they were bragging about it in class for weeks! 

     Grading for hours is never fun. But it becomes more bearable when you are doing it in a living room full of friends and old music. So I have to say thanks to my amazing roommates who keep me sane and grounded when the going gets tough. They keep me laughing and inspire me with their dedication to students and families. 

    Bailey teaches kindergarteners, most of whom are Spanish speakers and do not know their colors or animals when they enter her classroom. She works with their families to make sure reading is happening at home, regularly, and that the kids are practicing their sight words. She ensures her students will be strong readers and writers when they enter the first grade. 

     Emma is a middle school teacher. That should be all I even have to say about it: MIDDLE SCHOOL. She teaches disgruntled and challengingly hormonal pre-teens to use proper grammar. She makes thesis statement writing a game, and uses her young, fun energy to keep the students hooked. I truly do not know how she does it, but I'm thankful for her positive spin on the craziness of her kids. 

   And they were incredible co-hosts of our first "Friendsgiving" celebration. We named our turkey Jonathan and made some delicious sides for our feast! Thankful just doesn't cover it for these two sidekicks. 

     When the stress of the year was hitting me the hardest, I was lucky that I had an excuse to get away. In November there is a media conference for yearbook teachers and students that I asked to attend. My principal agreed to fund the trip so I hopped on a plane to DC and learned new strategies for teaching my yearbook staff. Unfortunately most of the advisers at the conference did not have a solution for my 120 student staff, since they are used to working with 20-30 students at the most. But I was glad to share my stories with other publications teachers. And since DC is just north of my hometown I was able to hang out with my parents during the weekend. After DC, mom and I headed to Canyon Ranch for our annual women's weekend of workouts, spa days, and total relaxation with a book by the fireplace.

     I'm lucky to have such fantastic female role models in my life. My aunts are stylish, giving, and full of inspiration. My grandmother is a force to be reckoned with: she is the leader of my cheerleading squad and would do nearly anything to see me happy and successful. My older sister is my adviser when it comes to relationships, career choices, and healthy living. She is a bright bundle of energy and happiness, and every year I look forward to simply sitting beside her and taking in some of her fantastic advice. And of course my mom is my rock. She is endlessly supportive and inspires me to give everything I can to my students, just as she did for her kids. Spending this annual weekend with her has shaped our relationship into one I always wanted. She is my confidant, my guide, and my role model. 

     I'll begin to sign off with some final notes. My students are brilliant and make my job both fun and devastating. They are capable of more than they believe simply because the expectations for them (set by their parents, previous teachers, or society in general) are far too low. I will continue to work to make sure they know what they can and WILL accomplish in their lives if they put their minds to it. 

I had one more visit from two favorites from last year. They loved my Hanukkah door and were happy to sit with me while I graded and input scores. They are my reminder to keep going, make that lasting impression, and form inspiring relationships with as many of my students as possible. 

Sending love to all this holiday season,

Ms. Landau

Year 2 Begins with Overcrowding and Student Visits!

Reasons this year is already tougher than the first:

1. There are currently more than 46 kids in 3 of my 6 classes

2. I'm teaching a class I have no experience with - yearbook

3. Summer break was wonderful whereas a 6am-3pm work day is exhausting

4. I am taking three UNLV classes this fall for my masters degree program

Reasons this year will (hopefully) be BETTER than the first

1. I have a year of teaching experience under my belt

2. I have a plan to make yearbook a project-based class where 

I become more of a mentor/coach/adviser rather than a lecturer

3. I'm teaching fantastic books to my seniors (Taming of the Shrew, 

Frankenstein, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Jurassic Park)

4. I have an incredibly supportive family and group of friends who know 

exactly how to pick me up when I'm down and overwhelmed

    This second year of teaching has begun on an interesting note. I was not quite as energized and ready to jump back in as I thought I would be. This made the back-to-school process tougher. But having met the students, I know it will turn into a fun and exciting year. Unfortunately, there are too many of them (students, that is). My school projected a lower number than our actual attendance on day one, and we have all been suffering. 40 or 50 students in a classroom is wrong on so many levels. I'm lucky that my largest classes right now are 46 and 48 not in the 50's, and that my classroom can (barely) accommodate that amount. My colleagues down the hall are dealing with smaller rooms, more kids, and a variety of other setbacks that make teaching and learning a challenge. 

    You're probably saying, "WHAT ABOUT FIRE CODE?" and "ISN'T THAT ILLEGAL?" You're not wrong to have those thoughts, but our official number of students isn't established until count day, at the end of September. So there is a bit of a toss up of whether to truly handle the overcrowding situation now, or wait until much more can be done. Those decisions are up to our administration, who is trying to heal large flesh wounds with 100 little band-aides. But alas, there is no room for complaining because I definitely don't have one of the worst cases, and eventually (in October? November?) things will be fixed!

    Of course my goal is always to look on the bright side. I had some truly wonderful moments this week. One student who I had a strong connection with last year changed schools and now attends one across town. She surprised me by visiting my new classroom on Friday, and it made my day to see her and know that I was important enough for her to come back and see. I've also "felt the love" from new students whose schedules are being switched around. A few have come to me for a class-drop signature and firmly pledge that they will do whatever it takes to be switched back into my class. It's a confidence boost to see that students (whether they show it in class or not) appreciate having me as their teacher. 

    To say I'm not looking forward to winter break would be a lie, but I know I'll find that joy of teaching again soon! Summer was just TOO wonderful and I've been spoiled. As always, I love hearing from anyone who reads this and has questions, comments, concerns, or just wants to know more about Teach For America and my experience. Please feel free to reach out (DanielleMLandau@gmail.com).

All My Best,
Ms. Landau (I'm Back!)

A year of teaching COMPLETE

Before writing this post I read through my entire blog. First of all, sorry about all of the little errors. I should REALLY be better at that since I do TEACH English (and will be teaching editing as the yearbook teacher/advisor next year). But alas, some of the posts were written after long, tough days, so even forming sentences felt like a win.

Instead of blabbering on I'm going to break this final post down into a few parts. Hopefully this will stop me from talking in circles. 

1. Impact of students on my life

2. My advice for 1st year TFAs

3. Worries for the future

Part 1: The kids


Here goes. My students have changed my outlook on so many levels. I no longer judge a teenager during the first, second, or even hundredth time I interact with them. So many of my kids this year came off as tougher, angrier, and more resistant than they actually were. I found that getting to the heart of a child (yes teens are still children) takes hundreds of moments of connection. And then one day, they break. This can be a beautiful discovery of a skill they want to turn into a career or the realization that their life is the way it is for a few more years before they can truly become independent. The epiphanies come in all shapes and sizes, but each takes time to be realized, and you CANNOT rush the process.

Sometimes the things I teach that do not relate to grammar or literature are MORE impactful to students and will stay with them into their lives. I know I was able to improve my kids writing skills. They saw it, I saw it, and we were all celebrating their essays by the end of the year. But I think showing them every single day that there is a career/job out their for everyone that is fun and exciting, truly shifted their perspective on the future. My energy caused them to care, when they otherwise might have tuned me out, and I know I need to bring even more joy each day next year.

Most importantly, my students let me into their lives. This was an unexpected gift. Teens like to share with each other (CONSTANTLY) but I did not think they would be willing to share with their teacher. I was wrong. I learned about so many heartbreaking stories: students who lost parents, students who are homeless, students who work through the night to support their families, and students who started families of their own before they were ready. But more than these tough moments I saw endless resiliency and compassion in teenagers, that's right TEENS! They rose to the challenge, whether it was a pop quiz from their least favorite teacher, or helping a friend out who just lost their mom. And when students told me these stories, my heart ached for them but luckily, I was able to coach them towards action and hopefully alleviate a tiny bit of their stress along the way.

Part 2: Advice

So you want to join Teach For America? Cool! I'll be your biggest cheerleader, and send you lesson plans to help get you started. BUT - prepare yourself for a truly challenging year. I cannot say I regret too many things, but thinking I could "handle" teaching simply because I felt I had excelled in college and I always enjoyed children was a miscalculation beyond measure. Those skills do not add up to make a successful educator. You have to be willing to take criticism, ENDLESS criticism. This can be from parents, administration, your TFA mentors, your peers, and of course the students. And you HAVE TO be willing to change your way of doing something, even if will take more time and energy than you think you have.

Teaching is scary. Kids are cruel. They will treat you like garbage if you let them. So do not allow it. Call home, be THAT teacher. Later they will respect you for it. Tell the parents that their 18 year old was disrespectful and you are worried about their college applications if they are unwilling to write a paragraph in your class. It WILL hit home. And gossip spreads like wildfire. Don't tell one class about some prize and expect that two periods later every students won't be badgering you about what the fancy surprise is. And that call home? It will spread too. In a good way. "That new teacher doesn't play" is about the most amazing thing I heard when walking into the lunchroom one day. That was in December - it took 4 months. Things take A LONG TIME. Prepare to see no improvement forEVER before you see any change. That is ok. The seeds are planted. The season of growth is spring, and it is just around the corner.

Part 3: Worries

Take more pictures. I took so many, and it still feels like I don't have enough snapshots of my kiddos. I'm worried I'll forget their names and quirks, and that makes me sad. But some will come and visit, and that will be truly incredible. Write things down. If a student does something amazing, write a stickie and put it on their desk. It won't just brighten their day, it will change how they act in your classroom. And domino effects exist. I promise.

I'm worried that I did not do enough to prepare my seniors for the real world. I had so many people rooting for me as I headed off to college and to teaching and some of my students are totally on their own. How can I explain that it will be tough for a few years until they figure out what they want in life. And that it is ok to switch careers once, twice, or a hundred times - when I haven't done that yet myself? I worry they will find college to be terribly hard and lonely, and that they will drop out. But I know deep down they are all capable of starting - and finishing - those four or more years. These are all legitimate fears that I cannot really do anything about.

Part 4: It's ok

But then I remember the best part about life. It is scary, unpredictable, hilarious, cruel, wonderful, and filled with choices. They can make the choices that will make them successful. They will make good choices, and if they make a few bad ones, those are learning experiences. They have my email and twitter to reach out and therefore have at least one adult cheering them on as they start their next adventure.

As for me, I'll be traveling to the east coast for about a month this summer to reconnect with friends and family, and I cannot wait to share stories with the teachers in my life. Thank you. Truly thank you for supporting me as I attempted this adventure, even if you just read a couple posts, I felt connected with so many of you and it made a big difference. I'll sign off for a while with this quote that a student and I created mid-year after she had a breakdown about her family situation. It encompasses everything I hope to teach my students in the future. Cheers to summer - congratulate a teacher or student in your life.

With Love, 

Danielle (Ms. Landau is off for the summer!)

May Madness - 1st year nearly done!

     In May, my student council advisees threw together one last fundraiser. We wanted to do something original and fun, for both the students and faculty. Teachers competed in 3-trivia-question rounds to see who was "the smartest teacher around". We called the event "May Madness" and the students were able to fill out a brackets and bet on their teachers to win it all! The student with the most accurate bracket and the teacher who won would both win prizes. 

         

                 

       As you can see, the teachers were incredibly funny about the whole thing. They are were more than willing to have silly winner/loser pictures taken and truly got into the "May Madness" spirit. When it was all said and done, two teachers remained. They shook hands, answered the three questions, and it was all over!

And the winner is... Mr. Sisto!

    My co-advisor and I had a blast getting to know lots of teachers. We are both new, and it was especially great for teacher bonding and faculty spirit at the end of a long year. And the 4 freshmen student council members loved it, and definitely want to host it as our annual event! Obviously we were extremely proud of them!

     This past week my position as advisor came to an end at the student council banquet. (Don't worry - I'm sticking with the Class of 2017 next year as they become sophomores!) As I reflected with 3 of the 4 students on my team I discovered how much they (and I) had truly grown. With a variety of personalities, students stepping up and down from positions, and very little experience, it was a rocky year- but we pulled off some truly original fundraisers that encouraged school spirit in an innovative way, and for that we are all proud. We will learn from the mistakes of this year and flourish next year. 

     

     One day last week I found this great picture in my mailbox. We had a Gatsby-themed prom and the staff truly got into the theme (as you can see). As I reflect back on the year I KNOW I would have been much less happy and successful without this amazing staff supporting my every move. I am so thankful for these colleagues and glad that they will be with me again as I attempt the tough task of teaching yearbook! More than coworkers, many of them have become friends, during a time when friends might have been even more necessary, so again I am thankful. 

     I also look back on the relationships I created with a handful of students. Yes I feel that I connected with (nearly) all of my students, but a few responded to me in a way that I never expected. I will miss these kids over the summer break (words I did NOT expect to say!). Here are just two of them below. They ran into me at Starbucks and insisted I teach them how to do their hair in a bun without a hair-tie. Of course, a picture was necessary. Moments like these are memories I will always treasure.

 

 And how could I finish this post without a shout out to my friends and fellow teachers. We did it. We made it. I am so relieved, but even more proud to call us a group of "second-years". Cheers to us!

All my love,

Danielle

Almost Summer!

After an incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating spring break hiking red rocks in Utah with my mom, I was eager to get back into my classroom. Reconnecting with students after a break is fun because they are actually excited to see their teachers (believe it or not) and tell them all about their spring break adventures. My seniors began Voltaire's Candide, a book I am excited to be teaching thanks to my dad who showed me the musical version as a kid. I think we both have the lyrics memorized. And the text is just as ridiculous, satirical, and insane as the production, so my students are loving it! My freshmen are just beginning Romeo and Juliet. With only four weeks left in the school year I am worried about finishing it, but I'm hoping to incorporate videos, graphic novels, and other methods so we can move quickly and keep the lessons and reading diverse! The first thing I taught was iambic pentameter. We kept the heartbeat as a class - the kids tapped bubble gum on their desks in time as I read the rhythmic lines (I definitely recommend this!)

At the end of the first week back I flew across the country to attend my 5-year high school reunion at The Madeira School. The small all-girls private school truly provided me with the friendships and education that have made me successful as a young adult, so I love visiting as often as I can to express my gratitude. Sitting in on my favorite English teacher's class was a huge bonus! I was able to see his teaching style in a new light, now that I too am teaching high school English. Of course the best part of the reunion weekend was spending time with lifelong friends. Courtney (in the floral dress) has been an amazing long-distance support and I absolutely needed the weekend with her. We are so lucky to have had Madeira bring us together. 

I returned again to Las Vegas just in time for spring spirit week! I thought my high school had spirit, but CMHS truly knows how to pump up the student body. The whole week was "battle of the sexes" themed and on Friday girls dressed as boys and boys as girls! It was hilarious and a few of my seniors got really into the theme (see picture)!

Another fun aspect of spirit weeks are the assemblies! The teachers always put together a dance to a few modern songs, and the kids go insane! In this one we included the song "Selfie" and actually whipped out our phones, ran into the student crowd, and took "selfies" with the kids. As you can see from the photos, it was a blast for the students and the teachers, and definitely earned us each a few "cool" teacher points!

Last weekend was PROM! I volunteered to chaperone and attended the dance with my good friend, the band teacher, Mr. Keller. We had a blast in our Gatsby themed outfits (I layered the pearls like there was no tomorrow and he wore suspenders and a bow tie). It was wonderful to see so many of my students dressed to the nines and truly behaving like classy adults (no messy prom stories!) And before the sashing ceremony, while I helped unwrap the royalty garb, my coworkers snapped a picture of me as the prom queen! I think if my students ever see this I may lose all the cool teacher points I earned in the teacher dance when I "hit the nae nae" (some modern dance move?).

Finally, this week was teacher appreciation week. The student council members worked hard to create personalized gifts for all of the faculty. In addition, I had one pair of students give me a watermelon (my favorite food!) with the sign "You're One In A Melon!" and was touched to say the least. I especially loved that they used the correct "you're"! Looking ahead, there are only four weeks left. Instead of getting lazy or slowing down, I'm hoping to find one last jolt of energy to help me do my alma mater proud and "finish in style"! 

All My Best,

Danielle (Ms. Landau)

Time to Retire from Teaching

April Fools!

Plans for the future: Did you really think I could leave these 160 incredible teenagers with just two months left in the school year? I wouldn't even consider it. In fact, I'm starting to think staying here in Las Vegas for four years might be ideal. If I could teach these freshmen again for their senior honors English class, it would truly be a full-circle experience. Of course no matter what I decide I will come back to watch my 120 freshmen walk the stage in 2017, those flights are already booked! But staying for four years to watch the young kiddos grow would be pretty cool too.

And I think my students would like having me again their senior year as well! (See right - a student messaged me after a week when she was struggling and I just found it yesterday since we are NOT facebook friends)

Students are VERY curious: Lately students have been asking more and more about my personal life. Most of the time it is very innocent. I am a (hopefully) strong female role model in their lives and they want to know what all aspects of adulthood look like. However, I'm getting annoyed with the "Miss, did you party in college" and "Miss, do you have a boyfriendddddd" questions. I told two students who came by my room NOT to ask about it anymore and they drew this picture. I couldn't help but laugh. Even without the words they were badgering me for a response! 

Testing With ELLs: A few weeks ago we did proficiency testing at school. Every teacher participates in some capacity, and my room was designated as one of many ELL (English Language Learner) testing rooms. I met the 10 or so students who would be taking their proficiency tests in my room and they were not excited, to say the least. Over the few days though I think I chipped away at their tough exterior. They especially came around to my phone rule: I take phones if I see phones (this is for their own benefit because if they use their phone to text their test becomes invalid). By day four we had begun playing Spanish hangman when everyone was finished with their test, and this was perhaps the funniest answer! (It translates to, "I want my phone")

Public Speaking: My Freshmen just finished a big group presentation but before we jumped into that I had them each give a 1-minute speech about how to do something. The goal for these "how-to" speeches was to get them comfortable speaking in front of their peers, and for the most part it worked. And the speeches were absolutely hilarious! From how to put on pants to how to hit a home run, each student put their own twist on the assignment and I saw some kids truly come out of their shell. A few decided to be extra funny and speak about "how to be Ms. Landau" and "how to annoy Mrs." (this one was especially great because step one is to call me Mrs.!)

On the right you'll see the steps Jackson outlined in his speech on how to annoy Mrs., but I'll list them in case they are tough to see.

1. Walk around during class when you are supposed to be doing work like when I had to write this speech
2. Talk out of turn, especially when she gives instructions.
3. Next, raise your hand and shout Miss, Miss, I need you!
4. After, write her a letter using Mrs.
5. And you have to get other students off task like you by shouting "Ayo whatup bro" across the room.
6. Finally, make sure to rip up all your quizzes and work that she hands back to you.

He did a great job, everyone was laughing. And he is the sweetest kid who just happens to be a bit energetic in my class. And at least now I can call him out because he KNOWS these are my pet peeves!

Sending love... and excitement for Spring Break in one week!

Danielle

P.S. Enjoy the pictures of me getting "pied" by some of my students! (For a track and field fundraiser on 3.14 - Pi Day!)