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).
Ms. Landau (I'm Back!)
