1st Teacher Conference

The KATE conference was completely different than what I thought it would be. I don't know why I imagined that everyone was going to stay in the same place and the presenters would present their presentations to all of us. I imagined a lecture hall and the presenters up on this grand stage, and the stage would be the only one lit up by the stage lights. I guess I though it was going to be like a performance of some sort. Oh, yeah, like the TEd speeches, where there are huge powerpoint screens behind the presenters and the audience is sitting in a dark auditorium. Anyway, it was more down to earth than that.

I would have liked all of the presenters to present to me, which would have made me have even more fun, but it was not the case. I did like the fact that the presentations were so small. I could ask questions if I really wanted to and I got to interact with real teachers (OMG!! Real teachers outside of school!!) who I think thought I was one of their students who followed them there, but in any case, I had the chance to find out how they felt about many of the new ideas being thrown out there. Its amazing to me how much they have forgotten about being a student teacher, though.

When I went to the "co-teaching" presentation, the teachers there couldn't figure out how to use their Para's or LRE's or student teachers in their classroom properly. One teacher who was there said that she has her student teacher just grade papers and when she's required to teach , then she lets her take over. I just don't know if I can ever forget feeling like a student teacher--always wanting to teach and having jobs to do with specific students and getting treated like a future teacher...not a student helper. I just don't know how these teachers have forgotten so quickly the feelings they had as a student teacher. I sure hope I never forget. In fact, I think I'll tattoo my wrist and have it say "remember how eager you were to teach." Over all, I think the "co-teaching" presentation helped these teachers realize that we can be a great tool in the classroom, and that if they use us, we can make their life a bit easier. Its a win win situation.

There were other presentations that were great, though. My absolute favorite was the "1st year" one where she talked about the things beginning teachers should know before they begin their first year of teaching. I got so many things out of that, but the best thing I understood as I walked out of the door was that no one is expecting me to be a grand, spectacular, flawless teacher my first year of teaching. I believe some of them will be expecting me to crash and burn, and become one of the 50% who quit before their fifth year,but  I should not be so hard on myself. I'm usually hard on myself for not doing things that a novice teacher would do, like NOT ask open ended questions and cause mad chaos in the classroom. Its okay to mess up, Denisse. Its okay.

Overall, I loved the conference. I liked the food especially. Haha! I will attend next year for sure.

First Offender

First Offender

Albert

As you entered the classroom, you very quickly stood out.

Like the precise way your shirt was tucked,

Or that you made no fuss when you found your back row seat totally sucked.

Like your thick framed glasses aren’t just for looks,

Or that you always carry with you a variety of second-hand books.

Your book

It seems silly to me that I care,

But when you read your book in class I find that I jealously stare.

You think I feel respected when, in your head, my voice isn’t detected?

I’m not hurt, but I find it quite annoying

That instead of my lesson, it’s your book that you’re enjoying.

My ego

Out of all the adults, I thought I would have your undivided attention.

“I need everyone’s eyes on me,” I probably should mention.

 Then I thought to myself, “I’ll just use proximity instead, and he’ll realize,”

But no matter how close I got, my presence you still did not recognize!

Humbled

“Albert,” I said,

And still, that stupid book you read.

“Do me a favor, and put that book away,” I requested,

But only with silence was how you protested.

The irritation inside me erupted

As your focus remained uninterrupted.

Defeated

 “Maybe if I give your mom a call,” I proposed.

“Maybe you’ll participate after all,” I supposed.

Ignoring me completely,

You turned the page discreetly.

That’s the moment when I felt myself surrender,

And when you, Albert, became my very first offender.

Written by: Denisse Gastelum