Category: Two cents

For each school day of the 2020-21 school year, I will be writing two sentences to capture some of the impressions, feelings, experiences, or thoughts I had that day. This is the third post in the series.

Monday
No school.

Tuesday
First period was a joke, but it wasn’t a terrible day. My kids aren’t learning any math, but at least we’re getting more comfortable with each other.

Wednesday
My first few “lessons” have been subpar. Realized that, while things are still going horribly, I’m feeling better about things this week; my binder is helping.

Thursday
Gave the kids some individual work and did one-on-ones; some good, needed conversations. This was the first day with students in the building and my brain was all over the place; teaching with a mask on ain’t cool.

Friday
I was finally able to give Mathematical Voices to several of students from last year; that was special. Had a heavy talk with BD after school which reminded me that life is more than White privilege.

bp

For each school day of the 2020-21 school year, I will be writing two sentences to capture some of the impressions, feelings, experiences, or thoughts I had that day. This is the second post in the series.

Monday
Teachers teaching students in empty classrooms throughout the school. By far the most bizarre first day of school ever.

Tuesday
My periods feel rushed, my throat is killing me. A heated RSJ meeting after school leaves me absolutely depleted.

Wednesday
Today feels like it should be Saturday. Responding to the students’ virtual name tents is somehow keeping me grounded.

Thursday
Feeling isolated in both body and spirit. I have no idea who I’m teaching; the future seems bleak.

Friday
Put together a binder with half-page “portfolios” of students; this lifted my mood for the week. I end the week feeling somber, so unsure about everything.

bp

For each school day of the 2020-21 school year, I will be writing two sentences to capture some of the impressions, feelings, experiences, or thoughts I had that day. This is the first post in the series.

Monday, September 14, 2020
Met up with a colleague who rode his bike in this morning. Sat through several unnecessary Zoom meetings; Zoom fatigue was a very real thing today.

Tuesday, September 15, 2020
A socially-distant BBQ for staff; fun all around, good food. Shot hoops with Matt, talked NBA playoffs, and discussed the first episode of the 1619 Project podcast with RSJ colleagues.

Wednesday, September 16, 2020
The first day with advisory students — my throat hurts. It warmed my heart to get some drop-in Zoom visits from students I had two years ago.

Thursday, September 17, 2020
Got news that in-person instruction was pushed back to October; met some of my Algebra 2 students today on Zoom and didn’t anticipate how much excitement I had pent-up inside of me. My head turned into an orange (thanks period 8).

Friday, September 18, 2020
Midday, I took a walk in the park as a result my extreme disappointment/anxiety with my school’s “you must turn on your camera” policy. I’m hopeful about the racial justice conversations in advisory and the good vibes I got from a former student (MC).

bp