Teaching four sections of first-year composition this semester has made me happier than I've been in a long time. People who know me well can see the change in my demeanor and hear the lift in my voice, and to a person, they've all told me how pleased they are for me.
So what has made me happier? First and foremost, the 85 students I've become acquainted with during the past few months. Some have responded well and their writing has improved; some have stayed the same. Some weren't meant to be writers, and they don't intend to change. No matter what their level of writing ability, they all have ideas to offer and stories to share. Getting to know new faces and new personalities makes me happy.
I am happier being in charge of my own classroom. I plan each day with learning outcomes in mind, take responsibility for what comes next, answer questions in the best way I can, share my writing experiences, and wait for reaction. Sometimes it comes; sometimes it doesn't, and I have to step back and try again. The students are learning, and so am I.
Having a variety of new colleagues has improved my work life, too. Every person who teaches writing takes a different approach, and I am doing my best to learn from them. The weekly "newbies" meeting allows me to share my worries, and I am always relieved to learn that I am not the only one with questions and concersns.
I am looking forward to teaching 1102 next semester. This time the syllabus will be easier, because I have a better idea what to demand of myself and my students. It should be another good chapter in my lifelong learning process.
Mrs. B
So what has made me happier? First and foremost, the 85 students I've become acquainted with during the past few months. Some have responded well and their writing has improved; some have stayed the same. Some weren't meant to be writers, and they don't intend to change. No matter what their level of writing ability, they all have ideas to offer and stories to share. Getting to know new faces and new personalities makes me happy.
I am happier being in charge of my own classroom. I plan each day with learning outcomes in mind, take responsibility for what comes next, answer questions in the best way I can, share my writing experiences, and wait for reaction. Sometimes it comes; sometimes it doesn't, and I have to step back and try again. The students are learning, and so am I.
Having a variety of new colleagues has improved my work life, too. Every person who teaches writing takes a different approach, and I am doing my best to learn from them. The weekly "newbies" meeting allows me to share my worries, and I am always relieved to learn that I am not the only one with questions and concersns.
I am looking forward to teaching 1102 next semester. This time the syllabus will be easier, because I have a better idea what to demand of myself and my students. It should be another good chapter in my lifelong learning process.
Mrs. B
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