Imagine a handful of virtual confetti raining down as I celebrate the completion of my 20Time project! Hope you enjoy episode #10, a 10-minute rundown of 10 random thoughts that didn’t fit elsewhere in this classroom management series:
And a final few thoughts/lessons learned from this year’s 20Time experience:
1. It’s really hard to make a video every week on top of everything else I’m doing. There were many Monday evenings where I was editing footage I filmed that day after school because I’d waited until the last possible moment to shoot an episode. (Don’t tell my students I procrastinated – they’ll never stop harassing me about it.)
2. About two-thirds of the way through the process, I experienced the joy of working ahead. Once, I was even able to film two episodes in one week, leaving the following week with the free time I needed to catch my breath.
3. I really love blogging and hearing from you guys, but you’ll likely notice a slowdown from me as the school year rolls to a close. Currently, I’m posting about three times a week, a pace I just can’t maintain. But – don’t worry – I’m still here. You’ll just see a bit less of me in your email notifications, okay?
And, again, whether you’ve watched only one episode or made it through all ten, I really appreciate our time together. I realize that hangin’ with me in the middle school carpool line isn’t the most exciting way to spend your free time, yet here we are – and I’m so happy you’re part of my teacher tribe.
Alright, let’s go out there and wrap-up this spring semester. Teach on, everyone!
Thank you for this series! I already felt like I liked you just from reading your posts and using your awesome materials but now I feel like I know you, too. I feel like you’re a friend, or would be, if you were at my school–and not in a creepy stalker way! Ha! These have been great!
You’re so welcome, Mrs. Turner! Glad you took the ride with me. And we would totally be friends, I’m sure of it! I’d even let you use the microwave in my classroom anytime you wanted. 🙂
Have a great week!
I love the tip about knowing where you fit. Last year (my first year teaching) I was at a school that basically was an alternative learning school. Most of these kids had been through a number of schools due to discipline issues and at least 75% of kids had an IEP or 504 Plan. I would come home and cry at least once a week. Due to a number of reasons, I did not return to that school. The best part is, now at the regular high school in town, I’ve got instant management cred. “You taught at ______?! No wonder you can handle this kid!”
I can totally relate, Rebekah. Many tears were shed during my year at Community Day, but the experience definitely sharpened my management skills and gave me clarity about who I want to be in the classroom. You know what they say – the things that don’t kill us make us stronger. You and I, girl, we must be beasts! 🙂
This was such a great series! I plan to use it to help some of my teachers who may need a bit of ‘direction’ with classroom management. As an administrator (who’s still teaching:)), I completely agree with the tip to handle as much on your own before resulting to referrals!! Teachers should know the rules/ policies by heart, have set the boundaries in their classes at the beginning of the year, and consistently adhere to them. Sending a student to my office because he/ she didn’t bring a a pencil…it’s a waste of my time; time that I could be spending creating a better teaching/ learning environment for all.
Absolutely, Jennifer. It’s so important for teachers to be the ones to handle these situations ourselves not only to establish our professional reputations, but also to help us build confidence in ourselves. I can only imagine your frustration with teachers who look to you to solve every little problem that arises. Ugh. Instead, we need to take care of our own business. And when I do send a referral (say, once every five years or so), you’d better believe my assistant principal has my back because he knows it must’ve been a BIG deal for Randazzo to send a kid up.
Thanks for watching the series. So glad you found my blog and that it might be a good resource/source of inspiration for your staff. 🙂
As a veteran teacher, I know that most of your advice in this series should be ingrained by this point, but this is a great refresher nonetheless. For newbies, this is fabulous advice. In fact, your series should be MANDATORY viewing for education majors in every college campus or for new teachers as part of an induction program. Thank you for taking the time to make this series. I hope that the newbies out there hear your words and take them to heart: Your advice is money!
I agree with Mrs. Turner, and not in a creepy stalker way, either. I would like part of that microwave action, too, and I promise I’d never cook fish. lol
Come join the microwave party, Michelle! You are more than welcome. Just don’t tell admin. that I also have a mini-fridge in my room – total contraband, but totally necessary for my daily survival. And thanks for your kind note. I definitely hope the newbies find their way to me, as this is all the stuff I wish I would’ve known when I started all those m-a-n-y years ago. TGIF!
Thanks for this positive and encouraging series jam-packed with great information. My team has 3 first-year teachers and I am recommening these videos to everyone who will listen! 🙂 Thank you so much! Enjoy your spring break!
Thanks so much, Trisha. And, by all means, spread the word so we can help support those newbies! 🙂