I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been asked a version of “So, are you glad you went back to the classroom?”
And “glad” isn’t the word.
I’m content, inspired, and peaceful. I feel valued. I have a sense that I’m doing good stuff in the world. I like being challenged to do better. And when I’m sad and frustrated and anxious, I feel it’s (mostly) about stuff that really matters for kids. One semester in, it’s been a good move.
In that spirit, here are the Top Three Moments from my first semester back in the classroom, two rooted in data and the Top Moment, one of those things that just cannot be quantified.
3. “Less than 20 seconds” - One of my goals in returning to teaching was to become really good at a few high-impact strategies as quickly as possible. This semester, I focused closely on the station rotation strategy, with a bell schedule that allowed for each class to have a day in which they delve more deeply into what we are studying, discuss ideas, and apply lessons from the nonblock days in station rotation.
My principal evaluated me during a December station rotation day and timed the transitions. She noted that the students moved between stations in less than 20 seconds! And this, good people, is why you have observers in your classroom whenever possible. I knew this routine was working in lots of ways, but I did not think to time transitions.
Next step - Get better at in-the-moment assessment and feedback on what’s happening in each station.
2. 89% - In the 49ers last game, Brock Purdy completed 77% of his passes, leading his team to a 37-24 win over the Titans. The Beatles still hold the record for #1 hits on the U.S. Billboard Top 100. These #1 songs represent 31.25% of charted singles by the fab four, a record that has held since 1970.
And when I submitted my grades yesterday, 89% of my seniors passed their English class, a class they need to pass in order to graduate in six months. I’m especially pleased with this number because at the end of October, 28% of my students were not earning passing grades.
I was super freaked out.
So, I made a few key moves. I changed the seating chart so that students with failing grades were in the “anchor” seat in each quadrant. This makes it easy for me to zero in on them during instruction, and it ensures they are working with students who are passing class whenever there’s a collaborative activity. This seemed to really work, especially in the last weeks of the semester.
Next goal - 100% on June 3.
And the #1 Moment (drumroll) - Applause!
Actual applause. We read a novel at the end of the semester, and when we reached the lovely final sentence of the book, 2 out of 3 classes actually applauded. (Ok, there’s some data)
Clapped. Cheered. They (well, most) loved this book, and I loved watching them love this book. And if you can love one book, you know that books are lovable. And informative. And empowering. Just. Really. Why doesn’t everyone want to do this job?
(The book: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. A great read but an even better listen. Perfect length for a weekend road trip.)
The next challenge - Build this joy and connection into every lesson.
So there you have it. Overall an amazing semester. I’m looking forward to three weeks off and lots of time to reflect on my practice and share.
Glad to do so!
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