This week marked the beginning of my 13th year of teaching.
So many things this year are “new”. I have a new principal and a new assistant principal for the first time in seven years. I am teaching one section of a new course called Algebraic Reasoning. I am using Canvas for the first time. And I was invited to become a T3 Instructor earlier this month.
I am still teaching Pre-AP Algebra 2, but I specifically requested one section of Algebraic Reasoning so that I could try standard-based grading. My Algebraic Reasoning class is small (19 students) and almost 50% are SPED. It has been 9 years since I taught a class with a co-teacher, but I have a wonderful co-teacher that is going to help ensure that I am meeting the needs of all my students.
For the first time in my teaching career, I received a present from a current student on the first day of school.
Inside was a Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Brownie bar.
Then on Tuesday, the following conversation occurred between a current student and myself.
S: Ms. Kelly, you are my third favorite teacher.
Me: Third favorite?!? Who are your first and second favorite?
S: My color guard and choir directors.
I guess if extracurriculars are going to outweigh math, I’ll take being the third favorite.
I shake hands with my students as they come in the door, but that student had her hands full when she came to class on Wednesday. She decided to give me a hug instead.
Finally, I had 35 students make a 95 or higher on their Unit 1 Prerequisite Skills test. I haven’t looked to see how that number compares to previous years, but the star cut-outs that I put up are new. I have had a star student wall since my first year teaching, but I bought a different set of stars this year. I really like how they look on the bulletin board.
