I mean really, a title? Yeesh….

I need you all to keep in mind that before I got this gig, I had never taught before in my life. And math is was not my major. Now, I have not been having a problem explaining the work to the students because I had up to PreCal in college and a couple of higher maths in high school. This allows me to relate to my students a lil better. However, my fellow math teachers (thank the heavens) have been faithfully providing me with notes and such for my Algebra I and Geometry classes. Unfortunately, no one has been giving me or helping me to figure out what to do for my PreAlg classes. This is a boisterous bunch. And as one of the other teachers says, “keep in mind they are taking PreAlg in high school, so just pick something and teach it.” I don’t quite feel comfortable with that statement…or even THINKIN’ bout taking that action. My mentor just happened to come in today during my biggest class (30 students…all desks full) and helped me out ALOT. I feel a little better having talked with her and received some sort of guidance. I HATE TO GO INTO A SITUATION UNORGANIZED. And from this chapter on, I shall be in charge of what’s going down with this class. Which means I shall follow the chapters in what ever order I see fit.

In other news….I am absotively posolutely smitten with an old friend of mine and it is driving me crazy. I have a major situation going on here and a code that is VERY close to being broken. I don’l like the sound of either one of those phrases. I shall have a lot of praying to do and limited speaking of that particualr situation as my blog is public and certain ppl in my life might be affected.

PS: did I mention I absolutely LOVE my BlackJack? Now, if I could just get some Mac hacks!!!

I couldn’t believe it. I mean, I knew that things were going well (at least they were to me) because the kids started coming to class on a regular basis. No more absences by 15 students, a big decrease in tardies, and with at least 3 of my classes, I have no REAL discipline problems. I think that is an accomplishment. They also think it is cool that one of their teachers is on Facebook! I have had to actively write them up and I mean on a REGULAR basis. I think they believe I have “Nice” written across my forehead and paired with “fool”! But I love my kids….

Also, my fellow Math teachers “threatened” the head principal with emails…LOL. They told him how well I was doing and how much they liked me. I had no earthly idea that they were planning to do something like that, and I was touched. I plan on taking my Praxis I test next month and Praxis II in April. Hopefully, I will get accepted into the Master’s of Arts in Teaching program through Alcorn State University. I was going to pick another program to go the Alternate Route, but they have a local campus and I feel that it would benefit me more to attend.

I never intended on liking this. I never saw myself becoming a teacher that the kids look up to. But I tell you one thing: It feels damn good.

OH! One more thing…I have started becoming reaquainted with 2 old friends of mine. I was on the phone until 2:15 this morning with one (Heaven knows I had to get up at 5:45 but dadgumit I was enjoying myself) and the other is having “issues” with his married life. Get to go see him tomorrow after work. Either way, 2007 is looking to be an interesting year…I am finally understanding all the blessings that have started coming my way.

PS: I switched to Cingular and someone bought me a BlackJack. Geez man, I love this thing!

this past Friday. And to be honest, I was scared to death. Not “Afraid I was gonna screw up” scared, but “Afraid of what I will do to a lil bad arse” scared. Apparently, these kids haven’t had a teacher since right before school was let out for the holidays because she left and never came back. So, now I am teaching Math. Geometry, PreAlgebra, and Algebra I to be exact. And possible thru the rest of the year with potential of garnering a dadgum position (which has re-inspired me to obtain my license/certification).

Anyway, this is what I threw at them within the first 5 minutes after taking attendance:

1.I am your teacher—not your friend. Remember that.

7.Last, but certainly not least: I can treat you like an elementary school child or like someone headed for college. It is up to you.

You know what I heard at the end of the day? They liked me. I was like…well damn. Apparently, my going over things and explaining it to them so they might understand it was a first! She never did that. And I guess I was the first substitute they’d had that knew the material. Granted, my degree is in Business, but I had to suffer up thru Business Calculus in college and 2 bouts of statistics.

Don’t get me wrong: I had a couple of the scoundrels that decided they wanted to “try me”. I promptly sent them to the office. *shrugs* I was told slackers make the best teachers. I was also told I am a slacker. Heaven forbid I actually become good at this. *shakes head* Who knew???

NewMe1

Originally uploaded by Semloh.

Yeah, I know I am cheesin. But there is PAIN in that there head. 6 years and no chemicals, I tell ya. And then I bring this newfangled chemical laden straightenin’ formula to my beautiful curly hair. Dude. WHAT was I thinkin? *sighs & walks off*

You know…I said I would not fall prey to this blog thing. But lately, I have had a lot of stuff on my mind–not so much personalstuff–that I just need to get out. I am one of the most private public ppl I know and hate for ppl to get “in my business”, but I digress.

I have a couple of “cliques” that I know have deemed me a failure or claim I am TOO elusive, but I am not that way on purpose. I have just been through a lot. Worked all through college, and now can’t find a damn career since graduation. Granted, I never stay in one town long enough, but who’s counting that lil piece of info!

I need–I crave–stability. I could use some damn companionship. March 2008 is when I start proposing to previously agreed upon friends who just happen to still be single as well. Yeah. I know. A damn shame.

I want to start writing again. I want to start feeling confident again. I just put a relaxer in my hair for the first time in 6 damn years (that alone makes me know I am craving change! I mean really. It’s just hair, ppl. It will grow back). If I can figured this damned thing out, I shall post pics of my transformation. It was painful…and I mean that literally.