Reason #22 A sweet reminder

Merci Chantal for reminding me that with all of you in my life everyday, I will never be lonely. 

How true that is! 

This is why I teach!

Reason #21 Focused effort in an "acoustically" challenging situation

Merci Alex pour votre bon travail aujourd'hui et hier! 

C’était un plaisir de voir votre attention à votre composition en classe malgré des distractions.  

Ton paragraphe est vraiment super !    : ) 

Ç’est un bon exemple d’une raison pour laquelle j’enseigne !  


PS  Il faut que tu t’arrêtes de jouer Flappy Birds ! : )

  

Reason #20 The growth of democracy

Today, as students were starting to come into my more “energetic” class, one student had a suggestion that I move a few students around to help with “acoustics”, you could say.  I told her that I would keep that in mind as class went on and we talked about what I had tried in the past. 

As students were working on writing a paper contemplating the question “Is it possible to transform the lives of others?” a few students were posing some “acoustic” challenges.  I addressed the whole class saying that they needed to work more quietly because some had already put in a “seat request” for them and they were proving why that might be a good idea. That captured the attention of everyone.  

To make it even better, the student who started the conversation with me to begin with asked “”Is that like a friend request on Facebook?"  Perfect!  It could not have been scripted better!  I responded that it was exactly that.  I then said that anyone could put in a request. 

In about 30 seconds one of the students with the said “acoustic challenge” jumped up and handed me a “Seat request” and another followed in another 20 seconds.  I told them that the request would be considered and either accepted or rejected. All voices will be acknowledged. 

Our classroom just got even more interesting….in a way never imagined!  

Democracy continues to grow! 

This is why I teach! 

Reason #19 Requests for more

My classroom is a place of great experimentation.   

My end goal is to make connections with students in a way that will be lasting and meaningful.  One confirmation of that is when a student says something like Olivette did today:

“We should watch more French films Miss. I am really getting into them.”

What makes this request different is that it is made out of interest, out of a desire for more. Where there is desire, there is a flame…..

This is why I teach. 

Reason #18 French dreams...

It is a special time in my French 1 classes; the time when the language soaks in so far that it goes into students' dreams.  At the beginning of class, one of my girls raised her hand and was so happy to share that she had a dream in French.  The girl next to her then shared her French dream.  Their excitement was awesome and brought so much fun energy to the class. 

I asked them to share what they told us and this is what they wrote:

“The other night I was having a dream.  In my dream, I was on a tour and me and a group of people were exploring.  Suddenly I realized that the guide was talking in French. Another tourist was also talking in French.  I was able to understand some of the simpler words, but got confused on the bigger words, but I just thought it was cool that I’m dreaming in French.”  

                        - Colette

“So, I had a dream where I was in the front of a French class, but it wasn’t mine and I introduced myself in French and it was really cool. When I woke up I was all like ‘Ohhhh that was weird’”        

                         - Caroline

What a dream for me to have students connect with French in such a way that it becomes subconscious, a part of who they are. How exciting it is to watch unfold!

This is why I teach!

Reason #17 Amazing colleagues

How fortunate I am to work with some amazing teachers.  One of my best friends just happens to teach across the hall.  It has been through the trials and tribulations of the past three years that we have become so close.  She is a wonderful teacher who loves social students and, more importantly, has a heart for her kids.  

Though we teach different subjects, we learn from each other.  This year, I have been speaking to her in French all the time and her kids just think that is cool.  What is funny is that most of the time she has no idea what I am saying.  She is picking it up quickly though!  The look on her kids' faces when I scold them in French for something is hilarious.  Some kids catch on, others do not.  It is a fun experience to be able to take my passion for French into other classrooms. 

In a time when teachers are being scrutinized and evaluated in so many different ways, I wish that everyone could see the magic that goes on inside classrooms. There is so much magic to see, every day.  We only need to look for it and it will be found. 

Merci Molly! 

Reason #16 I like a challenge. Yes. I know that I can find 349 more reasons!

Tonight, my son ever so encouragingly said that there is “absolutely no way” I can come up with 365+ reasons why I teach.  

He said that it is simply because I like teaching kids.  It is interesting because I left my answer to why I teach at that for so long.  I like kids.  I like French. I have always wanted to be a teacher.  After the past three weeks, I have seen things so differently.  My previous answers now seem so hollow. It is not that they are not valid. They just need more explanation, definition, and expansion. It is not as "simple" as it seems.

He thinks that I will run out of reasons as time goes by because “Life isn’t that complex.” We will just see.  The challenge is on. 

I am ever more confident that I will be able to find 365+ reasons why I teach, all of which will confirm my appreciation for what I have the opportunity to do every day. 

I like a challenge....

This is why I teach! 

Reason #15 The power of a name and new identities

At the beginning of 7^th period, I walked around the room greeting students by name.  As I said: “Bonjour Esperance.  Bonjour Gabrielle.”  to two girls in the back row, Gabrielle’s face lit up. She then clapped her hands and turned to Esperance saying: “She remembers our names!”  I laughed and told her that I even know most all of their last names, but am still challenged by some their “given” first names. Gabrielle was thrilled that I remembered all three of hers.  : )    

So what is it about names in my class that makes them more complex? 

At the beginning of each year, day one of class, my students are able to choose a new French name.  My reasoning is three-fold, first to create a sense of community within our classroom since students all have new names, secondly to give students an opportunity to create a new identity, and lastly they will be exposed to French pronunciation from the first day onward. It is just fun!   

Most students are surprised by the opportunity at first because it is a new idea. Then they get excited. Students may choose a name close to their own or something completely different. I read through an entire list while students listen and circle the three names they like. It is fun to watch them listen so very attentively as I read the 200+ names. They then make name cards for their desk and the big question is asked for the first of a thousand times….

“What name do I put on my paper Miss?”

After the thousandth time they realize that they will always be Colette, Jérôme, Renée, Jacqueline, Andrée, Isabelle…..forever and ever….

Encouraging new identities, new perspectives on who we are in the world and in relationship to one another, 

This is why I teach.

Reason #14 Keen observations and concern

Who has the possibility of 120+ kids noticing a hair cut or asking if you are sick and being concerned that you might be?  

Me....lucky, me.  

Reason #13 My opportunity to appreciate my kids, each and every one

It has been a busy three weeks back to school. I have looked at my students differently after starting my blog, I have a new perspective.  This shift in perspective has given me new energy and excitement. 

What I have realized is that for years I have said "I love my kids." I mean that will all my heart.  Even the ones who drive me absolutely crazy some days, or some years even. How do you now love the ones who are so polite, interested, motivated, and focused?  They work their way into my heart, my world, and my days as we share time together, often a lot of time, for many years.

As I reflect on that statement, I understand now that the generalization, however strong it may be, it not enough.  I love each and every one of my kids.  They are not a group to be looked at as a whole.  They are individuals with their own strengths and weaknesses, with their own gifts and dreams.  Each and every one is special and I am lucky that they have chosen to spend their time in my class.  French in an elective after all.  They have chosen to be with me, to be a part of my community.  

So, this really is all about them.  My life is about them, sharing my passions and encouraging them to learn new skills, look at the world with new eyes, and grow in their understanding of not only French, but also themselves.  What an important responsibility, but more importantly, opportunity. 

Reason #12 Creating a community of voices - results of democracy, one week later

Fashion parade...

When another student saw my student who likes to wear his pants and show off his shorts, other student said to me: “We have to vote Miss.” One second later, it was magic. No one could tell that anyone was wearing shorts and jeans.

Sometimes teaching is about pulling students together become a community of voices. 

Reason #11 Opening new worlds – for students and families

Two days ago, Olivette asked if she could borrow the film "Les Choristes" which we had watched in class.  She said that her parents wanted to watch it after she talked about it to them.

Today Olivette returned the movie and she was so excited.  She said that her dad watched it with her and really liked it.  She told him to pay attention at the very beginning because she knew how important it is.  At the end her dad said "Is that Pepinot?"  She said "Yes!"  Olivette said it was crazy how excited they got watching the film together. Her face lit up and she related it to another movie she watched in junior high. I was so excited that she had the opportunity to appreciate a film she saw because she chose to be in French. She probably would not have ever known about it otherwise. Seeing students open up to new worlds and experiences is exciting!    

Merci Olivette pour ton enthousiasme pour le français et ton intérêt dans les films ! J’aime bien ton énergie !  

This is why I teach!  

Reason #10 Patience is rewarded - Update on Elisabeth

Yes, it did work!  

Elisabeth has been on time for class.  Even one day when she wasn’t feeling well she was hurrying.  She has been excited and engaged in class and has even volunteered. It is great to see her confidence growing. She is working well with the student next to her, even gave a high five after getting an answer right.  How nice it is to see her smile.

I am thankful that she is smiling in my class….on a Friday when everyone is tired!  

This is why I teach.  One moment does really impact the future.      

Reason #9 The fashion show - democracy in action

When I walked in to class today, one of my students who normally wears jeans according to dress code, had his pants sagging.  I responded with surprise and scolded him in French, which students actually think is amusing.  I exclaimed:  <<Oh non!  Toi aussi? Il faut voter? >>.  This very observant student had anticipated my reaction, actually planned on it. Laughing, he said "I know Miss. I knew that is what you would say." as he pulled his pants back up. Now, how does this relate to democracy?  Well....

All I can say is that last week, there was a student who was out of dress code. For some reason, this student seems to like wearing jeans at his knees and showing off shorts.  Instead of being bugged, I thought of a different approach.  I tried a “fashion show”. For my class, it worked like this. The said student came up to “show off” the outfit and the class got to vote on it.  In the case of sagging jeans, the vote was between wearing shorts and wearing jeans.  It was interesting to see how excited kids got about having a say in something, about having their voice heard. My class voted shorts which was no surprise.  They were quite adamant about it, as a matter of fact.  The said student wasn't quite sure to do with the information from the class.  He did, however, walk back to his chair and casually make sure his shorts were no longer showing. 

Now, hopefully, this student will get that when I say “shorts or jeans” it could be turned over to the entire class.  We are a community, after all.    

Reason #8 A day off once in awhile

Today is Martin Luther King holiday so we had the day off.  After two weeks of being back after Christmas break, it is a relief to have an extra day.  By Friday, the kids were all really tired and so were we teachers.  

Teaching is so intense, more than most people understand.  I think that is why I like it.  There is a structure, a daily routine.  You know what your day will look like as far as timing goes.  But, what happens during classes is completely unknown.  That is what makes it exciting!  It also makes it exhausting. 

Days to rest are so necessary. Back we go to it tomorrow.  Hopefully the kids will have rested as well. It is a long way to Spring Break.  Who decided it would be in April?  Certainly not someone who was going to have to teach for three months without more than a long weekend.  Ah well, c’est la vie!   There is no time nor energy to contemplate why….time to rest and anticipate the fun to be had with my crazy kids tomorrow.    

Reason #7 The challenge of time – Resting in Possibilities

Yes, it is Friday.  Another week is almost gone.  Where does the time go? How I ever teach my students ALL I have to teach them?  I guess the realistic answer to that question is never.  I will never have enough time.  I can do is my best to share as much as possible, in the short time I have with them. But that is just so cliché.  I don't like to accept that I have limitations.  

Is there any solution to this dilemma, ever? 

Maybe the possibility lies in my students continuing to study French long after they have left my classroom. Is that possible?  

Will they keep French as a part of their lives?  I must hold confident that they will.   

Reason #6 My seniors – No need to anticipate good byes. Live in the opportunities of now.

We had a fantastic French IV/V class today discussing the 1946 black and white version of Beauty and the Beast.  Their commentary was fascinating and the fact that they could express themselves so well in French was exciting to watch. The boys clapped at the end of the film.  Really?  They were that connected with it to have an emotional response like that at the end. Pretty cool, especially since none of them have ever watched a black and white film before. I was not sure what to expect, but they were entranced and observed the nuances and elements from the film that made it special and how it represents the classic fairy tale. Again, our conversations were completely in French and the complexity of the conversation fascinating.  What an amazing opportunity to interact in French with high school students!  Their excitement and enthusiasm give me so much energy! 

This is why I teach!     

  

How will I ever say good bye to my Seniors? We have experienced so much together over these past four years!  We are like family.  They were in my class their first day of high school and will be on their last as well.  Pierre said that he is still going to come to class the two weeks after graduation. He doesn’t care if he is not supposed to be on campus. His determination was heart-warming. I just can’t think that far right now.  We still have 14 weeks and I must appreciate every day.  Counting down with these kids has a different meaning that my other classes.  With my other classes, it is a countdown to summer and excitement about continuing to the next level of French.  That is so much easier to celebrate.

After four years of being with them every day my life definitely won’t be the same next year.  But, that is next year and I have so many more opportunities now. Standing strong in the perspective that no relationship ever ends, I won’t have to say good bye.  That thought makes me feel better; these kids are so special to me. How could they not be?    

Reason #5 Marielle – A student returns

I was at school late today and it was rewarded in a surprising way. It has been an exciting day.  Pierre and Gabriel came into my last class today which was an awesome way to end my school day.  It got even better!

As I was working at my desk, a girl came into my classroom. I walked toward the door, curious.  It took me a minute to recognize her as a student who was in my class last year, but hadn't come back to French II this year because she moved to Colorado. She came by to let me know that she was going to be in my class again. I was so happy to see her and she was happy as well.  Last year she was one of my timid students, so sweet and hard-working.  What joy it will be to have her in class! 

Marielle then said that her sister was going to be in French I!  Yeah!  How exciting it is for me when siblings come into my classes.  That opens up the opportunities for them to talk at home and one to support the other.  Marielle said that she still has her notes from last year. Her sister then came in and has the same beautiful smile. She also seems to have the same sweetness. How wonderful it will be to have her in my class. I am so happy she chose French. 

In the end, Marielle gave me a hug and said “It is so nice to see you.” That warmed my heart and as I told her “À demain.” all I could think about was how thankful I was that she came back to French.  

I am now filled with a new excitement for myself, her, and my class. We have new opportunities for community with what she has to contribute

This is why I teach!  

Reason #4 Pierre and Gabriel - Passing along the passion

Two of my advanced students, Pierre and Gabriel, stopped by my class and started to talk to me, in French, about the class I was teaching. The class was surprised to hear them speaking to me in French, out of the blue.  After I told him that he told the class:   "Take French III! It is awesome."  One of my French II students asked if he was in French III. He replied "No. I am in French V!  I have been in French since the first day of high school.  This is my home.  This is my family.  This is where I belong."  The kids then asked him to talk to me in French 

and both he and Gabriel immediately started talking with me about the 1946 version of Beauty and the Beast"  that we finished earlier that day.  We talked for a few minutes and then they were off.

Their enthusiasm lit my my class as they were passing along their passion.   

This is why I love teaching!  This is why I teach!  My kids are awesome!

Reason #3 Elisabeth – Attitude is Everything.

Oh là là!  Being late for class has its disadvantages.  One student has had a tendency for not quite being on time.  When she gets in to class, the other students are always, well usually, already working on their illustrations. This means that I have already gone over things and checked for understanding. Today, once students were working on their illustrations, I walked around the room to check and see how they were doing.  Just as I walked by her, she said, quite loudly, “French is so hard.  I can’t do it.” to the girl next to her. It was a difficult thing for me to hear because I work so hard to explain things clearly and in many different ways.  It was a little frustrating because I want all my students to understand what we are doing, otherwise they don’t learn. They also tend to develop negative attitudes and that just doesn't work for anyone. It is important to me to remain positive so my students are positive as well. 

Well, I took a deep breath after I heard her say that.  Thanks to yoga I thought of that before responding. What could I say?  How could I relate that it didn’t have to be hard?  I came up with something.  I told her that the energy she was using to talk about how hard it was could be used to actually ask me a question so I could help. 

She seemed surprised by my comment.  Then she thought about it and looked at her paper.  Then her question was «Why is that feminine, la fille? How do you know? This doesn’t make sense. » Granted this is a common question.  English does not have masculine and feminine.  I had to take another deep breath. I was present during the 2 minutes I discussed when class begun and so were the 24 other students. She was not.  So, I patiently and simply explained  “The la means feminine and the « le » is masculine.”  By the look of relief on her face you would have thought it was the first time I had ever said this.  Though it was not, it was the first time she heard me, really heard me. Today I was able to keep my attitude positive and it worked!  

My patience was rewarded with her exclamation, “Oh that is so easy!  I get it!” 

A deep breath and one moment of patience paid off.  Maybe she won’t be late tomorrow?   

Reason #2 Pierre-Jean – The gift of taking a moment to just be present.

About 20 minutes before the beginning of my 2^nd period class, one of my seniors came and asked if he could hang out since he didn’t have a 1st period class. Pierre-Jean is a great student, athlete, so polite and respectful. As one of a group of boys in my French I class and my Advisory, I talked with him frequently last year when he was a Junior and making plans for college.  This year, however, I hadn’t really talked to him about how things have been going.   

I put down my lesson as Pierre-Jean sat on a desk-top and we just started talking. I learned that he has four sisters, two older who are twins and two younger. He is going away to college next year to a Division B school because he knows that he learns better in smaller classes and doesn’t want to get lost in the crowd.  He likes to stay at home even though his friends like to go out.

It made me so happy to see the pride on his face when he talked about being the first in his family to go to college. The excitement he has is inspiring…to see that makes me happy. We are preparing students for their experience beyond high school.  Pierre-Jean knows himself and what he needs to be successful. He has worked hard and is making his family proud.  How fortunate I am to have been able to finally talk to him and learn his story.  How exciting it will be to see how he creates his life as a man.

I will always think about the time we cooked and he and Serge made this delicious chocolate cake.  To see two boys making a cake was pretty awesome. 

This is why I teach. Being able to be a part of Pierre-Jean’s high school experience and seeing him grow in not only his understanding and appreciation on French, but as a person. 

Taking time to talk, really talk to my students.  That is the key.  Being in the present moment is a challenge when there are so many things going on and so many things to take care of on a daily basis.

What is most important?  It is not what, but WHO.   

Merci Pierre-Jean pour me parle de ta vie, tes espoirs, et ta famille. Je sais que tu vas faire des grandes choses dans la vie!  

This is why I teach! 

Reason #1  No relationship ever really ends.

As I reflect on my career as a teacher and my experiences in life, I realize more and more that relationships are a central part of my existence. My life IS actually made up of my relationships. There are only relationships.

With every new experience, I am new.  I am transformed. Change is the only constant in life. It is the only thing I can count on. Relationships work in the same way. They will be constant and they will change, but they will always remain a part of me. Relationships are constantly shifting, constantly moving with my experiences. The do, however, continue.  

I am not separate from others. Who I am and what I believe is reflected in my relationships.

Each relationship has the potential to move me to a higher level of awareness, to a place where I understand more about who I am.

Relationships evolve. I evolve.  Everyone evolves.

Even if someone is no longer an active part of my daily life, they live within me. They have become a part of my memories, my thoughts, my ideas.  I will forever be connected to all of the people who have entered my life. Forever.  

I wonder how this has happened with my students.  I can think back on students I taught in my very first year of teaching, 1990. When I think of who I was then, I wonder what my students experienced. I was so excited to finally be a teacher. It was my dream from the time I was a little girl. I was able to move from teaching school to my teddy bears as a four-year old to working with high school students who were only a few years younger than I was.  Some of them were older than my little sister.  

What did they take away from their experience with a 21 year old teacher who was teaching for the first time? Did I leave a lasting impression on them? I know that they did on me.  What will they have to say after 24 years?  It will be interesting to see.

Anticipating the return...

2014 -  teaching year 24 begins...

As our Christmas break winds down, I am preparing myself for the inevitable return to a 5:30 am wake up time, 30 minute commute, 140 students, creative lessons to prepare, meetings to attend, parents to call, assessments to develop, papers to grade and a teaching day that really does not end at 2:25 like people believe.

Can I remember all the acronyms? PLC, SBA, NCLB, ACT, SAT, SIG, PED, EOC... Do I even want to? Not really.

So, just why am I doing this? It has been 23 years now and I love what I do. Teaching has always been my dream and teaching French my passion and professional path.

Really, why high school? Why an urban school in New Mexico?  I am talented and well-educated.  I could leave this behind, move to France, find a little house and ride my bike to the village patisserie.  Or, I could build my business, teach at a college, or even get my PhD. There are so many other options than high school.

I am certainly not teaching because everyone in the country is supporting me and reassuring me that what I do is important. What is the first thing people often say to me about teaching. "Oh you get the summers off. Teachers are paid too much with all the time off they get."   Really?   Why have I given up on the idea of being appreciated by society?  

The summer syndrome. Why is it that parents are so ready to send their kids back to school in August?  They often don't know what to do with them for more than 10 weeks full-time. So, we get to work with them for 183 days? Why? We work with them because it is what we do and what we do best. We are passionate about our content and have a heart for kids. We have something to offer that no one else in the world has to offer.      

I have realized that I need to constantly answer this question of "Why teach?"
I believe the answers will give me the spark I need to go to my classroom everyday thankful and happy for the opportunity.

There is beauty in simplicity.....my students. 

This is going to be their story...