Pep talk.

2004-10-03 at 1:35 a.m.

Work out lesson plans, one by one. Get 'em down. Write down the activites you need. Make 'em up. Find 'em on the internet--Google till it hurts, baby. The mythical board of Those Who Approve Teachers need to see lesson plans for every single day. Never mind that every teacher you know doesn't use them. Never mind that you haven't actually seen any used. Never mind you've only taught one or two days here or there.

Make 'em up. Over plan. That way there's always something to do.

Put in variety. One reason kids hate math classes? Teacher does all the talking. Mix it up. Put up with chaos. Partner work, group work. This is a big school. I bet they'll be glad for an excuse to talk to people. Put up with chaos.

Especially the chaos of not knowing. It's gonna be tough. It's gonna be hard. Deal. Suck it up.

Because, sucka, you're gonna be teaching in two weeks. It's only a chapter, and its with kids that aren't gonna give you a second chance. They've already learned how to get around the teacher.

Don't look too far forward. Don't stress about January, when you've got two classes (one of which you haven't even started to plan, because that class is currently just a cesspit of attitude--never mind that you're actually interested in the math) and you'll be there day in and day out and day back in again. For three months.

Focus on big positives: if you'd had your certification by December, you totally would have a job, because they had already quasi asked if you could take over for the sabbatical teacher. The principal knows who you are (in a good way!), and we think the other teachers like you. You've got some interesting lesson plans, and maybe your kids will learn something. Or at least, won't unlearn what they already know.

Focus on those. That's what'll get you through lesson planning at 1:30 a.m. on a Saturday night/Sunday morning.

Also, those totally cute shoes you splurged on last week when you were being a naughty monkey with your school loan. The ones with the sparkley bit and the pink silk? Those'll get you through lesson planning too.

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