Stalking a Second Year

            Our original assignment was to read an entire blog from beginning to end of one second year teacher.  I spent about an hour going through each second year’s blog to find one that I could relate to but settled on my future roommate’s experience – Chris Curran.  As the school year is quickly approaching I am getting more and more anxious and excited.  One of the biggest causes of stress though is the uncertainty.  Like my initial journey to Mississippi I am filled with excitement but not too much can prepare you.  The blogs do a great job though of giving you a glimpse of what those before you experience…Chris’ blog didn’t let me down. 

            Each class of teachers is typically assigned to blog about random topics or reflect on a particular event but Chris went above and beyond the expectations of blogging.  Whether it was a good day or bad week he typically reflected on it through his blogging.  The first half of the year seemed particularly tough but he rose through the adversity to gain a better appreciation of the class and ended the year on a positive note.  I know him well outside of his blogging but one thing that he has constantly talked about is the need to be flexible. 

            In reality every teacher and second year in the program has spoke on the importance of that.  As a teacher there are so many different lessons and decisions that need to be made but inevitably you will need to brush the dirt off and get back up and try something new.  I believe the ability to be flexible is a huge indicator of whether you will have a successful teaching career.  Chris candidly shares his teaching struggles and successes and whether it was an irate parent that comes in for a teaching conference or finally appreciating his students it was incredibly beneficial to read his blog entries. 

            An important key to Chris’ blog is the change that took place in the wintertime.  As a teacher it is important to realize that the job will be frustrating at times and the workload will seem impossible for a person that can leave work at 3:15 Monday through Friday.  In reality though as messed up or disruptive as a student is they are still kids and it is necessary to love them even though it oftentimes requires discipline.  Around the middle of the year Chris made a resolution to look forward to school more and let go of some of the natural bitterness that comes from students who refuse to make learning possible. 

            As the school year is quickly approaching I feel more and more overwhelmed but am thankful to glean all sorts of teaching advice from my future roommate.

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