Chalk Talk Weekly

Moving On Up

kaitlynm — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 21:16:00 GMT

For the last year and a half, I have been an assistant in a before and after school program. The director of the program recently took over the job of our deceased co-worker. And so, I applied for the open director's position, and GOT IT! I am not only excited about the pay raise, but also about the new responsibilities I'm going to have (and as odd as that sounds, its true).

I really did enjoy my assistant job. Being the director of the program will allow me to have more control, to work closer to the principal and other administrators, I will have something to add to my resume, and I get my own desk!!! (I have a slight office-supply obsession lol).

The last couple days have been full of training, which included a lot of listening to licensing rules (there's so many!). I feel confident, and prepared for the most part. It will definately be an adventure, but I'm certain I will do a good job!

And since this is something new for me, and I know there's a lot of you out there with years upon years of experience, I'm going to ask for your help. If you know of any resources (books, etc) that will be of use to me, please let me know. My previous boss will be helping me, but the better prepared I can be, the better job I feel I'll do.

Wish me luck!!!

"If I could, I'd close six..."

kaitlynm — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 23:30:00 GMT

Recently, the school district I work for (the same one I attended as a child) decided to close three of its elementary schools. The administration and school board have been working on the budget issue for quite sometime. Last school year it was announced that the best solution was to close a few schools, since paying salary and running a building are a districts biggest costs. As the process got closer to being final, a local uprising occurred (visit http://www.saveberthavos.com for a closer look).

The push to reevaluate the situation and keep the schools open was a big one. However, it wasn’t big enough.

To read the rest of the original post, go to http://www.chalktalkweekly.com and let me know what you think!

Becoming a part of the "lingo"

kaitlynm — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 20:19:00 GMT

Sometimes, wonderful things come out of boredom and curiosity. Today was one of those times. I got out of work early today and have been trying to make the time go by faster. And so, I started looking for teacher blogs (because I have my own, wanted to see what else was out there), and stumbled upon Teacher Lingo. I thought the idea was cool enough, so I signed up, and well, the rest is history.

Unfortunately, I'm not a teacher...yet. I'm about halfway to becoming one. Right now, I am going to college and working on my BA degree in Language Arts/Elementary Education from Grand Valley State University. I currently work within a local school district in an after school program. My job makes me smile every day and I cannot wait to become a teacher. I know it'll incorporate a lot of hard work and contradictions, but in the end, I think its well worth it.

And since I enjoy my major and current job so much, I decided to start a blog. I started it before I joined Teacher Lingo, and so, I am going to have it linked to this blog. However, that can take "up to 48 hours." In the meantime, here's the link:
http://www.chalktalkweekly.com . This blog incorporates anything I come in contact with that has to deal with the education field. This includes lesson plans, opinions, and experiences. Overall, its the "insight of a teacher-to-be." If you're interested, take a look at it, let me know what you think, etc.

And for future reference, I'll probably do most of my posting on that particular blog, and not this one. That is, unless I come to love the Teacher Lingo set-up :).

Take Care Everyone! And hopefully your summer vacations have started!

Grieving Together

Chalk Talk Weekly — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 18:19:29 GMT

Last week, my school experienced a tragic loss. Kimberly Forsyth, whom I worked with closely, passed away last weekend from a long-time battle with cancer. When the students received the news on Monday morning, many didn’t quite know what to think....(read more)

How much is a proper education worth?

Chalk Talk Weekly — Tue, 22 May 2007 14:32:08 GMT

I first heard about this funding problem in my Intro to Ed class this last semester. And to be honest, I had put it to the back of my mind until I came across a local organization’s website (http://www.citizensforequity.org). Then, last week, I...(read more)

I’m back…just in time for Cinco De Mayo.

Chalk Talk Weekly — Fri, 04 May 2007 14:03:25 GMT

Sorry for not posting anything in the last few weeks. I was preoccupied with finding myself a summer job, and working hard to finish the college semester. Finals and whatnot can be a real pain (anyone who’s in college will understand). But now,...(read more)

Giving Choices Lends Itself to Better Behavior

Chalk Talk Weekly — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 15:00:12 GMT

Often times, in daycare and school settings, there are behavior issues. Whether it be just one child or the whole group (because we all know they have their days; watch for full moons), it can be hard to solve those problems. There are some children who...(read more)

A New Age Garage Sale

Chalk Talk Weekly — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 03:35:15 GMT

Growing up, I learned the value of a garage sale or a “free” sign. If you looked careful enough, a real bargain was sure to come your way. The same holds true today, but has moved focus to none other than..the internet. Instead of traveling...(read more)

A Lover’s Empty Promise: Job Security

Chalk Talk Weekly — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 15:11:44 GMT

Recent events have led me to believe that the term “job security,” is much like being in a long-term relationship. The security of a particular job can be assured and promised, much like a well-suited companion. The job, or person, can be...(read more)

Lesson Plan: Shifting Letters

Chalk Talk Weekly — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 02:38:35 GMT

I work in an after school program that cares for children from preschool up to fifth grade. It is a requirement that we have at least one half hour of literacy time each afternoon. In order to accommodate, I am responsible for finding an activity that...(read more)

Of Education And Politics

Chalk Talk Weekly — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 23:04:29 GMT

We all know the quality of one’s education has a direct influence on his/her success later in life. How do we, as educators and American citizens, ensure every child has a good, high quality education? The Bush administration believed the No Child...(read more)

Why a Teacher?

Chalk Talk Weekly — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 19:42:01 GMT

Writing a first blog entry is like writing the introduction to a novel. In Chalk Talk Weekly, I simply want to share my experiences and the information I come across as I get closer to becoming a teacher. Perhaps the best way to get started is to simply...(read more)