The Way of Teaching

Only one more full week to go and with the first TPA task clearly out of the way, we are all trying to wrap up our coursework and get ready for the transition to full time student teaching. As I sit here searching for spirited words and infinite wisdom to share with my cohort, I just keep thinking back to a lesson I learned from the Tao Te Ching. Tao Te Ching can be translated in many ways to find its meaning. One such interpretation I have read is "The Way of Life." I remember being intrigued by the Tao concept of "flowing." There are so many factors beyond our control. Needless concern or worry will not alter the flow of life or the flow of our program. We are all moving this path together, a path of knowledge, a path of growth, a path of consideration. For me it starts to feel like this journey into teaching is no longer a path I walk but a stream that I am flowing down. This idea makes the rest of the journey feel so much more relaxing to me. Like I have weathered the storm and now sit on the porch with a warm cup of coffee watching the sun rise up and warm me down into my bones. Ok, its true, I don't even drink coffee, and I don't mean to ramble and wax poetic but it certainly feels like the calm AFTER the storm right now. So here's to the next 8 weeks of student teaching uninterrupted, not to mention a couple vacations. So I hope each of you enjoys this time and please remember while you are student teaching that you have followed this path because you CARE and you can MAKE A DIFFERENCE and with a little practice, you will SUCCEED. Let yourself flow!

"How can a man's life keep its course
If he will not let it flow?
Those who flow as life flows know
They need no other force:
They feel no wear, they feel no tear,
They need no mending, no repair." ~The Way of Life According to Lao Tzu

Check Your Brakes...

Anyone have the feeling that we are now headed downhill and its going to be tough to stop? We are well past the halfway mark now. We only have three or four of each class left and it will be time to focus on our students. It is so very exciting and good to know that time is still moving on. I know that I for one am happy to have broken the ice with the first TPA and am ready to move into more time with the Clinical Practice. I can also tell you how excited I am to know that there is vacation time coming in November as well as almost a whole month off in Dec-Jan. I hope everyone is keeping their heads up because the craziness will ebb and tide and the ebb is just down that hill. Just don't roll too fast!

Got To Get Over The Hump!

Well we made it half way through the classes...almost. Technically we have two more days the ninth week. Has anyone else noticed the time is starting to speed up as we get a handle on what is going on? I, for one, am very excited to get to full time student teaching and really get down into the meat of things. The first TPA is coming up soon. It is due on October 10 at midnight. Hopefully we are all getting a chance to get started soon. It will be interesting to see what Nicole and Jaime are planning for the classroom decoration committee. In the meantime, enjoy your growing celebrity status with your students and see you next week!

The Deal on TPE's

Nicole P asked: HELP! Hey everyone! I have been emailing back and forth with my supervisor and basically he told me he can't help me with my question because he's "not familiar with the TPE's"...and yes I am serious he said that. Does anyone understand the TPE's fully? Are we supposed to have a binder for them or is it on TaskStream? Do we just use the artifacts (say a photo, lesson, etc.)...or do we need to do a write-up explaining the artifact as well? I appreciate ANY and ALL information anyone has on the TPE's. Thank you!!!

Helpful Links

As you are all working on various class projects, thinking of wonderful lesson/activity ideas, please share any links/resources you find on the internet.  I will be sure to add them to the list of links.  Remember... COLLABORATION IS KEY!

You have the power!

I'm so sorry, I had to make some kind of cheesy reference.  Week two is complete (well sort of), and much sooner than expected.  I am afraid that we all might get too used to these short weeks!  Please remember to get your math standards group presentation together for Monday.  Other than that there is just a wide variety of reading and a few reflections due this week.  I cannot say enough that I really wish to make this website useful for everyone so please email me or comment here with any ideas that would make it more useful.  I have added some more links (mostly from the CC math class page).  Also, remember to add yourself as a member if you can.  We have six so far.  Enjoy your long weekend again, but don't get TOO used to it!  See you all Monday!

Friday Classes

Yes, Friday classes are cancelled.

Congratulations! You made through week 1!

Congratulations on making through week one.  Its been such a whirlwind as we finish our first week and get ready to buckle in for the next.  Thank goodness for 3 day weekends.  I decided as I was making a calendar for the class that maybe we should have a class blog to refer to for information, assignments and forums to assist each other.  So here is my attempt.  Everyone make sure to self-enroll in Taskstream for your TPAS!!!  I hope you all are enjoying your weekend and look forward to seeing you all again next week.  Please let me know if there is anything I could add to this site to be more useful.