chatboard - Teachers.Net

Join Teachers.Net

chatboardsgroups

Chatboards

Recent Groups

Beginning Teachers

Beginning Teachers

MEMBERS

6 Members

+ Join Group

Pinned Posts

ALLAll Teachers

Teachers.Net LIVE CHAT Support group - Tues eve!

Featured Jobs

Full-timeMontessori Teacher

Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada

TemporaryTeachers, rural schools

Peace River North School District

Full-timeHead Teacher: 2nd/3rd Grades – Mills College Children’s School

Teaching Jobs on Teachers.Net

Featured Job special only $39!

https://teachers.net/jobs

Become a Teachers.Net sponsor!

Beginning Teachers Chatboard

Lesson Planning and Notes

by Jennifer11

Sep 19, 2011

Hello,

I am a new teacher and was wondering if there were any good places or sites to find good lesson plan creator, mock lesson plans, mock lesson plan calender, and notes. I just need something to look at in order to create my own as a guide.

Thanks

It's wayyyy to much to handle!!

by Sash

Sep 20, 2011

This is my second year teaching and it's still way too much work. I have almost 30 kids in my classroom but the real problem is just with the lesson planning, the meetings, and the overall WORK LOAD!! I teach all of the major subject areas and each day I stay late at work and still bring work home with me. This has been very devastating to me and i...See More

view previous comments

Alex On 9/22/11, chillout!!! wrote: > On 9/20/11, Sash wrote: I totally agree with what everybody else said, you don't have to have a lesson with fireworks every day, what's important is that your students learn whatever you're teaching them. I learned, in the classroom is better to let the students 'do', it should be student centered, not teacher ce...See More

Sep 24, 2011

Sash I would just like to thank everyone who responded to my post. I especially love the post from the person who told me to "chill out"..lol..Thank you all for your words of encouragement and just overall understanding. I think sometimes we need people to let us know that everything WILL be okay! I will take all of your advice and definitely put my fam...See More

Sep 26, 2011

2nd year teacher needs advice/suggestions (long)

by 2nd-year teach

Sep 26, 2011

Hello, i'm a 2nd year science teacher at a non-traditional tech school, teaching chemistry and physics. i struggled the 1st year like most 1st year teachers do, even having my doubts about whether or not teaching is right for me. the politics and teachers as "scape goats" or "cure-alls" for all our society's woes was wearing on me...which i've mana...See MoreHello, i'm a 2nd year science teacher at a non-traditional tech school, teaching chemistry and physics. i struggled the 1st year like most 1st year teachers do, even having my doubts about whether or not teaching is right for me. the politics and teachers as "scape goats" or "cure-alls" for all our society's woes was wearing on me...which i've managed to "set aside". the issues: again, my 1st year had its struggles, especially classroom management and connecting with some of my students. despite these issues, all my evaluations with my principal were positive; my 1-yr contract was renewed with the statements that she "liked how proactive I was when dealing with issues, and all recommendations are general...what I tell all teachers to work on"...so nothing specifically bad. 2 months later near last day of school, my principal and I get into an "argument", where her final comment is "you didn't have such a great first year". next thing I know I am now on a "performance improvement plan", so I’m assuming what other posts have said, that she figures she can easily find a replacement. So, there’s the issue of “will I get a fair assessment of my performance?” her 1st unscheduled observation ripped me to shreds over simple video, even though I explained what my plan was and how it tied into the previous week’s learning and how I wanted it to just introduce to next week’s. However, I “rocked” in my scheduled observation; she left stating, “I enjoyed your class”. 1st question: for a new teacher still struggling with “the basics”, is this non-traditional school a good fit for me (right now)?” we have a very high percentage of IEP/special needs students, even many “undocumented” who probably SHOULD be, and we have no academic aids. I really do enjoy the actual teaching, and despite their many issues, I genuinely like and/or care about the students, and want them to be successful in life…and I tell them this, and try to model this. But, with so many students with so many special needs, plus being a 2nd year teacher, AND feeling like my principal is looking for excuses to get rid of me, should I try to find a different school? Is the principal the school? Would my job be easier at a school with fewer behavioral/health/emotional/learning issues? 2nd question: I am certified in physical sciences AND integrated math (all in high demand). My practicum was in math, and then I switched to science. I’m finding that science is much harder to plan for and teach; I have to do what all other teachers do, PLUS prepare labs and equipment; and I have to teach not just “how” to solve problems, but the “what’s?” and “why’s” (conceptual). I’m thinking that teaching math would be much easier to plan AND teach. Like many new teachers, I’m struggling to keep up with the work load. I feel like I’m neglecting my family, and myself even. But, if I focus on my family, then some aspect of my teaching slacks, like late grading assignments. Anyone have experience teaching both?

Sorry so long. Appreciate any suggestions/advice.

view previous comments

Fanny Phoenix to old teacher How true!

Yours,

Fanny

Please do not fall into the trap of making teaching > your life, or the number one priority in your life. > Teaching is a JOB. A very important job, but a JOB. > Maybe this is worthy of a plaque, too.

Oct 2, 2011

Laura (HS Science Teacher, 2nd year) If you ever have trouble finding a teaching job, come to Las Vegas. We have so many long-term subs in classrooms all year because we can't find teachers to put in there. CCSD.net

Hang in there. I'm in my 2nd year as well, and figured it would be a breeze. I quickly found out that, although it's not nearly as hard as last year, it is still...See More

Oct 16, 2011

WEAK handshake at interview

by Teacher wannabeee

Sep 28, 2011

Much as written about job APPLICANTS at an interview with weak handshakes.

What about interviewERS with washrag handhakes? This happened to me recently. I thought the interview had gone well, but those handshakes at the end? Geez! I guess I didn't get the job eh?

view previous comments

Leah The only person you can change is yourself. Make sure you look the interviewers in the eye and thank each one for the intereview.

The following lists may be of interest

Oct 4, 2011

Sara On 9/28/11, Teacher wannabeee wrote: > Much as written about job APPLICANTS at an interview with > weak handshakes. > > What about interviewERS with washrag handhakes? This > happened to me recently. I thought the interview had gone > well, but those handshakes at the end? Geez! I guess I > didn't get the job eh?

The i...See More

Oct 7, 2011

first month ok?

by Gen F.

Oct 1, 2011

hey everyone,

how was your first month of teaching? anything happen you never expected? how will next month be different?

- Gen F.

cover letter question

by pixie

Oct 7, 2011

In a previous thread about cover letters, a poster said you should NOT use "I" in a cover letter. How can you write a cover letter without saying "I"? I can understand that you don't want to start every sentence with "I" but beyond that, does anyone know what the poster was talking about?

sped On 10/07/11, pixie wrote: > In a previous thread about cover letters, a poster said you > should NOT use "I" in a cover letter. How can you write a > cover letter without saying "I"? I can understand that you > don't want to start every sentence with "I" but beyond > that, does anyone know what the poster was talking about?

...See More

Oct 7, 2011

Mandy I've never heard of such a rule either.

On 10/07/11, sped wrote: > On 10/07/11, pixie wrote: >> In a previous thread about cover letters, a poster said you >> should NOT use "I" in a cover letter. How can you write a >> cover letter without saying "I"? I can understand that you >> don't want to start every senten...See More

Oct 7, 2011

by kyle

Oct 8, 2011

Hi All,

I'm new here, and I just wanted to say hi.

I Love forums, and I hope to be able to contribute to this one. I was also wondering if anyone knows of any other quality teacher forums like this one?

Thanks

Kyle

calling all 2nd-3rd generation & 2nd career teachers

by helen

Oct 9, 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I'm tossing around a couple of disseration topics involving 2nd career teachers who, in hinesight, have come to the conclusion that your family was right and that you should become a teacher. Perhaps, it was your parent,aunt,uncle or grandparent who taught. Remember giving up your Saturdays to help grade all those pap...See More

Procrastination

by Someone Somewhere

Oct 10, 2011

I am a second year high school English teacher who is battling procrastination/ lack of motivation. There is never enough time in the day to do anything. I only get two meeting-free preps per week, and often have to stay late to grade papers and do plans. No matter how late I stay, I still can't seem to get enough done. At this very moment, I have ...See More

view previous comments

old teacher Good advice on this thread.

There would never be time to do all that that needs to be done. Cut corners and work efficiently.

If you went in 3o min. early would you have time to work with out disruptions? Try setting a length of time to work after school. For me, it was 1 hour max. When that time is up, leave, and don't take reams...See MoreGood advice on this thread.

There would never be time to do all that that needs to be done. Cut corners and work efficiently.

If you went in 3o min. early would you have time to work with out disruptions? Try setting a length of time to work after school. For me, it was 1 hour max. When that time is up, leave, and don't take reams of work home with you.

You deserve a life outside the classroom. Do not make the huge mistake of making teaching your life. It is not. It is a job, an important job, but a JOB. Burn out can result from making teaching your life.

How about assigning a student or students to teach/present some lessons? This could be presented by one student or a small group of students. This can be a great learning experience for your students and the presenter(s)and no papers to grade.

If students are to read a certain number of pages(that high school English teacher was a bit vague. What does it involve?)let them make an outline of the section. This will be good for their formal outlining skills and for studying the lesson.

I ha had students make up 10 questions on the material as homework for the lessons on some occasions. It is a good idea to have them pass them on to other students to answer or take themselves. Mix it up.

An open book test is also a good plan infrequently. Best wishes.

10/10/11, Someone Somewhere wrote: > > > I am a second year high school English teacher who is > battling procrastination/ lack of motivation. There is > never enough time in the day to do anything. I only get two > meeting-free preps per week, and often have to stay late to > grade papers and do plans. No matter how late I stay, I > still can't seem to get enough done. At this very moment, I > have a stack of papers in the trunk of my car waiting to be > graded. I have lesson plans to do, along with supplemental > handouts, and bulk copies I forgot to make last week. > > I am thankful to be working, but I am just not motivated. I > know that my lesson plans are gonna take me about 3 hours > to complete (and that's for one prep). I'm young, and this > is only my second year of teaching. I worked really hard to > make it where I am. However, I find working with 6 groups > of hyperactive teenagers draining at the day's end. When > I'm at home trying to relax, I feel guilty because I have > so much schoolwork to do. I even feel bad for sleeping > eight hours during the night. Shouldn't I be more > passionate? What is wrong with me?

Oct 15, 2011

SomeoneSomewhere I decided to return to post an update to my OP. Thanks, again, for all who responded with advice. My biggest problem has always been procrastination and lack of motivation. In my ideal world, I would read all day and travel the world. However, that's obviously not the case, so here I am, forced to make a living. I've always felt that the demands of...See MoreI decided to return to post an update to my OP. Thanks, again, for all who responded with advice. My biggest problem has always been procrastination and lack of motivation. In my ideal world, I would read all day and travel the world. However, that's obviously not the case, so here I am, forced to make a living. I've always felt that the demands of society have always been a bit too much for me. I'm an introverted person, have a only a few (but awesome) friends, am very close with my family, and prefer to stay to myself and be left alone. I'm a simple person. I hardly ever feel the need to impress people, and hardly get stressed; which for me has proven to be a double edged sword. Over the past few weeks, I've been working on simplifying many of my duties. For example, for quizzes, I grade and go over them in class the same day, instead of collecting and grading them. I make students keep their bell-ringer sheets, instead of collecting them and passing them back out every day. Instead of trying to grade a huge stack of papers, I pick one assignment at a time to grade. I've also been making great use of the planning time that has been allotted to us by my school, since they demand a lot from us and take away our planning time.This has helped me come up with better lessons that are more engaging and less "hum-drum." My mentor from student teaching told me that she doesn't take work home on the weekends; I don't think that's a realistic goal yet for me. Maybe after December, but not now. Although the work is challenging and difficult, I am blessed and lucky to have a job. The commute from home is easy, and the school is better than the previous one in which I worked. I can see myself staying at this school for another year or so. With that said, I must make this work. Even if things don't work out, I still need to be a better teacher for my next job, and have a system of doing things. I would like to sponsor an after school club next year, but cannot see myself doing so right now. There are other new teachers who are sponsoring clubs and doing more than I am, which does make me feel a bit inept. However, my motivation is making my job easier so I can get through the year.

Nov 5, 2011

Re: A Parent that bullies me

by LJ

Oct 14, 2011

Did this student not come in with any transfer grades? Ask the front office what has arrived (or not) and explain to the parent that if additional transfer grades arrive that you'll discuss the situation with the principal and see if anything can be done. Some parents purposefully won't come in with grades and hope the kid will slide through with h...See More

Teacher Chatboards

General

Teacher Chatboard

Method & Theory

Grade Levels

- -

Multiage Classroom

Adult Education

Classroom Projects

Arts and Crafts

Read Across America

Travelling Buddies

Learning Centers

States

Teachers Abroad

Australian Teachers

Canadian Teachers

Subject Areas

Foreign Languages

Language Arts Center

Science Teachers

Language Arts

4 Blocks Literacy

6 Traits Writing

Accelerated Reader

Building Blocks (K)

Books & Literature

Creative Writing

Librarian/Media Arts

Reading/Writing

Remedial Reading

Foreign Language

ESL/EFL Teachers

French Teachers

German Teachers

Spanish Teachers

Travel/Study Abroad

Peer Groups

AP/GATE Teachers

Beginning Teachers

Distance Teachers

Department Heads

Library/Media Science

Master Teachers

Mentor Teachers

Retired Teachers

Special Education

Student Teachers

Substitute Teachers

Method & Theory

Beginning Learners

Character Education

Classroom Discipline

Collaborative Learning

Disruptive Students

General Education

Learning Disorders

Learning Research

Lesson Planning

Montessori Method

Motivating Students

Professional Devel

Professional Readings

Staff Development

Standardized Testing

Testing & Grading

Career Center

Continuing Education

National Boards/NBPTS

Hot Topics

Classroom Humor

Healthy Teachers

NCLB/Race to the Top

Teacher Gatherings

Teacher Inspirations

Teacher Recipes

Teacher Social Board

Tech Center

Apple Classroom

Computer Teachers

Educational Software

Internet Security

Library/Media Science

Teaching with PowerPoint

Teacher Video Share

Teaching with the Web

Tech Coordinators

Teachers.Net

Home About Forum Policies Privacy

Resources

Chatboards Lesson Plans Classroom Projects Classified Ads

Follow us...

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Mailring

Contacts

Advertising Job Listings Submissions Reprints