Today was the first of a two-day inservice for teachers in my school. We are focusing on classroom management issues specific to our school and possible solutions. I begged to attend not to impart any brilliant advice I learned from my student teaching experience, but to meet some teachers and hear about how my new school runs. 2 of my APs ran the show and the director of the county’s office of student discipline and behavior intervention gave an informative presentation. Here are the highlights of the day:
1. Ms. History was there and was gracious enough to let me hang out with her. You can imagine my relief to see her — no one wants to be the newbie with no friends. Ms. History is very nice and about my age, so we have a lot in common. We exchanged email addresses today, and she told me to email her any time with any question I might have. I also met her friend, Ms. Giggles (a fellow 7th grade LA teacher). I think I will like Ms. Giggles a lot. Ms. Art sat at the table with us, and she was very encouraging, as was Mrs. Biker (a 6th grade math teacher).
2. I got to get to know 2 of my 7 APs (consequently, they are the ones with whom I will work the most — 7th grade AP and Language Arts AP), and they are incredibly supportive. 7th grade AP told me that he placed me in my room because his office is next door, and he wants me to use him whenever I need him. I thought that was really nice of him. Over the course of the morning, I got the feeling that my administration is strong, organized, and supportive. They seem to be on the same page as the teachers, and the teachers seem to have great relationships with them. I like that.
3. There were 28 of us at the in-service (over 200 teachers total at the school), and everyone was supportive of each other and had positive attitudes. Every teacher I met offered help or advice or just nice words. Even if the other 172 teachers turn out to be huge prunefaces, I know of 28 to whom I can turn throughout the year.
4. My school is the oldest middle school in the county, but it is squeaky clean. It was squeaky clean in May while school was in session, too. I really like that it is well-kept. There is a feeling of school pride in the building. I like that, too.
5. Director of Student Discipline and Behavior Intervention gave me some statistics of the students in our county. According to a survey taken by middle school students in my county this month:
21% of middle school students have used alcohol this month
9% have used marijuana this month
3% have used cocaine this month
3% have used methamphetamines this month
16% have engaged in sexual activity this month (33% of those students say they had their first experience by the end of 6th grade)
8% have had sexual intercourse this month
20.3% have stolen from a store this month
6.6% have sold or given drugs or alcohol this month
While these statistics are pretty horrific, they help remind me that the students who enter my classroom in August need an adult to care about them and hold them accountable for the things they do. These stats will also help me understand the lives some of my students live a little better. Our lives are totally different.
6. We talked about how there are 3 main components of classroom management: a caring and respectful enviornment that supports learning, established routines and procedures, and meaningful instruction that actively engages students from bell to bell. The #1 rule for effective classroom management is to build relationships and establish rapport with your students.
Today was mostly about classroom management issues throughout the county, and tomorrow we are supposed to discuss teacher concerns that are specific to our school. I will report more tomorrow!
