Robbinsdale Cooper - Post 1

I got in this morning a full forty minutes before classes started at 7:20. This turned out to be a good idea, as it left ample time to find the gym I'd be using, get the equipment my students would need, and leaf through the thorough lesson plans I was left. I also got the chance to introduce myself to other folks in the phy. ed. office.

The plan was the same for all five hours: attendance, three-minute jog, three minutes of stretching, and two ten-minute games of soccer out on the fields. Hours 1, 5, and 6 had enough students for three concurrent games. Hour 2 (International Baccalaureate) and hour 7, both small classes, played on two larger teams. In order to make up for disparities in number and ability, I alternated playing for different teams. Although I slipped and fell on the wet grass three times first hour, and I am not a good soccer player besides, I did a serviceable job. Most importantly, I had a blast, and so did they by all appearances.

I had to eject one kid for foul language, and take down the names of a couple others, but they were by and large five groups of good kids.

I was also fortunate to get to chat with another English teacher, who sat next to me at lunch. It was awesome to get to talk about my content area again.

I'll leave it at that for now, and possibly edit this later. I am incredibly tired all of a sudden. Awesome day nonetheless, and I'll do it again tomorrow.

My Life as an Education Mercenary - Post 0

I'll once again change the purpose of this blog to chronicle my time as an education mercenary, which at this point includes my duties as a tutor, substitute teacher, and workshop facilitator.

Tomorrow, I work my first job as a substitute teacher at Robbinsdale-Cooper, where I'll be subbing two consecutive days for a physical education teacher. Both days will be held outside, and I have been told by the teacher herself that there will be lesson plans, so I am excited to see how this goes. I met a woman who teaches English at Robbinsdale-Cooper through summer classes, and it sounds like a fine school, though Erin's friend, Lizzy, suggested bringing a bullet proof vest. I am confident my gym shorts will be protection enough.

School starts at 7:20 at the school tomorrow, so I need to be to bed for my 5:30 wake-up.