Anyway, a short synopsis of where I am at the moment: I just finished six weeks of Institute in Phoenix: Teach for America's boot camp of sorts to get us ready for teaching in the classroom. Do I feel more prepared? Certainly. Do I feel prepared? Of course not.
In ten days I will be teaching three sixth grade special education math classrooms. I'll also be co-teaching three additional classrooms (in a general education setting). I'm fortunate enough to have a lot of support.. but it's a lot to handle for someone who six months ago didn't know he was going to be a teacher.
I had an awesome time at Institute. Fighting through a lack of sleep, trying to figure out how in the world to put together a lesson plan really creates a sense of urgency. I met lots of amazing individuals along the way.
Now I'm back in New Mexico. Laguna Middle school is about 45 minutes west of Albuquerque. I live in Grants, another half hour to the west. I live in Grants because Laguna, population 450, has no available housing. Also, it puts me closer to Gallup where most of my friends live.
Thoughts that cross my mind frequently:
Will my students know that their teacher is flying by the seat of his pants?
What will I do in Grants for the next two years- a place with no internet, movie theater, coffee shop, people my age...?
How do I greet my neighbor, the one who glares at me while she holds a belt?
Can't wait to settle in..
