Second Day: Information Overload

Today was absolutely crazy!

We did all sorts of stuff to introduce us to data and data cycles at IMS.  It was super intense.

Like, it wasn't even examining real data, but it was talking about it and getting comfortable with it, and that was something like... totally crazy.  I didn't realize how much I liked that I knew things about data collection and analysis though, and I do have to thank my last position for that.  It really did help me today.

But, outside of that, we got our computers - I haven't played with mine yet, but I know I have to bring it tomorrow to do stuff at work, so I will be playing with it in the very near future.  We also did some lesson planning stuff in our department PD today, which was really helpful.  I love how things are done at my school - it's so student driven and guided, I just love that.

I did find out, however, that my cooperating teacher is not who I thought it was - in fact, I am actually with two different mentors - one of whom is also new, but not the original one I thought - and we'll be doing seventh grade writing.  He is a nice guy, has a kind of crazy sensibility about him - but I think he will push me and stretch me to be a lot more creative in the classroom.  I'm also working with another teacher who I will meet next week, and I'll be doing eighth grade reading with her.

I'm a little nervous, I won't lie.  I guess my anxiety is stemming from the fact that no one really knows what to do with me, haha.  I'm doing teacher orientation like an actual teacher, but I'm not technically one yet, and I'm glad for that - because I'm anxious and nervous about it, but I'm also afraid of being pushed to the back of the classroom to do nothing.  I don't think that will happen, but it's an anxiety nonetheless.

I am also afraid of not being held in as important a position as others, and of being used to do inane tasks, rather than actual instruction and the like.  But, ah well! We'll see what happens! I am going to be optimistic!

I'm stilling following my goals and being actively involved in things, as well as getting to know my mentor - though I might be a little behind on that one now!  I'll have to get to work more!