2012 sees me enter my 20th year of teaching. The excitement of a new school year is still the same today as it was back in 1992 when I was fresh out of university.
I do love the feeling associated with taking a new batch of students under my wing to nurture, guide, direct and teach. I love getting to know them, their personalities, their strengths, weaknesses, what they enjoy and what makes them tick. I appreciate the insight that the students give me early in the year into their lives. This does make my job easier.
It is important that time is spent assessing the students in the first few weeks of term. I want to know where I can assist all students in their learning whether this may be through extension, support or any other manner in which I can differentiate the curriculum.
I always give homework on the first night (I can already hear the groans from the students). I believe in starting healthy routines immediately. Why wait until the second week of term to commence?
So Wednesday February 1 it is. I am looking forward to 7:55am and the first new members of 6S 2012 walking through the door.
