Day one of "professional development" was a long one, to say the least. I sat through a morning of boring talk, explaining the very thing that was explained on retreat. In the afternoon, I met up with Max and Elitia, and went over our pacing guides. Mine was pretty much right on target with what Max had thought. That was quite a relief, seeing as I thought he would rip me a new one.

After my Math meeting, I made my way to my classroom. It's by far the biggest classroom, located right next to the Principal's office and the staircase. All of the desks and all 2 of the chairs are extremely old and falling apart. I was assured that new desks and chairs are on their way, and that I have first dibs! What a relief!

Day two of "professional development" was not so smooth. Apparently my principal likes to run things in a hands off fashion. This is nice for me as far as curriculum goes. She recognizes that she does not know math, and can not tell me what to teach, or when to teach it. This sucks when she fails to make administrative decisions in advance, and leaves it up to 12 very different-minded (some all too outspoken) teachers and aids to decide upon. I just want her to say "This is how it's going to happen" and if anyone does not like it, we can discuss.

Also, the desk and chair problem only got worse. THere are no extra desks or chairs to be found. I was about 20 chairs short and 4 desks at the end of the day. Mr Bialy, the Art teacher, also known as "papa bear" assured me that he will pilfer some desks and chairs for me, and that when I come in on Tuesday, my room will be all set to go. Papa Bear is also the Union Rep at the school. Needless to say, we'll get along famously.

I met two of the girls in my honors class yesterday. They were extremely sweet, but I couldn't help but feel like I was blowing up my spot. I was nice and laughed a little with them. This is not how I want to be known the first month of school. Honestly, I want to be an evil, but respected, classroom dictator. Then I'll loosen up a bit and be myself. We'll see how this goes.

Alright, I'm going to run to the teacher supply store while ray is still sleeping.

The Day Before

Tomorrow I am to report to school at 8 a.m. for "professional development", whatever that means. Hopefully they will explain my schedule. It looks like I have some kids 8 times a week? I didn't know my school was math intensive! haha.

I am getting excited, nervous, anxious, etc. Realizing that I only really have a few more free days in which to plan for the first week of school. Crap.

I am not the only one with new beginnings in our family. Little Jimmy moved to New Paltz on Sunday, and has already started classes. I'm really excited for him. He seemed a bit nervous as we all left on Sunday evening, but now he seems to be doing well, and hopefully enjoying himself. Sometimes I can't believe how well he is doing, and I feel so proud of him. Maybe one day we can teach at the same school!!!! (He probably wants to go back and teach at CHS though, which is definitely not in my plans)

I also realize that our parents, unfortunately, have no idea what college means. As soon as you go away and are no longer living in their house, they seem to forget that you need money for books and food. Out of sight, out of mind. I'm just glad that I'm going to be making a little more money (a lot more than I'm used to!) and can afford to help a brother out every now and then.

Anyway, I know I'll have much more teacher related stuff to write about once we get this show on the road!

xo

Jessie

This is the first post in my new blog. I feel it's appropriate to move on from livejournal to my own personal blog. I first started blogging when I moved to Buffalo and started college. Seeing as I am embarking on my journey as a Middle School teacher in the Bronx, it is only appropriate that I start blogging with a clean slate, right?

right.

On Thursday, I will be beginning my career as a teacher. That's right, a career. And, yes, I am 22 years old. And of course, this scares me half to death. I never would have thought, as a freshman at UB that I would be sitting here today, in this lopsided Brooklyn apartment, preparing lessons for 100 seventh graders. Never in my wildest dreams. Nobody in my entire family has had a career before the age of 25 or so. I find myself worrying that I am rushing growing up.

Still, on Thursday, ready or not, I am officially Ms. Carrancio. Yikes.