Great Support....DCTF Update

Hey Everyone!

So training for DCTF has been going great. I am very lucky to have Fellow Advisor and Resource Specialist with a lot of experience, great attitudes, and willingness to help new teachers. I love most of the people in my cohort and my Early Childhood Education group is getting closer and closer. I'm glad that we are paired with Fellows that will be teaching Elementary Education, as well as English Language Learners. I've been able to really soak up a lot of great tips and ideas to implement in my class in the Fall.

We start Practice Teaching tomorrow, and I really hope my Cooperating Teaching is just as awesome as the other people I've been able to meet. Well, I'm off to do some reading to prepare for tomorrow.

-Ace of Rambles

Inspired

Today was the Opening Ceremony for DCTF, and it was truly inspirational. There was a presentation on what the achievement gap looks like in DC, and while many of my colleagues seemed to be discouraged by the information I saw this as even more confirmation that I am needed and that I can truly make a difference. The chancellor for DCPS spoke about her experiences as a first year teacher, as well as her hope for the school district. In DC people either love Chancellor Rhee or they hate her...I am one of the people that love her, so I was excited to see her. Let me take a moment to note that though I love her and what she is doing for the school system I dont always love the decisions she has had to make, but I cant say that I could a better job than she is doing, so I trust her process.

In addition to the Opening Ceremony, we were given the opportunity to participate in a mini hiring fair. I was able to interview with one school that is looking for Early Childhood Educators. This interview went great. I have had 2 good interviews, which makes me feel good about getting a placement soon.

The first 2 days of DCTF have left me so excited to have made the decision to join. I know these next 6 weeks will be rigorous and stressful, but also necessary to prepare me for what I will face in the fall. I'm definitely beginning to realize that my experience in the classroom will be truly advantageous when it comes to teaching summer school. I fortunately am not sharing the same anxiousness about this whole process that many of the people in my cohort are experiencing. I am also excited to have an established friendship and brotherhood with another Fellow being as though my Prophyte is also in my Cohort.

All in all this has been a great start!

-Ace of Rambles

As This Door Closes....

...I think about how much has happen in these last 9 months. I began working at my school the Tuesday after Labor Day and this coming Wednesday will be my last day. I have learned so much about the education system, as well as my goals in life. It was working in my current position that made me sure I wanted to spend at least 5 years in the classroom before becoming a School Counselor/Dean of Students. I know now how much I want to impact youth in urban high needs schools. I know now more than ever before that I want to save the world, and that it starts with helping to close the achievement gap. I love so many of the people I have met in these last 9 months and most definitely appreciate the relationships that have been built. Though I am preparing to move on to a new chapter of my life (that has me super nervous, excited, and anxious) I know that I have a great support system of colleagues and friends at my school.

-Ace of Rambles

SURPRISE!

So, I was in Pittsburgh this past weekend to celebrate my younger sister's graduation and came home to a lovely surprise. The house was SPARKLING clean, dinner was made, and a brand new Dell Inspiron Mini laptop was waiting for me! I was already coming off a great trip home, but then the laptop was the icing on the cake. I mentioned a while ago that I wanted to get a mini laptop before training started for DCTF. However, I havent been able to get it because I have been saving money due to the fact that I will be working all summer without an income. It really touched me that my beau (I love that word) would hear/see my want/need and make it happen. I most definitely appreciate the sacrifice.

Being loved is awesome!

-Ace of Rambles