Teaching in an American High School: Closing time...

It's closing time of the summer... and it's still brought to my attention that people think a teacher's life is all fun and good. Yes, it is VERY true that I have had the luxury of not working and simply vacationing this summer. BUT, as with many jobs, it is CRUCIAL to stay up to date on many things in my particular profession.

For example, seeing as I teach history, and I'm living in a state I was not born and raised, I have spent a hunk of my summer working on learning more about my region. The best part of history is when students can relate history to their lives. Then I spent some time digging through local archives to create assignments based on primary sources. The best history is taught hands on and left to the interpretation of the learners, NOT the interpretations of textbook authors. I have also had to spend time creating quality lesson plans in order to not bore my students during class time and so I don't feel so overwhelmed before lessons. I feel prepared!

Globe in Marseilles, France

Now... time to mourn. My summer is closing. I go back to work on August 5. A few thoughts about this amazing summer. It has be wonderful that for the first time since I was in high school, I did not have to work a summer job. I spent my days advancing my historical knowledge, planting trees (including my lilacs!) in our new and unfinished backyard, unpacked boxes that have been packed since 2001, and other chores around our new house. In addition, there has been a WONDERFUL vacation that helped remind me what true relaxation is and WHY I love and study history. The world holds so many amazing things and people. It is so important for students to learn about these people and places, to learn about the world. Even more so because many of my students will never travel outside this state. They will have not other concept of other places around the globe. And so... I have had a great chance to prepare ways of teaching them... and since I've relaxed, I'm much happier to go back into school and work to ignore all the changes (that I don't necessarily agree with) in my district.