Tres

I always end our intro meetings by asking the student if they have questions about me or about the class.

My student this morning told me that, honestly, he thought watching videos at home was stupid at first.

But that he really likes the flipped model now.

Converting only a month in. I’ll take that.

*****

I created a motion lab for calculus using the Moving Man simulation. The kids did so well. They collaborated with their groups and struggled productively. I think I answered one question all day in regards to the lab. It was one of those days where the bell took us by surprise every hour. I gave them different scenarios, asked them to predict what the position and velocity graphs would look like and then they’d run the simulation to see if they were right. If not, they’d correct in pen.

When it came time to run a simulation, I loved watching their heads all gather around a laptop and then cheer if they got it right. I heard a lot of “Let’s gooooo!” today.

I loved it.

*****

This summer I read an article about peer observations that I sent to some members in my department. A lot of them really bought into it so we’ve created a shared calendar where we put various activities that we’re open to having others visit. Today I visited Morgan’s room, a third year teacher, a dear friend, and a former student.

I truly had to hold in my tears as I watched her teach. She is so in her element. Those kids are just eating out of her hands; they adore her and work for her. It made me emotional to think that we have such a talented young teacher in our very own building. And it made me emotional to think about how long I’ve known her—how long she’s wanted this; how hard she’s worked for this.

She could have done anything.

But she chose to invest in young lives.

They’re better for it. She’s better for it. I’m better for it.