I figured it was about time I wrote about the newest adventure in my life (especially since John said that I would be writing soon in his last post.....and that was a few weeks ago.) So, sometime after the new year I received an email saying that Manhattan Area Technical College was in need of a developmental psychology instructor for the current semester. Next thing I know, I go in for an interview, they hire me, and - and here's the kicker - class starts the following day. (Yes, they were very desperate, and I was a warm body.) But hey, I figured that it was a great opportunity for me and it would be steady work for the next few months.
Since then, I've been teaching developmental psych to 20 pre-nursing students at the tech college two afternoons a week. The library has been flexible with my schedule and I have even been able to pick up some more hours at the there as well. (It's been a new experience at the library - instead of children's, I'm now working adult circulation/reference and managing their interlibrary loans....and doing a storytime every once in a while.) I did have to give up substitute teaching, which for the most part, I am quite happy about. I do miss seeing some of the kids though - particularly my one special kindergarten class. But it is so lovely to no longer receive 6 am wake-up calls asking if I want to take a sub position. And it seems like such a luxury knowing when or if I will be working each week!
That being said, I had no idea what exactly I was getting into teaching this class. I never gave teachers enough credit. Coming up with lesson plans is hard work and extremely time consuming. Most of the time, I am getting things together the night before...staying up until all hours trying to make a powerpoint (not to mention trying to learn the material myself!) I think John feels a bit vindicated, because now I realize how much work he has to do preparing to teach his classes. And plus, now he doesn't have to feel so guilty about doing work and not spending time with me. (Now we just argue about who gets to use the computer.)
I'm putting in tons of time and energy, but most of the time I'm not really sure if I am connecting with my students or not, or if I'm a good teacher. And I never quite know what is too much for them, or if I am pushing them too hard. John has to keep reminding me that this is not a four-year college. I definitely feel like I am in unknown territory here. Tomorrow I give their first exam - and I'm not sure who is more anxious about it - me or my students. I'm terrified that they are all going to fail. Especially since I found out that the other instructors make all of their tests take-home or open-book. Apparently, I am the very mean and cruel instructor who is giving them an in-class exam that has an essay question on it.
(Prayers and good thoughts are greatly appreciated.)
-Leah
P.S. Thanks to Erica for leaving us our very first comment on our blog! :)
Since then, I've been teaching developmental psych to 20 pre-nursing students at the tech college two afternoons a week. The library has been flexible with my schedule and I have even been able to pick up some more hours at the there as well. (It's been a new experience at the library - instead of children's, I'm now working adult circulation/reference and managing their interlibrary loans....and doing a storytime every once in a while.) I did have to give up substitute teaching, which for the most part, I am quite happy about. I do miss seeing some of the kids though - particularly my one special kindergarten class. But it is so lovely to no longer receive 6 am wake-up calls asking if I want to take a sub position. And it seems like such a luxury knowing when or if I will be working each week!
That being said, I had no idea what exactly I was getting into teaching this class. I never gave teachers enough credit. Coming up with lesson plans is hard work and extremely time consuming. Most of the time, I am getting things together the night before...staying up until all hours trying to make a powerpoint (not to mention trying to learn the material myself!) I think John feels a bit vindicated, because now I realize how much work he has to do preparing to teach his classes. And plus, now he doesn't have to feel so guilty about doing work and not spending time with me. (Now we just argue about who gets to use the computer.)
I'm putting in tons of time and energy, but most of the time I'm not really sure if I am connecting with my students or not, or if I'm a good teacher. And I never quite know what is too much for them, or if I am pushing them too hard. John has to keep reminding me that this is not a four-year college. I definitely feel like I am in unknown territory here. Tomorrow I give their first exam - and I'm not sure who is more anxious about it - me or my students. I'm terrified that they are all going to fail. Especially since I found out that the other instructors make all of their tests take-home or open-book. Apparently, I am the very mean and cruel instructor who is giving them an in-class exam that has an essay question on it.
(Prayers and good thoughts are greatly appreciated.)
-Leah
P.S. Thanks to Erica for leaving us our very first comment on our blog! :)
