it's all done

After the fun of yesterday, today was BUSY.

I find Friday is the hardest day on my schedule. I have all times on - there is no time for preparation or anything else for that manner.

Today was a little more than that. Head of Department absent with the lurgy I so kindly shared with the rest of the department. I also had two assessments - one at recess and one at lunch.

I found time to write up the report for my student teacher and speak to her uni adviser. I then spent 1 1/2 hours discussing the report with her. Why? Well I was close to failing her - not for the way she presented in class but because I didn't think she was ready to face the realities of the teaching profession.

When I spoke to the supervisor I had decided that I needed to say that she was not ready for the professional world of teaching due to her extreme lack of confidence and over emotional responses to those around her. Based on what I had seen and described the supervisor was in agreement with me. The girl pulled out one of THE BEST classes I have seen in a long time.

It was not the most riveting lessons - discussion on the compositional devices used in three pieces from West Side Story - but the kids talked and talked and talked on topic! I sat there with this inane grin on my face. I was so proud. Eventually I got back to the supervisor and I said "this is new! I'm not sure where she came from, but I'm glad she came. I am so excited about what I am seeing."

After the class, and the supervisor had gone, we discussed what happened - as two professionals. The change I have seen in this girl is amazing. Yes there is still room to grow but I saw enough in the last 24 hours to know that she is on the right track. I talked through my fears for her and what I thought she should do. She listened and then responded - including (with my permission) reflecting on what I, as her supervisor, could do better.

In amongst all this I was preparing kids for a performance on Sunday. Some of my kiddies are playing for 1 1/2 hours at a Festival. It's really exciting. This is another opportunity for the public to see the kids the way I get to see them.

I'm tired - but happy. It's been a good end to the week.