As I reflect upon the conclusion of my eighth year of teaching, I am overwhelmed with a whirlwind of emotions. This past year has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride, right up until the very end. One significant change was the introduction of co-teaching in my classroom, as I collaborated with Mr. Havey. While a few minor annoyances cropped up, the overall experience was highly positive. Mr. Havey and I formed a dynamic duo, with him embodying the kind-hearted one and myself portraying the slightly stricter teacher. Our chemistry was remarkable, as we balanced humor and a relaxed atmosphere while still maintaining discipline in the classroom. The pinnacle of our partnership occurred in December when we donned costumes and taught the history of Santa Claus, with Mr. Havey as Santa and myself as an elf. Needless to say, it was an incredibly joyous occasion.
In terms of the students, they responded exceptionally well to the rapport we fostered in the classroom. I had the privilege of teaching three classes with Mr. Havey and three without him. Comparatively speaking, this year’s cohort of students proved to be better overall than the previous year. Additionally, it was a pleasant change to have average class sizes of 30 or fewer. However, next year poses a challenge, as the AUHSD plans to increase the average class size to 40. It certainly seems like chaos awaits.
Beyond my experiences within the confines of Dale, I decided to supplement my teaching by establishing a Builder’s Club and initiating a Student Senate. The Builder’s Club, inspired by the same one I formed in Los Angeles, was dedicated to undertaking various service projects within Anaheim. While we mainly focused on on-campus service-related projects this year, I anticipate branching out further in the coming year. As for the Student Senate, it aimed to empower students with the ability to voice their recommendations for changes at Dale. Both endeavors proved largely positive, with a few adjustments that I plan to incorporate next year. Additionally, I assumed responsibility for the 5-Star Program, providing assistance to fellow teachers regarding the utilization of 5-Star points and striving to encourage their active participation.
Of course, the highlights of this year revolved around receiving the Civic Learning Award of Excellence, a truly proud moment in my life. I am now excited for when Supreme Court Justice of California visits in September to present a plaque to Dale Junior High. Another momentous occasion was winning $5000 worth of school supplies from Helpful Honda, and the filming of a commercial in my classroom, featuring my principal and me (soon to come). Although I really enjoyed receiving some recognition for once, I truly believe that nearly every (temporary) teacher at my school deserved similar recognition for their dedicated efforts throughout the year.
Alas, my “temporary contract” in the history department reached its expiration as the district made the unwise decision to eliminate over 200 positions across all schools. In a desperate attempt to remain within the district, I made the decision to transition into special education for the upcoming school year. The challenges and adventures that await me in the special education department are bound to be significantly different. I will have the opportunity to co-teach 8th grade science with a general education teacher and also teach some SDC (Special Day Class) courses independently, catering to students with mild to moderate disabilities. While this shift represents a major change, I remain hopeful that it will provide a tremendous learning experience and prove to be the right decision. I guess you’ll find out in Teaching Adventures Pt.16, coming next year.
