Starting an internship is sort of like starting a new job. I was incredibly nervous, didn't know what to wear and wondered what on earth would I really be doing. I am interning at a high school in a district I do not teach in (I was more than a little nervous about that). But, I'm excited to say, it has started off VERY well. I am working with two APs who are professional, positive and sensible.
Besides learning so many new names and faces, my first tasks revolved around summer school. As you can guess, its been interesting. Luckily, all has gone well. Students are working to complete their assignments and are anxious to be finished. Teacher are busy grading and working with students who still aren't quite "getting it."
The coolest thing I've learned so far is that the APs I work with, practice so many of the effective leadership skills I've been reading about (and sometimes complaining about) for the last year! They are out in the halls, they are visible in the cafeteria, hallways and classrooms. Kids already know my name and I'm just an intern. When there is an issue to be addressed, they address it (or let me, woo hoo).
I hope everyone in the cohort is having a great beginning experience. I'm sure some of you are nearly done. I'm curious how many of the breadth activities folks have completed so far. Me? Well, let's just say my first two days were crazy busy and overwhelming. I'm planning to get to the breadth activities next week.
Great idea to start this....Sounds like you are off to a good start. I see a benefit of you going into another district already. They treat you as brand new and take you through everything from start to finish. That is awesome. This is a negative for me because even though I am in a different school, I know and am familiar with the principal. I like it because I can just jump right in and start those breadth activities, but part of me would like to experience that "NEW" feeling. Can't wait to read more!
ReplyDeleteI start tomorrow and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. The principal won't even be there since he's teaching a summer course at West Chester Univ, so I'm anxious to see what he leaves for me to do. PA districts don't often have APs, unless it's a high school, so it's going to be to be interesting and hopefully, a learning experience. Most of our depth and breadth activities, ones I felt would be a great fit for the summer, are items he already has finished for the upcoming school year. Guess it's going to be me going through the motions and my work not getting any recognition, which I'm ok with because practice is what's truly important. A new principal at my "home" elementary school, I'm hoping, will give me many more opportunities to fill that principal role and have the experiences be more authentic. Time will tell.
ReplyDeleteLove the blog name! Keep your posts coming and we'll be sure to reply.