Pro's & Con's
Have you ever sat down to make an important decision and created a Pro’s/Con’s list? It helps me look at the situation more objectively. I am able to see the benefits and potential drawbacks in order to make the best possible decision for myself.
Recently, I transferred to a new school within the same district. For a while I had known I would want to teach in another school to broaden my experiences and enhance my perspective. I loved my school. I had lots of teacher friends, I was comfortable, and I knew all of the kids. I felt I made a considerable impact on the title-one population. However; I knew if I ever wanted to become a principal I was going to have to diversify my teaching experience and ensure I could teach children from various populations.
I was unsure when this change would happen, so I began to prepare by making myself a list of what I enjoyed about my school. This was bitter-sweet. It made me really think about what I appreciated in a school and would be looking for when I interviewed (sweet). But it also made me reminisce about all the wonderful memories I had there (bitter). I knew the decision I was making was the right one for me, but it did not make it any easier.
As I am now one school year down at my new school I know I made the right choice. It was very important that I teach children from all backgrounds to gain knowledge as a teacher and a human being. This school is very different from my old school, but some of the things I enjoyed are still present. To keep things positive I will share my list of the wonderful things in both schools!
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New School |
Both Schools |
Old School |
| – Principal: do what is asked of you in the timeframe asked, and you will be left alone to teach how you wish- Principal: respects time, gets to the point during meetings, and keeps personal feelings out of all situations
– Recreation Center: attached to the school meaning the gymnasium is larger and community members are always present to help out in the school – Reading Lab: a separate classroom for underperforming readers for all grade levels that focuses on fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. A major achieving factor! – Fundraiser: Boosterthon was created by a group of college graduates who wanted to support schools by encouraging fitness, leadership, and character (very similar to Jump Rope for Heart). Students collect donations and run at the “Fun Run.” Every day the team would arrive in the classroom to boost students up and award prizes for donations made the previous day. High energy and very entertaining! – Moving Up Night– I was lucky enough to be heard! I thought it was very important for students and parents to know what the upcoming grade level would be like so they could best prepare over summer. As a 3rd grade teacher I met with rising 2nd graders and their parents to explain expectations, show pictures and examples of projects/work, and encourage them to brush up on specific skills over the summer.
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– Duty Free Lunch: need I say more? J- Clothing: dress down Friday’s with a school shirt and jeans
– Weekend carnival: for families to come out to enjoy music, food from the grill, and various game stations with prizes – Technology: 3 computers and a Smart Board in the classroom, plus available within the school was a lap top cart, computer lab and library research center – Classroom Central: (see previous post on details of this amazing store!) – Space: Large, brand new building with adequate learning spaces |
– Planning: 90 minutes meant students went to double specials and I had adequate time to meet with facilitators, plan lessons, and do some housekeeping in the classroom.- Guided Reading: Running Records determined student’s reading levels and the grade level grouped students by similar level. Teachers taught small group lessons on the students levels. Major indicator of reading proficiency.
– Partnerships: A local church partnered with our school and helped run after-school and weekend activities, as well as donate food and gifts to students and staff!
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Have you ever switched schools or grade levels? What helped you make the official decision? Was it worth it in the end?
About the author, Gretchen
I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.
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