8th Grade Meeting

We have another meeting with the middle school teachers for the 8th grade this coming week. I think it is good when we get together formally like this. We have informal meetings in the lunch room and stuff like that, but I feel that when we have formal meetings with the administration and special needs teacher, things really get moving.

For example, after the 6th grade meeting, one student was moved down to 5th grade and from what I've been told it has been a huge success. She is enjoying school and having a good time with everything, so it was a good move. Also, the one girl who was a major pain has calmed down quite a bit and is not as difficult. She still has her moments from time to time, but she gets her work done and for the most part is being well behaved. In fact, all the 6th grade has improved over the last week or so. I have been hammering them pretty hard and I think they finally understand what is expected of them.

Hopefully the same result will come from the 8th grade after the meeting.

I have been talking with the department head and it is almost a done deal that I will be teaching Pre-Calculus next year. I am extremely excited about this and think its a great opportunity. First, these students will only be the strongest in that class, so I will be working with kids who want to be there and are willing to work. Second, it will be easier for me to explain upper level math concepts as opposed to concepts that are second nature for me.

My one concern here is that I will be picking this up in addition to my other classes. I will still only have 5 classes because next years 6th grade will only be one class, but I will be planning for 4 classes instead of 3 this year. However, it is also a note that 3 of these classes will be classes I am teaching this year, and I will have all the materials for those classes.

Not only that, but it will also make me more marketable, having now taught 6th grade, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry and soon to be teaching Pre-Calculus. I would also like to try to get some AP Certification in the near future. Unfortunately, I have not found any workshops in Asia or any online workshops that will fit my schedule (being 12 hours away makes for awkward hours).

Aaron