Hello everyone!
This was my first year teaching. I was originally certified to teach English, but received this Journalism job right out of college. I had only a minor in Communication. This whole year was spent learning and planning, while also working to get my certification in Journalism (and also planning my wedding!).
I teach two classes: Journalism I, which publishes the newspaper, and Journalism II, which undertakes the yearbook.
This year was so much fun, but I am relieved to get to attend this institute and LEARN. I am so excited to be around like-minded individuals who can share creative ideas and processes. I spent so much time this year feeling like I was drowning. I am eager to devour everything thrown my way.
I look forward to meeting you all.
Lauren Ramcharan Gutierrez
Corbett Junior High
Schertz, Texas
Wow! I am in awe that you took on both the newspaper and the yearbook as a first-year teacher! This year must have felt like a trip down to crazy-town.
ReplyDeleteI am thrilled to hear about your experiences. The excitement of beginning a journalism program is infectious, and after more than a decade as a journalism teacher, I am looking for that kind of enthusiasm.
I hope you had a supportive administration. That has such an impact on a journalism program's existence and your experience as a teacher. I have had both very poor and very excellent administrative support. I am happy to have a great principal today who lets me do what I do. I have had others, though, who called me into meetings because a root beer bottle in the background of a picture could be misinterpreted as beer. Really?
This is a hard job we do, and journalism teachers are more likely to work in isolation than any other type of educator. It is good for us to have this time to work together and share.
Cheers!
Hilari Anderson
Kentridge High School
Kent, WA
Hi Lauren!
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine how difficult it would be to be thrown into newspaper and yearbook with little or no journalism training. Kudos to you for making it through!
It may not be much consolation, but I'm pretty sure I had that "drowning" feeling for a good three or four years. Come to think of it, this year (my fifth) might have been the first year that I DIDN'T feel like that. :) Regardless, you aren't alone!
Julieanne McClain
Rutherford B. Hayes High School
Delaware, Ohio
Hi Lauren,
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing! I can't imagine being thrown into two publications as a first year teacher. I've been trying to shadow my current advisor as much as possible to take over next year and I feel underprepared. You're going to have to tell me your secret to staying sane.
Brandon Michaud
Winnacunnet High School
Hampton, N.H.
Wow being a first year teacher is no picnic! Cant wait to hear some stories from that first year!
ReplyDeleteRudy De La Torre
Escondido High School
San Diego, CA