School's Out For Summer

I know, I know. I fail at keeping up with this blog lately. It's amazing how busy the end of the school year ended up being (considering grades were due on June 1)- but I guess that was probably because I took on an extra job with TFA.

It's official, though- summer is way more awesome as a teacher than as a student. My students are already calling me because they're bored, and I'm sure not bored yet :) The year ended well for me too- PSSA scores came in, and although we didn't make AYP, half my 8th graders scored advanced or proficient- up from 21% scoring in that range when they were in 7th grade. Not quite what the government cares about for AYP, but exciting for me all the same.

Once school was out, we began Induction for the new TFAers in full force, and I have to say, it's much nicer being on this side of things. They had so many questions, and still seem so naive- it's nice to at least seem like we're the ones who know what we're doing. Plus, the 2009 crew are a pretty good bunch- I think we'll get along with them really well. They began Institute this week, and I hope its going well for them- although I guess they haven't started teaching yet, and that's when it all comes to a head.

It's nice to know that, even though a year ago I was beginning the hardest 5 weeks of my life, this year I'm kicking back and enjoying life. I still have stuff to do this summer- after all, I have to learn 6-8 grade social studies and take my Praxis test to be sure I know it- but I feel way more prepared for next year already, and I'm taking things easy for now. Plus, it's my birthday tomorrow, and I go to Canada in a few weeks, so at the moment, it's summertime, and the livin is very very easy.