My Classroom

Since it is possible I will be moving to a different school next year, I thought I'd post some pictures of my classroom this year.

This is the view from the door when you first walk in toward the "front" of the class. The desks are on both side of the room facing each other.

This is the "back" of the class but I created my own large screen to project on, so the kids face this way often.

My projector cart in the middle of the room has wheels so it can be easily turned to to either project on the big wall when I use the Elmo or facing the SmartBoard when I use it. 

This is where I post Bellwork for the students to complete when they come into class. Next to it I have the agenda, standards and any other info they may need to know, like the next test or when something is due posted. 

Here is the calendar of assignments. When students are absent they look at the date and find any the notes and assignment they missed. The previous days notes and assignment are on in the folders on the wall while all others are put into filing boxes for them to retrieve, this is also where students find extra copies if they lose theirs. 

                                     

Here's a board of my class rules, school rules and graduation requirements. (Rules poster still has my maiden name)

These posters are all required for us to post, such as laws, policies, evacuation plan and the bell schedule. I also post any school flyers on the white board so it's like my news area. 

 

 

Some math posters from BYU and another white board used when students are in groups.

 

 

 

Here are the 8 Mathematical Practice standards in nice little 8.5x11 posters that can be found here.

 

 

 

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Just some general math posters I got at Lakeshore Learning.

 

  

 

 

A teacher made this poster for every classroom...not that the students listen to it.

 

 

This is the student supply area. I keep the pencils on my desk though so I can keep an eye on them. It's amazing how quickly they disappear.

 

 

These are some pictures of my desk. I try to keep it clear or else things get lost. And the super cute name plaque my dad made me on his plasma cutter.

 

 

Behind my desk I keep binders with all my lessons for the classes I am teaching. Students turn in late or missing work to the tray on top of the filing cabinet. The rolley cart holds papers to be passed back(I tend to hoard them and when I hand them back it takes a half hour oops) I keep pictures on my wall and any notes or appreciation letters my students give me.

 

 

 

 

Papers with no names get pinned here.

 

 

 

100% tests and quizzes get posted here.

 

 

 

My husband got me the cutest paper weight for Christmas with an equation that solves to say i <3 u.

Lastely these are my favorite dry erase markers. They write smooth, erase nicely and are refillable!

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for looking at all my classroom pics!(I know there was a lot)

 

 

Christmas Time

Tonight was our math department Christmas party! I'm so lucky to work with such awesome people...I really think they are the reason my first year went so smooth. We all eat together at lunch and celebrate holidays like family. They're pretty much the best!

I made my secret Santa the cutest gift ever and I am proud to say it was a hit. Unfortunately I can't take all the credit because I saw it on Pinterest. Haha.

I'm so excited to to have three weeks off from the kids and have a chance to sleep in. I hope everyone has a merry Christmas and happy new year.

AP Statistics

Friday morning I got a surprise visit from our math coach. His presence made me a little nervous since the kids were just working on a review and I was using the class time to grade tests. The reason for the visit turned out to be a bigger surprise than the visit itself.

I had heard a rumor that administration was planning on adding an AP Statistics to the schedule next year and he came to inform me that they were interested in having me teach it! What? This is only my second year teaching ever and they want me to teach an AP class?!

The coach told me that the VP would talk to me about it when she came in for my observation later and I became instantly anxious for her visit. Some of the details were that I would get a chance to promote the class to get students interested, research a textbook and get trained over the summer! All which sound great to me. But then he said it could possibly get even better...they are hoping to get an online textbook and get the whole class iPads to use!

Honestly I thinks they chose me because many of the teachers wouldn't be willing to put in the work to get it going and do the extra work. I just happy that it means they have to hire me back next year since teachers get pink slipped ever year. I'd rather have a job and work hard than not have a job at all.

Being new to the teaching profession means I'm still working on my teaching practice. I've been researching AP Stat teacher's websites so I can get an idea of how I should run the class. My plan is to do prep work over the summer and hopefully only have one other class I've already taught to prepare for.

Doing some research is making me really excited. I know it won't be until next year and they have to work out some kinks but I'm crossing my fingers that it all works out. I'm honored that administration thought of me even if I wasn't first choice or if it is because no one else wanted the class...it will be their loss and my gain!

Raven Football

Varsity football players got to choose a teacher to wear their away jersey to the game on Friday night. One of my sweet Algebra II students asked me to wear his! It was the Homecoming game (late I know), one of my other students was crowned Homecoming King and we won the game!! It was a good Friday night :-)