Compare and Contrast

I have now been at my new school in Utah for a few weeks and whoa the difference! It has been a nice change to be in a new venue for several reasons. I definitely loved my school in DC and miss certain things about it, but being in Utah has been incredibly refreshing. Here's just a list of some of the major things that have stood out to me as differences in my 2 schools so far…

Class Rosters. I posted the following on Facebook a week ago or so…

DC Class Roster: Diamond, Shaniqua, DeAndre, Tyrone, Monet, Marquis, Ebony, Malik, Deja, Chanté.

Utah Class Roster: Abigail, Emma, Caroline, Jack, Hunter, Caden, Ethan, Bailey, Moroni...and have I said Abigail?

#AWholeNewWorld

Enough said, right?

Teaming: This year I am on a team with 4 other teachers in the English, Math, Science, and Special Ed. We all teach the same kids and we have weekly team meetings to discuss concerns and how we can align our curriculum together. It's definitely more time at school but it forces me to be much more organized and on top of my lesson plans which is good.

Technology: We have some great access to technology. Not only do I have my own laptop and iPad but we have apple TV in the classroom as well. We have an "Ed Tech" in our school that helps us with our technology needs and also teaches us about new apps and features, etc. It's really quite amazing. Now I just need to get on my technology A game.

The Administration: They have been very helpful, humorous, responsible, and organized. They are on their game so teacher buy in is actually there. They expect a lot from us, but I think that's what makes the school run with much more efficiency.

The Bell System: They play dance music during transitions like "Cotton Eyed Joe" and "We Will Rock You" and "Everybody Dance Now." It's fun to dance along in the hallways as kids are coming to class.

Co-Workers: It's not DCPS. I miss the diversity for sure but everyone is super nice. It's weird being a Mormon in a state where the majority is Mormon. Sharing the Gospel is different now. I almost feel like I am defending my faith a bit more as the non-LDS population can be critical of Utah culture. However, I have appreciated their kindness and their differences. I'm glad not everyone is LDS. It's refreshing.

The Students: It has only been a few weeks but these kids are blowing my mind. They are not perfect but they are overall very well-behaved, helpful to other students, and engaged in the learning process. I have been floored. If I ask them to "think-pair-share" they actually do it. If I ask them to take out their planners, they do it and ask questions about upcoming assignments. Students tell me thank you after the lesson, they triple check with me about their homework assignment, they ask if they can help a fellow student, and they all want to answer my really awesome questions. I feel like I get to teach. Classroom management has been a breeze (so far).

This has been such a good change. I know I'm supposed to be here. Cheers for change!