I have been working quite solidly this term as a CRT (Casual Relief Teacher). Most of the work has been at the ‘close to home’, local Secondary College. I’ve only had a couple of days at my old school. It’s really easy to be in my old school whether at the senior or junior campus because I know so many of the students and teachers and I know where everything is. I’m comfortable there and I tend to get classes that are in my area (English/Humanities).
At the new place I’ve been in a great variety of classes. I’ve filled in for Art/PE/Science/Food/Leadlighting teachers as well as a couple of English/Humanities teachers. I’m beginning to get to know a few students and it’s quite interesting to watch them in different subjects. Students who shine in the traditional classroom environment sometimes aren’t so keen to participate in PE or Art, giving those who are boisterous or difficult to get focussed in classrooms the chance to demonstrate their enthusiasm and leadership in PE, or their creativity in art:). It’s a shame sometimes that in Secondary Education, teachers don’t get to see students across a range of subjects.It would help to know better where they are excelling and apply those natural interests and abilities in subjects they aren’t as ‘in to’.
It’s interesting to see the ways the curriculum is delivered in other schools, but it doesn’t seem too different. It’s also hard to fully tell when teachers are probably leaving fairly simple lesson plans (as I used to). Most of it, is work from the text books. I talk to the students about what they are learning in those subjects but this is also limited as they see a relief teacher as a break from the usual routine, so probably don’t tell all.
I am still not seeing the innovative use of technology I was hoping for. I don’t personally have access to a computer at the new school, so I can’t get in and check it all out. I’m seeing the IT people in the morning.
I have a permanent day a week until the end of the year working with a small group of disengaged students off campus. I’m hoping I will be able to use technology to help re-engage them. They all regularly update their facebook pages on thier phones so they have some level of engagement with technology already… now to channel it to learning, rather than negative or at best mundane, socialising.
I’ve been working with them for a couple of weeks and I’m quite optimistic about getting them positive about learning again. Some of them just need a safe space and a new way of thinking about school.
On Monday I was at the shops and one of the new school students greeted me enthusiastically. It won’t be long till I know every kid in town!
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