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New Member Mary from Chicago
I’m Mary–I’ve taught high school in Chicago for 15 years, the past 10 at Solorio High School, which opened ten years ago. Building a school and a department from the ground up is challenging but its been amazing to watch us make a name for ourselves (well, if you follow high school sports or highly rated neighborhood schools…).
I teach three sections–one AP Statistics and two double Algebra 1 sections which are co-taught (50%, so she is in there the first half of every class and then has to leave). I actually can teach a lot of things (some only according to the state–I am realistically totally unqualified to teach anthropology; they just have low standards) and do not have a math degree. I’ve also worked in three schools but never gotten a job I actually interviewed for. I am not sure what this says about me.
I am the only AP teacher but I have been on the same team of 4 for Algebra 1. We have a great balance, working relationship, and push each other to grow and improve. I have a million ideas. I want to try everything. My team reigns that in and helps us actually *do* good things. I’m proud of how much I’ve shared and pushed us to grow but it 100% would not have happened with me falling down a million rabbit holes. Right now there are things that I think I can get them to try (two of us are pushing for a team focus on the 5 practices, and I think we just determined it’s our PD focus for the year, so that’s a win) but I need to be able to present a more coherent plan. Actually, I just need any degree of coherency to be honest.
I want to try everything, but I sometimes run out of time (yes, in a double period, every day really). So rushing through things, skipping consolidation, moving on when I know I shouldn’t happen even though I don’t mean for it to. I also end up getting frustrated with my kids–some of it is their fault but a) some of it is definitely me trying to plan too much and b) frustration motivates no one, justified or not. I’m excited to be here and explore.
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1 Reply
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Welcome Mary!
We’re proud to have you here as a member. Choosing the 5 practices as a focus is a great step! We did this a few years ago in my department and it was a game changer. Reach out to us with any struggles, concerns, questions as you progress.
