Update before vacation

Hey Everyone,

Haven't posted for about a week. In that time, we have slowed down our data collection. Due to the fact that Mr. Bayer is responsible for four classes of AP students, we have to make sure that our data collection doesn't interfere with their usual instruction. So we are doing some ordinary teaching work for the time being. But that has not put my project on hold. This is the part where I get the chance to observe first hand what being is a teacher is about, without forcing it into a scientific model. And don't worry, we already have plans to start up with some lessons and quizzes a week from this Monday when we all return from Spring Break.

Being a teacher is a lot of hard work. Maybe I should say that being a good teacher is a lot of work. In my time with Mr. Bayer, I have seen the time, energy, and emotional commitment it takes to be a really great instructor. While some of my jobs do include running down to Subway to pick up food for myself and Mr. Bayer, the real work still happens on his end. Being a teacher is a full time commitment that requires work around the clock. My own experience with grading has shown me that teachers often have to use their evenings at home to grade work, especially things like essays which take huge amounts of time.

In teaching, there is not only a work component, there is also an emotional component. I can see the effort that Mr. Bayer puts forth in order to give the students the best possible education/preparation for the AP exam this May. When a student doesn't understand the process, Bayer takes time to explain it to them until they understand. I have come to see that this is the sign of a good educator, someone who takes a personal interest in the student's success. Even when the students don't seem to care, Mr. Bayer keeps giving his best effort to show them what they need. Even when they don't deserve to be taught, which I have seen often, he still does it.

The data collection in this project is fascinating, but the thing I love about my SRP is experiencing being a teacher. What makes it even better is that I have one of the best ones around to show me what a truly devoted teacher does.

I will prepare some materials over break for research, but not much will be going on. So till next time!