Welcome back!
A list of reflections from the summer...
Reading some key literature and drafting some reviews, in preparation of the next module. Then writing a mock critical reflection on the theories in Reader 4. Stop! What the hell is that rash all over my skin. The doctor called it an anxiety rash, I'd pushed it too far, with out a break and my body manifested a nightmare. I learn something, I am not a machine and my well being is at stake here. I decide to take the rest of the summer off, I didn't pick up one more book and it felt good to spend time with me again.
Back to work and couldn't feel better, however it's going to be tricky. Like all other freelance/self employed people out there. When it comes to work and it sounds interesting, we become the yes man (or women). Looking back I said yes too many times and now feeling a bit concerned. It's not just the teaching, it's the hours of planning that go into my lessons. Also, I teach little four year olds to training professionals. Each class needing something different and as I walk into class they all sit there, beaming at me and waiting to learn something. Time for study will be tougher this module, but I have a plan. I need to literally book study time into my diary and stick to it.
I got a new job running LAMDA at a private school. They observed my first lesson, this is normal and didn't phas at e me all. And then it came, an honest feed back that was hard hitting and almost too truthful. It was hard to hear, but as I seemed to have developed a more professional, ever learning practitioners voice. I remained positive and applied the feed back as mere notes in a rehearsal. Again something is learnt, private schools - when parents are paying school fees, they tend to behave more like a customer. From here on in, I'm the nicest teacher in the world... Well maybe only when I teach there!
I've been networking and updating my knowledge ready for applying for teacher training. The GTTR website opens it's applications for 2013 starters in October. I've been working on my personal statement and putting my references in place. Also I was disappointed to discover the GTP has been closed down. It has been replaced by the School Direct Programme. I have been observing at Goldsmiths and taking free workshops in schools, all in aim to get accepted onto a course.
Finally, I am your student rep now and look forward to hearing any ideas/questions you have. To mark the notion of a new module I decided to redesign my blog, the darkness of the grey didn't seem to fit my mood anymore. I look forward to a new module full of blogging and inquiry. Next stop the Module hand book and the 4th Reader, Anon, anon, anon...
