Sometimes I feel like I spend a lot of time at school focusing on the NEXT BIG THING. In past years, it has been things like: a show opening, a cool field trip, MCAS, week long vacations, and the end of a term. This year will be different, as I am the ONLY person gearing up for what I have my sights on: March 19th.
March 19th will be my last day of work this school year. I wish it weren't, as I feel like I'm really getting the hang of being a homeroom teacher and teaching ELA. Although it is 6 weeks away I feel like that time will pass quickly!
Of course I am excited for WHY I am leaving. And apprehensive, and scared, and even a bit ambivalent. But aren't we always filled with so many emotions for that which is unknown to us?
So I have this NBT coming up March 19th and there is so much left to do. With the play I need to get the yearbook page ready for Ms. Pick and have a cast party. With ELA we need to finish our essays on Scorpions, do MCAS prep, get into some poetry, and start Word Generation!
On top of all that, I am at a crossroads once again in my career. The Principal is opening another theatre arts position. Which he would like me to take over starting next year. There are so many opportunities that come with the position that it is hard to even think about staying in ELA!
However, I am reticent to go back to theatre arts. First, because I AM enjoying ELA. I enjoy my coworkers, my collaborators, the bonds I've formed with the teachers in my cluster. I also am grateful for the relationships I've formed with my students; relationships that are so much deeper than I formed with my Theatre Arts students. Those are things that I definitely lacked in my previous position as Theatre Arts teacher. Although, I did have a close bond with the PE teacher, Ms. Griffin, I didn't eat lunch with her daily---it wasn't something I simply fell into (so nicely) as I have with my 7th grade team. My major reason for wanting to stay in ELA is so completely selfish, though. I would like another chance to find out if I'm any good at it! This year I spent so much time learning the curriculum, creating my classroom expectations (ELA and TA classrooms run SO differently!), and creating a high level of expectation for my students and making those expectations clear to myself AND to my students. It would be lovely if I could work in ELA for another couple of years at least to learn more about my abilities and capabilities as an ELA teacher.
Theatre Arts does lend itself to the many things I enjoy about teaching, though! Certainly I get to see students in ways their ELA teachers NEVER do!
With all that in mind, I talked to my union rep from the BTU (Caren Carew) this week about my options. My concern is this: what is safest for me in the long run, to remain in ELA or move back to Theatre Arts? Although I am permanent, BPS is still making cuts to permanent teachers, and as the Superintendent's letter to us said last week, SY 2012 isn't looking any better. Therefore, I've been advised by the BTU to stay in ELA, as there are teachers with less seniority in ELA positions than in Theatre Arts. In fact, I am the least permanent teacher in the Performing Arts in Boston.
Never did I think I would have to deal with the pink slip again!
So, it sounds like to have job security ELA is the way.
the way.
the way.
ELA is the way.
hmmmm....
Showing posts with label theatre arts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label theatre arts. Show all posts
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Friday, June 26, 2009
Emily Mathews, Irving Theatre Arts Teacher: R.I.P
I come to you today with a heavy heart.
After performing their last scenes and playing their last theatre game the students are gone.
And I, my room stripped bare, am gone too.
In a small act of hopeful defiance, I left one thing in Room 116, the first classroom I could call my own.
Hanging on the hallway wall, just outside of my classroom, is a room sign, welcoming one and all to Ms. Mathews' Theatre Arts class. With any luck (and lots of shameless plugging on my part) that sign will have a purpose next year.
It's funny, because when I first started at the Irving my room sign did not hold up too well to the students' abuse. Neither did I. I was an inexperienced teacher and had much to learn. By the end of the year that sign had a few choices words on it letting me know exactly what they thought of me. This year, my room sign looks almost like it did in September when I hung it. I'm a 4th year teacher now, and everything has changed. Unlike my room sign, the words of my students linger inside of me, reminding me exactly what I mean to them. It makes me so proud to know the teacher I've become and I feel so lucky for the students I've had that make me a better PERSON.
This is a sad day, and while there's hope on the horizon, I am going to wait a few days before I share the details of that hope. I'm like a movie sequel: just when you think they've killed off the main character, she manages to resurrect herself bigger and better than ever before!
After performing their last scenes and playing their last theatre game the students are gone.
And I, my room stripped bare, am gone too.
In a small act of hopeful defiance, I left one thing in Room 116, the first classroom I could call my own.
Hanging on the hallway wall, just outside of my classroom, is a room sign, welcoming one and all to Ms. Mathews' Theatre Arts class. With any luck (and lots of shameless plugging on my part) that sign will have a purpose next year.
It's funny, because when I first started at the Irving my room sign did not hold up too well to the students' abuse. Neither did I. I was an inexperienced teacher and had much to learn. By the end of the year that sign had a few choices words on it letting me know exactly what they thought of me. This year, my room sign looks almost like it did in September when I hung it. I'm a 4th year teacher now, and everything has changed. Unlike my room sign, the words of my students linger inside of me, reminding me exactly what I mean to them. It makes me so proud to know the teacher I've become and I feel so lucky for the students I've had that make me a better PERSON.
This is a sad day, and while there's hope on the horizon, I am going to wait a few days before I share the details of that hope. I'm like a movie sequel: just when you think they've killed off the main character, she manages to resurrect herself bigger and better than ever before!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Talent Show 101, and sad to go
After our wildly successful Talent Show I am relieved and saddened.
I'm relieved because it's over, and I don't have to stress over it anymore! It was fun and I can't wait to do another one (especially after all I've learned from this year). We had a few technical glitches, and as my husband said, I was definitely spread too thin. Apparently, I can't do everything myself.
First, a few shout outs!
I had such awesome student help: Kareen ran lights, Aliyah ran the curtain, and Geneva just RAN! Before the show, I had Brendan and Mikey setting up lights and Jeru and Hayden moving large objects off the stage.
My teacher help made me look sooooo good! Sharon Rusconi, Terri Dsida and Maureen Magee-Quinn made this all possible. In my thank you card to Maureen I said, thanks for doing all the work and making it look like I was responsible---which is all so true. I feel like I was able to do so much else because I had these 3 awesome ladies' help.
Interesting fact about the 4 of us: only 1 of the 4 of us had a contract guaranteeing employment next year in BPS. Differently said, 3 of us were unemployed as of the opening of the Show! That night, Sharon got home and found a letter in her email inbox congratulating her on her position being reinstated.
That being said, neither Terri nor I have a job for next year. I hope that I will be blogging about that change...and not regretting the title of this blog!
As I said before, the Talent Show went really well. A few things that went well:
1. Performers were AMAZING!
2. Potluck before the show was a hit.
3. Our teacher support really showed me how the Irving can come together.
4. The show's attendance was shocking. There were probably about 200 people in attendance.
5. Our partnership with Making Music Matters allowed us to rent lights and have a sound system. Thanks, Sarah!
6. Did I mention the performers????
A few things that need worked on:
1. Potluck needs to be condensed to a smaller area. Too much space in the cafeteria.
2. Do a sound check/cd check closer to the time of the performance.
3. 2 words: Extra batteries.
4. Leave house lights at half so as to identify students who do not know how to behave as an audience member.
5. DO NOT let a performance go on until the audience is silent.
6. Hold people accountable for their trash as they leave (and don't let them bring in food to begin with!).
As to why I'm saddened, if you keep up with my blog I'm sure you can guess. As I have no job at the Irving next year, these last few weeks are my last. I told one group of 8th graders that I started at the Irving when they started 6th grade, so it seems fitting that I leave when they do. While they may be ready to leave, I know I'm not.
I'm relieved because it's over, and I don't have to stress over it anymore! It was fun and I can't wait to do another one (especially after all I've learned from this year). We had a few technical glitches, and as my husband said, I was definitely spread too thin. Apparently, I can't do everything myself.
First, a few shout outs!
I had such awesome student help: Kareen ran lights, Aliyah ran the curtain, and Geneva just RAN! Before the show, I had Brendan and Mikey setting up lights and Jeru and Hayden moving large objects off the stage.
My teacher help made me look sooooo good! Sharon Rusconi, Terri Dsida and Maureen Magee-Quinn made this all possible. In my thank you card to Maureen I said, thanks for doing all the work and making it look like I was responsible---which is all so true. I feel like I was able to do so much else because I had these 3 awesome ladies' help.
Interesting fact about the 4 of us: only 1 of the 4 of us had a contract guaranteeing employment next year in BPS. Differently said, 3 of us were unemployed as of the opening of the Show! That night, Sharon got home and found a letter in her email inbox congratulating her on her position being reinstated.
That being said, neither Terri nor I have a job for next year. I hope that I will be blogging about that change...and not regretting the title of this blog!
As I said before, the Talent Show went really well. A few things that went well:
1. Performers were AMAZING!
2. Potluck before the show was a hit.
3. Our teacher support really showed me how the Irving can come together.
4. The show's attendance was shocking. There were probably about 200 people in attendance.
5. Our partnership with Making Music Matters allowed us to rent lights and have a sound system. Thanks, Sarah!
6. Did I mention the performers????
A few things that need worked on:
1. Potluck needs to be condensed to a smaller area. Too much space in the cafeteria.
2. Do a sound check/cd check closer to the time of the performance.
3. 2 words: Extra batteries.
4. Leave house lights at half so as to identify students who do not know how to behave as an audience member.
5. DO NOT let a performance go on until the audience is silent.
6. Hold people accountable for their trash as they leave (and don't let them bring in food to begin with!).
As to why I'm saddened, if you keep up with my blog I'm sure you can guess. As I have no job at the Irving next year, these last few weeks are my last. I told one group of 8th graders that I started at the Irving when they started 6th grade, so it seems fitting that I leave when they do. While they may be ready to leave, I know I'm not.
Monday, May 25, 2009
23 days.
23 days left in the school year. It's hard to believe I'll be unemployed in that many days (plus a few weekends, I suppose).
I get frustrated. Really, really frustrated. Because I know I'm a good teacher. And I'm not frustrated because I'm losing my job. I'm frustrated because the students who attend the Irving Middle School are losing a good teacher.
And they deserve a good teacher. Maybe "Gregory Allan" will be a good theatre arts teacher. In fact, I hope he is. I'd hate to see the first-ever theatre arts program at the Irving fail in someone else's hands.
But, I know I've given my students something no one else can give them.
I see it in their faces, when they get excited about a scene we're working on.
I see it in myself, when I can't find words enough to congratulate a group on a great performance.
I see it in my husband and dogs, who think I'm giving too much time to my kids.
I see it in what the school has become since I've been there. Not because of me, but because of teachers like me.
Teachers like me who, are also being laid off. Sharon, Social Studies. Susan, Student Support Services. Terri, 7th grade ELA. Brendan, Creative Writing.
23 days to go. Where does my motivation come from?
Every day. Every day I find it. Middle Schoolers becoming actors.
Sometimes I have very little faith, then...we play a game, do a warm up, they perform an original scene. And my kids help me find that motivation.
23 days left, to be the luckiest teacher in the world.
And then.
It's gone.
I get frustrated. Really, really frustrated. Because I know I'm a good teacher. And I'm not frustrated because I'm losing my job. I'm frustrated because the students who attend the Irving Middle School are losing a good teacher.
And they deserve a good teacher. Maybe "Gregory Allan" will be a good theatre arts teacher. In fact, I hope he is. I'd hate to see the first-ever theatre arts program at the Irving fail in someone else's hands.
But, I know I've given my students something no one else can give them.
I see it in their faces, when they get excited about a scene we're working on.
I see it in myself, when I can't find words enough to congratulate a group on a great performance.
I see it in my husband and dogs, who think I'm giving too much time to my kids.
I see it in what the school has become since I've been there. Not because of me, but because of teachers like me.
Teachers like me who, are also being laid off. Sharon, Social Studies. Susan, Student Support Services. Terri, 7th grade ELA. Brendan, Creative Writing.
23 days to go. Where does my motivation come from?
Every day. Every day I find it. Middle Schoolers becoming actors.
Sometimes I have very little faith, then...we play a game, do a warm up, they perform an original scene. And my kids help me find that motivation.
23 days left, to be the luckiest teacher in the world.
And then.
It's gone.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Talent Show, Part ???
I may be unemployed, but I'm still going to finish the game. Hell, we're already in the 8th inning!
This will be the Irving's first year for a talent show. An incredibly dedicated and cool group of ladies (I think 4 of the 7 are pink slipped for next year---what is BPS thinking!??!) are helping me. Sometimes so much so I think I'M helping THEM. That's ok; it's soccer season and I have enough on my plate.
I am really excited about this Talent Show, and to be a little selfish, especially because we are pulling together a teacher routine.
We held auditions the past 2 weeks, and while we only had about 9 acts show up, I think that will be plenty! In addition to purely student prepared acts we have the Double Dutch Team and one of our teachers directing a little skit.
The plan is to do a potluck before...will it all work? Damnit, if I'm going out, I'm going out IN STYLE!!!
And...if one teacher gets her way, it will be to Low by Flow Rida. Sweet.
This will be the Irving's first year for a talent show. An incredibly dedicated and cool group of ladies (I think 4 of the 7 are pink slipped for next year---what is BPS thinking!??!) are helping me. Sometimes so much so I think I'M helping THEM. That's ok; it's soccer season and I have enough on my plate.
I am really excited about this Talent Show, and to be a little selfish, especially because we are pulling together a teacher routine.
We held auditions the past 2 weeks, and while we only had about 9 acts show up, I think that will be plenty! In addition to purely student prepared acts we have the Double Dutch Team and one of our teachers directing a little skit.
The plan is to do a potluck before...will it all work? Damnit, if I'm going out, I'm going out IN STYLE!!!
And...if one teacher gets her way, it will be to Low by Flow Rida. Sweet.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Part 1: Man oh man!
In a previous blog I described part 1 of my 2 part pantomime unit as "ok."
This week, my students proved me wrong. Man oh man did they EVER! I would like to be able to post a video of some of the scenes. Maybe I'll figure that out some time.
The scenes are not particularly deep, there is no greater understanding of mankind revealed, but their willingness to trust one another, trust their classmates and try something so creative WAS revealed.
And I am thankful to be the teacher who gets to witness the unveiling.
Next week I am starting part 2 and am a little nervous now. How can we improve after doing so damn well?!
The students are getting grouped randomly too, based on a music selection. Which...I don't think they'll be too pleased with, but they need to get used to working in a variety of groupings.
Anyway, I've settled on the following musical selections:
Carmina Burana, Carl Orff
Bleeding Love, The Vitamin Quartet
Rescued! Silent Movie piano piece
Ride of the Valkyries, Wagner
Dawn of the Dead, can't remember the title!
This is Halloween, Marilyn Manson
and maybe...
Around the World, Daft Punk (it would replace one of the above songs)
If you know of any other great songs (preferably without words) that would accommodate story telling, please let me know! I'd love to have a repertoire of songs I can turn to.
This week, my students proved me wrong. Man oh man did they EVER! I would like to be able to post a video of some of the scenes. Maybe I'll figure that out some time.
The scenes are not particularly deep, there is no greater understanding of mankind revealed, but their willingness to trust one another, trust their classmates and try something so creative WAS revealed.
And I am thankful to be the teacher who gets to witness the unveiling.
Next week I am starting part 2 and am a little nervous now. How can we improve after doing so damn well?!
The students are getting grouped randomly too, based on a music selection. Which...I don't think they'll be too pleased with, but they need to get used to working in a variety of groupings.
Anyway, I've settled on the following musical selections:
Carmina Burana, Carl Orff
Bleeding Love, The Vitamin Quartet
Rescued! Silent Movie piano piece
Ride of the Valkyries, Wagner
Dawn of the Dead, can't remember the title!
This is Halloween, Marilyn Manson
and maybe...
Around the World, Daft Punk (it would replace one of the above songs)
If you know of any other great songs (preferably without words) that would accommodate story telling, please let me know! I'd love to have a repertoire of songs I can turn to.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Speeches
Currently, in all Theatre Arts classes we are working on speeches.
The 7th and 8th grades are doing a great job working on their Interview speech, and all students are expected to come in today with their rough draft written.
The 6th grade lost a day yesterday since we performed our play for the 5th grade from the Sumner, but we'll get back on track today with our All About Me Star and write our rough draft today!
The 7th and 8th grades are doing a great job working on their Interview speech, and all students are expected to come in today with their rough draft written.
The 6th grade lost a day yesterday since we performed our play for the 5th grade from the Sumner, but we'll get back on track today with our All About Me Star and write our rough draft today!
First day on the blog
I am happy to have this opportunity to share with the world the Washington Irving Theatre Arts class and its Drama Club.
This is my 3rd year at the Irving, 4th year teaching and first year that I really feel like I have my act together!
I will share what's going on here in the classroom but also exciting things going on in the Drama Club and things middle schoolers can do to stay involved in the arts!
On that note, we have a production going up tomorrow and Friday:
A Simple Task by Alan Haehnel
Times are at 2:30 and 6pm Thurs. and 6pm Friday.
Tickets are $3 students/ $5 adults/ and $20 for a family pack of up to 6 people.
105 Cummins Hwy
Roslindale, MA
After the show is over I'm taking a brief hiatus from after school activities but hope to put on a Talent Show at the end of the year!
The biggest news will be how many of my talented students get into Boston Arts Academy. March 20th the letters will be mailed!
This is my 3rd year at the Irving, 4th year teaching and first year that I really feel like I have my act together!
I will share what's going on here in the classroom but also exciting things going on in the Drama Club and things middle schoolers can do to stay involved in the arts!
On that note, we have a production going up tomorrow and Friday:
A Simple Task by Alan Haehnel
Times are at 2:30 and 6pm Thurs. and 6pm Friday.
Tickets are $3 students/ $5 adults/ and $20 for a family pack of up to 6 people.
105 Cummins Hwy
Roslindale, MA
After the show is over I'm taking a brief hiatus from after school activities but hope to put on a Talent Show at the end of the year!
The biggest news will be how many of my talented students get into Boston Arts Academy. March 20th the letters will be mailed!
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