MS. -- as in a manuscript, a story: the story
of my hopes (and fears) as a new teacher.
I -- is for the individual attention I fully intend to give you….if
the class size is not too big, or the lessons don’t get crammed together
because of pep rallies, or any of the other million possible obstacles that
might pop up.
S -- is for SHAKESPEARE! I love him. I hope
you will too. I’m sure I can make you see how amazing he is, but what will I do
if you shrewishly hiss at me like Macbeth’s witches?
E -- is for Education. Need I say more? I
got one so that I can give you one. What’s that you say? We don’t need no
education? Really, truly, you do. Believe me (and don’t use Pink Floyd as a
guide to life)!
M -- is for the many moonlit nights spent
marking papers with objectivity. I promise to stay alert, give good feedback,
and not fall asleep….until the next day in class when I fall asleep, chin to
chest, sitting up at my desk while you point, laugh, and cause havoc.
I -- me, my…pronouns: subjective, objective, possessive. I
promise to: not treat you like subjects, be objective in my assessments, and share the knowledge I possess, while making your education
about you…not I.
N -- Never
say Never. No is not an option. No
one knows how amazing you can be except for yourself…..and hopefully me.
G -- Grades. We have to have them. Sometimes, they might not be the greatest, but together, if you want it enough, we can turn
any F to a C or C to an A. I’ll try, if you will.
E --
is for every moment in the classroom that we can learn from: from ourselves,
from each other, from the world around us. Learning can be exciting and
engaging if you let it.
R --
Ready?! Am I ready? Yesterday I thought I was. Today I’m not so sure….but tomorrow
I’m pretty sure I think I’ll be positively ready to teach. Will you be ready
for me?
Hello class,
I’m Ms. Iseminger. It’s so nice to meet you. Let’s get started!
