The End of Institute!!!

In case the three exclamation points don't convey the sentiment - I am excited to get out of Atlanta.  It's not that Institute was even all that bad.  The past 5 weeks (has it really been 5 weeks?!  has it only been 5 weeks?!) have been challenging in the best of ways.  I've had to push myself harder in many ways than I ever have before to learn the basics of the art of teaching.

I'll admit, I thought teaching was basically presenting material.  I thought that since I'm comfortable with public speaking that I'd be a decent teacher.  I didn't realize that the presentation of new material is just one small slice of the teaching job.  In many ways it's much more like coaching than public speaking.  I've learned that one of the most important parts of the lesson is letting the kids practice the skills you're trying to teach, and that my role during that time is more about coaching and correcting them along the way.

Tonight was Atlanta Institute closing ceremonies and it turns out that teaching has not only challenged me, but has also turned me into a hot emotional mess.  Seriously, everything makes me want to tear up.

Seeing an auditorium full of fellow teachers/corps members - choked up.  Hearing stories about teachers and students - choked up.  Seeing people I've worked closely with being applauded for their successes this summer - choked up.  Really, anything sets me off right now.  

In all likelihood, my 36 hour stint in LA this weekend is just going to turn into a big tear fest.