The Introverted Educator

A senior emailed me this summer inquiring about the IL Equality Club and if this club was going to continue into the 2020-2021 school year. I am the teacher-advisor of the IL Equality Club, and I was NOT enthused about spending my free time in the 2020-2021 school year advising. Why? I cannot put my finger on exactly why other than a slight feeling of burn-out, and the realization that the club was not living up to its potential. I have always envisioned a club that runs itself. My role would be proud bystander, present to bounce ideas off of and support when needed. In recent years, the club had dwindled to a few students that liked to get together for fun, but their attendance was inconsistent. I found myself waiting, waiting for students to show up, calling meetings that no one came to. Yes, so I was feeling a little burned out and didn't want to sit around and wait. A Change in Delivery.  Then 2020 happens, and we are staring at screens. The senior patiently waited, and when th...

We have been hearing from the news media that this winter is going to be a dark one. Every source known suggested staying home for Thanksgiving. Even the Center for Disease Control urged Americans to avoid traveling in order to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus. Well, of course, we had those "Don't Tread on Me" American Patriots refuse to listen and drive their vacationy hineys down to the sunshine state. One of those American Patriots was me, Hell Yeah, 'Merica! COVID hits ILHS.  Since returning from Florida I have tested negative for COVID-19, but I had coworkers that were not as fortunate. A teacher began displaying symptoms, and confirmation of the illness came after 3 days in the classroom, with students. Not only had they spent 90 minutes a day with small classes, but they also shared space with other teachers. Here is where the real pickle starts. After a confirmed positive COVID diagnosis, now the teachers had to be tested and quarantined. Within 3 days, ou...

I took some time off from entering into my blog for a few reasons. The biggest reason was the presidential election and its subsequent fallout. I am ever so grateful that I am not teaching American government and politics or any sort of American history/civics classes this year. Really, that's all I have to say about that. Well, except one more thing. I am very happy that I do not have to censor my teaching. That is all.  We Made It!  I have titled this entry "We Made It" because we arrived at Thanksgiving break without any major glitches. Indian Land High School has progressed through nearly three grading periods without any major or significant pitfalls. Yes, there have been some students that have tested positive for coronavirus. There have also been some teachers. However, so far, we are still four days a week, maintaining the smaller class sizes. I think this is noteworthy, considering we thought we would be home by mid-September.  Setbacks.  Our district, on th...