I wish I could shake this feeling of inadequacy. I have been off kilter for a while now, and I suspect it's because I have moved from one school to another to another without finding my ground.

I finally spoke to my department head today because I don't feel like my work is sinking in with my students. Sure enough, my DC showed me what she does. Spoon feeding. In order to get her students to pay attention to what is going on in class, they have to write what other students comment on in class and submit that for a grade. Since she is so organized, students feel as though they are learning. Since I simply assume that my students are becoming more enriched through class discussion, I am the fool. The kids who want to talk, do; those who want to listen and participate, do. Now I have a tool to get them all on track.

It's especially unfortunate that I have this issue of insignificance since I had to do a teacher poll for the Fairfax schools. I am an honest person and I may have shot myself in the foot. "Are you an overachiever?" No -- I'm not. Doesn't that sound like I don't really give a hoot? It's not my intention. Jeez. It's hard to look for work. I would really like a job that I could have for a couple years so I can get a handle on things and know what's coming up. Every year I'm in a new school it's like I'm a new teacher. I am tired of being new and learning the ropes.

Well, I just have to plug along.