Drivetime Diaries

How do people change jobs every few years? beyond the usual new school year/new students stress, I am feeling inundated with new things to know and understand about the way my new school works, and I am overwhelmed! Also... paychecks?!

Have you ever gotten the advice to not smile at students? To wait to show that you're nice until they know that you're serious? That's usually not me, and I actually teach less effectively when I'm in that mode. What about you? Let me know what you think! X: ⁠⁠@chuckcbaker⁠⁠ IG: ⁠⁠@drivetimediary⁠⁠ , ⁠⁠@mrcbaker4math

Where is the line between being your authentic self, being invested in your community, and "meddling?" I read from 1 Thessalonians 4:11 in my Bible earlier today - "to seek to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you..."

In my new classroom, I've moved from a district that had very specific curriculum documents and pacing and shared not only common unit assessments, but even formative assessments and HW assignments for Algebra 1. At first, I prickled at it, but I realized after a couple of years that not deciding all of that for myself gave me more capacity to think of my STUDENTS and not only maintain rigor b...

Today was the 1st day of school! I always like to give kids the opportunity to ask WHATEVER they want about me, math class, school, etc., and this question usually comes up. Am I fun?? I dunno - I aim to be!

I try to keep it bottled up, but sometimes I get caught off guard and I make a conversation awkward. Is this natural? How can you avoid these moments?

Hit my first traffic jam this morning - how do y'all do this?! Thinking about the changes I have to make leaving earlier so I can miss the traffic led me to reflect more on the nature of change and innovation.

How do you meet people? How do make friends? How do you get included in a group or include others? Today I reflected on social interactions and inclusivity.

I have a commute now! Time to process! Time to reflect! Today I reflected on leaving the only school district I've ever known professionally and the changes that will involve - what I'm looking forward to and what I'm conflicted about leaving behind.

It's been very clear that my new school is striving to create an environment in which everyone can bring their authentic selves to the learning space, and I love that! Today I reflected on what that's going to mean and look like in my interactions and relationships at school.

Sparked by a lunch conversation with a new colleague, I'm reflecting today on the definitions of "urban" and "suburban" education contexts.