I wish I could pants-pop.

I hope that in one year I can provide as many helpful hints and wisdom as the second-years have provided for me... they have been a huge part of why this month has run so smoothly and with as many laughs and successes as it has.  So, while I am a little sad the 'old and wise' will be leaving for the month of July, I am extremely appreciative of all they have done for us, and all they will continue to do for the first-years/me (like... if I have to call my mentor up during the month of July to do some brainstorming... I know he'll be more than thrilled to talk cell biology with me...).  

Some of the best/most memorable advice I have received:

- Get organized EARLY.  Know your procedures, rules, filing system and first week of lesson plans before the first week of school.  (I have received this advice, and put it on my To-Do list... but have not gotten further than that yet... am I doing a good job following those words of wisdom? It's still June, gimme a break...)

- Be an "alpha male" in front of the classroom... turn that smile into a snarl and make the kids shake in their Air Jordan sneakers when they see you walk down the hall... or at least remind them of who is boss occasionally...(= classroom management.)

- Make sure your lessons fit your personality and teaching style.  As much as I would LOVE to be able to do the infamous PANTS POP (possibly moving down into a football squat immediately after), it does not work with my character (nor my pants...).  Watching other teachers has been beneficial in that it can start the gears turning on new ideas for how material can be presented, or ways of dealing with specific classroom management issues, but those new ideas and management strategies have to be modified to fit MY personality. The students can tell if you are fake.  The students would be able to tell that the PANTS POP is not my signature move...

- Utilize the different forms of technology available.  If an overhead projector is available, don't spend half the class period writing notes up on the whiteboard...I am terrible with technology, but have been working on it...

HUGE THANK YOU to all the second-years, third-years and other mentors for their patience and their wisdom this past month.  Thank you to the Biology I mentors who a) are full of great advice and judging eyes  b) have used those judging eyes to help me improve myself/my teaching and c) make the classroom fun for the students and the teachers.