Summer School

This summer was quite the change of pace compared to last. From CTY to summer school, east coast to west; and, perhaps the biggest change, from one form of supplemental education to another.

Last summer, I worked with two small groups of bright students at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania for the Center for Talented Youth. I learned much about human potential and the unique challenges presented in gifted education; and, since I enjoyed the program as much as I did, I strongly considered returning as an assistant dean.

Late last spring, however, my plans took on a new form. On May 2nd, my girlfriend and I got engaged. We decided to start a new life together in Athens, Georgia, where she will begin a doctoral program in Education at the University of Georgia this fall. We weren't thrilled about spending another summer apart (Idaho is so wonderful in the summer, as well!), so I began to seek local teaching opportunities before our big cross-country move. 

Which takes us to this summer, the most rewarding teaching experience I've had as a young teacher. Much like my previous night school experience, I taught American Literature for the Meridian Summer School program in Meridian, Idaho. What a mixed bunch of students! In each of my three classes, I had:

• Students that were trying to graduate early
• Students on an AP track
• Students that regularly left class to attend court dates
• Students from low-mid-and high income levels
• Students of various ethnicities and regions of the world, from Palau to Mexico (I know, in Idaho! Much needed diversity)
• Students "paying" for mistakes they made in previous scholastic years
• And many students that had failed the course the previous year

If ever there were a classroom more ripe for a teacher looking to practice differentiated learing, I've never seen it.

All summer long we tackled more material than I've ever previously covered. From The Crucible to A Raisin in the Sun, my two classes (I taught two periods of English A) took on the entire spectrum of American literature in theme and skipped along the literary timeline from Cabeza de Vaca to Joyce Carol Oats. We hit a few bumps on the way -- post-modern short stories a la "The Lottery" bothered some students and pre-17th century written English confused others -- but over all, the students did well and often enjoyed the lessons.

Check back soon for updates!