Since I am on the board at Prairie School, I’ll be doing a little bit of work for them over the summer.
I’d really like to do some work at the school with the kids when the school year starts since I will no longer be teaching college. I’ve had lots of ideas of what I’ve wanted to do but never had time for in the past. I wrote those up and am sending the following email to the board president and two of the teachers. I hope it sparks a conversation so that by the time the school year rolls around, I have a plan.
I wanted to share the email on the blog just to show you what I am hoping to do. I’m excited to think about the prospects!
Here’s that email:
G, L and G,
Hey guys, now that I am retired from HCC*, I’m going to have some time on my hands. I’d really like to do some work at Prairie School* this school year. I thought I’d let you know what general ideas I have in mind in case you think any of them would fill a need. I’ll say up front that I am not looking for financial compensation.
Some Possible Ideas:
- Academic Support: I could support G or A’s classes by working individually (or in small groups) with the kids
- Capstone: If we have any 8th graders this year, I could teach Capstone and/or be coordinator
- Compassionate Communication: I could support Prairie School classes by teaching compassionate communication / nonviolent communication skills. I’d like to learn how to help with conflict management or restorative work
- English: Teach kids about reading and writing (composition and literature)
- Assessment: Help teachers meet their teaching goals/help align Prairie School’s learning outcomes to kids’ behavior and/or help teachers see how they are meeting Prairie School’s goals themselves
- Day to Day Tasks: I could possibly help with field trips and/or lunch time
Given that list, I do need to make sure I don’t take on too much. If you know what you could use, please let me know, and I can figure out how much I can do.
Thanks!!!
~ Julie
*Since I have left Heartland Community College, I’m no longer shielding the name. I am still using the pseudonym Prairie School for now.
Flowers are peonies blooming around the neighborhood.
4 COMMENTS
Joan
3 days agoAwesome letter and gorgeous flowers!
Julie
2 days ago AUTHORThank you, Joan!
Margo
2 days agoWhat a great list! The school is lucky to have such a generous and talented member! I love that you are conscious about not taking on too much – I appreciated the advice not to commit to anything until I was six months in to retirement – it gave me a little time to wind down and not just fill myself up to the same crazy pace I had while teaching.
Julie
2 days ago AUTHORYeah, I think it will be a challenge not to commit to too much, but I think it’d be equally difficult to commit to nothing. I like to have some things planned, and I know what it’s like to have the summer unplanned, but I don’t know what it’s like to have the school year be totally unplanned. I am grateful for 3 months of summer freedom!