APSI is taxing my brain...




Day Two of APSI was rigorous. I'm learning a lot of great strategies to help students work with unfamiliar texts in a meaningful and muscular way. I'm learning about the resources available to help students get test-savvy. I'm figuring out what kinds of supports I need to prepare for the students who will be in my class-- helpful hints, "cheat sheets" and the like. 

I'm also finding out that many teachers from many different schools are under the same impression that they are being held to a really high standard, and for some of them, that pressure is making them flat-out difficult humans. Teaching is not easy, and under the current restrictions from communities and the government alike, it's getting even more difficult. That said, there's no reason to be snippy, obnoxious, or self-important. UGH. Not everyone in my class of twelve is prickly, but the few are really wearing on me. I want to learn stuff, not bitch about my situation. I like my situation, to be honest. One woman was convinced --CONVINCED-- that if her students don't all pass the Big Exam, that the College Board was going to recommend her firing. She was assured that this was not the case in any way, but she kept pushing that persecution narrative. How ridiculous. 

And another thing I really dislike is how proprietary most of the AP teachers are about "their scores." First, the kids take the test, not the teacher. And we are guides, we are mentors, we can help and give them practice, but ultimately, if a kid is having an off day or didn't sleep or ate pop rocks on the way to the test, it's on them. They earn it. Be proud of the kids who pass, but lordy-- that's pretty self-involved. Or self-inflicted pain, really. 

At any rate, this crowd is nothing like my poetry family and I miss them. I know that if I get to go to Monson next year, it won't be quite the same crew, but the ethos will be warm, nurturing, and not filled with cranky and combative people. This conference is utilitarian, not fun. It's not filling me up on the personal level. I'm glad I am there so I can get the practical info I will need, but my goodness-- they are making me tired. 

Maybe Day Three will bring a break-through. I'd like to at least make a new friend or two. 

At least the lunch is good.

C

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