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I know I know, I haven;t written. Hmmmmm...what to say? I started student teaching. I have a third grade class that has been dubbed by some teachers "the class from heck." The students I do not mind but I have never experienced such a strong personality clash before as I do with my companion teacher. It wouldn't matter so much except that this is her classroom and territory. I can't change the things that need to be changed in order for this classroom to work properly with me. It is a slow mental torture that is very difficult to describe. Are there just some people you do not work well with no matter how you try? Not because you don't like them, but because there is such a difference in EVERYTHING else?

Next week, I will have taken over the class completely. I am not prepared or ready. I have learned very little partially due to the fact I can't sit there and observe constant conversations that I feel have very little point. Uhhhgg, however since my schedule did not match the teacher's I have yet to work out the timing of small groups, when to make my copies, where to find all of the information I need, what is actually required and not added "fluff" and so many other little details. I refuse to work on weekends (that is when she does all these things) and after school when I should be learning this stuff, she is doing other things (mostly catching up with friends) Uhhhggg again. Next week I will be halfway done. I don't want to change classrooms but.... I really don't have words. I tried talking it out with her but it really did not go well. Lord get me through the next 8 weeks and I know I will be able to survive just about any class I am given. On a positive note, the students respond really well with me and my lessons.

By the way, Joe and I get to go on a much belated vacation (7 years) together next weekend and I CAN'T WAIT!