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I'm lucky to have my own science classroom. I know a number of fellow science teachers who "float." They have the unfortunate responsibility of dealing with all the other issues science teachers face, only without the benefit of having a classroom to call "home." This blog is the first of a two-part series addressing teaching science as a floater. Here you'll find insight from Daniel Konecky, a former Teach For America corpsmember who had to do just that. He's got some great advice.
"Ahhh yes, the problem of the cart.
First off, I ditched the cart. I had to contend with stairs so I set up mini- offices in each of the six rooms. I dropped off handouts in the morning to each class, and I bought a great folder at Wal-Mart w/ 6subdivisions. Invest in those BIG clips for lots of handouts, and organize your folder and shoulder bag at the beginning of the day.
The folder I bought had 12 divided sections, so I used 2 for each class; one "in" (homework and other collected student work) and one "out" (returned workand handouts for the day's lesson).
Number the class set handouts so you're always sure you get all 35 back. When students turn in work, PAPERCLIP them all together and get them in your folder. Be anal about this because it's way too easy to lose papers.
Once you're a bit more comfortable in class and you're developing a rapport with your students, have a student be in charge of collecting the homework and putting it in alphabetical order. Have them paper clip it, and hand it to you. You put it in the folder. Be a MACHINE!
About tardiness, it's an imperfect science. My rule was if you're not in your seat working on the warm up when I arrive, you're late.
The overhead projector was a must. Get one w/ a roll cart. Then set a timer for 5 whole minutes (trust me, don't skimp) before class ends. So if 2nd period gets out at 11:00, set the timer for 10:55. When the alarm goes off, end your lesson and have a student wheel your overhead projector, with the warm up on top, to the next class. That student is responsible for plugging the machine in, getting it ready (screen) and turning it on so when the bell rings and you're still up in the other room, the over head w/ the warm up is on in your next room and your students have something to do.
Finally, sort out which of the other teachers is the coolest and has the most room, and see if you can have a desk in that room. So you can have all your detentions, parent conferences etc... in one room. Plus that way, the kids will know where to go to find you.
Floating isn't the end of the world. It means you don't get to decorate your room (and there is something really awesome about that, but if you're organized and you have your students working WITH you, then it's no big deal.)
Final summary:
- End class 5 minutes early. Get organized, inspect desks, students pack bags etc...
- Have overhead moved to each class by student. Do-Now is on for students to get busy with.
- Tardy rule: Student is late if they are not in their seat when teacher arrives.
- Have a home. See if a teacher will let you have a desk in their room.
Hope this helps."
Thanks Daniel.
And for those science teachers out there who float, keep fighting the good fight.
Tags: professional development challenges floating cart science classroom
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