During June and much of July, I have little desire to teach. However, when August gets here, I am usually rested enough to consider starting a new school year. When I start working in earnest during the last week of Summer (as I have been for the last few days) I become much more energized and much more excited for the new year to start. Mentally, I'm ready to go. I've got a few things to do before I'm actually ready for class, but my mind is feeling good.
Last year, I wrote a post about the start of the school year. Man, last year I was stressed. The Summer had been very busy with things related to an accreditation visit. This year, I am obviously a lot more relaxed. The only thing pressing on me is my teaching load.
In the world of small, liberal arts colleges during economically challenging times, people are asked to do a lot more. Here's my teaching load this semester:
- General Chemistry (5 credits)
- Organic Chemistry and labs (4 credits)
- Advanced Organic Chemistry (3 credits)
- Intermediate Algebra (3 credits)
- General Biochemistry independent study (4 credits)
- Research mentoring (2 students)
8 comments:
Yeeg. Have you always been teaching gen chem, or is this a new development?
Ever since the other guy sucked it up bad enough to get relieved of that duty.
However, I actually love teaching gen chem so it isn't too bad.
...wow. that's a lot of classes!
you win! i will make a point of not complaining about TA duties preventing me from hiding in the lab.
When I was helping out with the gen chem in undergrad, I kind of liked it, too. Not so much at ND, but then again, I'm thinking that St. Joe might be more like the place you're teaching rather than everyone's favorite Catholic whipping post.
Does your mind wonder during the algebra section?
Ok, my class load doesn't look as threatening now. Of course I still have no idea which topics I am teaching come Monday, but I can be flexible.
Here's to hoping the 09-10 school year is one with fun, learning, and growing into better instructors. :-)
Let the classes begin!!
Egad! I will stop complaining about my three preps (gen, org & org lab).
However, I will not stop complaining about the NIH-R15 deadline that is looming...must regain momentum.
The first day of school is always the best. High expectations, new school books (I love the smell), meeting the teacher/professor. It lasts for about a week and then I realize I have no idea how I am going to get all the work done in a 24 hours day.
Happy Back To School. 79 more student days until Christmas :-)
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