Year Two

I'd say the attitude towards the faculty and staff at my school has definitely changed in year two.  First, teachers are now approaching me for advice.  It seems as if they respect my opinion, and some actively seek me out or are willing to listen when I have something to say, whether it's a complaint or a suggestion.  I was told by a veteran teacher the other day that my former students who now go to her for ACT Prep praised my ability to break things down on a level that they can comprehend.  They ask me how students we share are doing in my class and what I do to get them to act a certain way or perform a certain task.  There's a definitely a new level of respect.  Secondly, my administration trusts me a lot more.  I think first, I'm not having nearly as many discipline problems, so when I do come to them for help or advice, they're much more willing to offer advice because they probably have faith that I'm actually competent enough to put it into effect (whereas last year, I wasn't necessarily).  My administration is also off my ass.  I can't count the number of times I had an administrator in my room last year to watch me.  Some of it was scheduled; most of it wasn't.  This year, I think I've had one asst. principal in once for an informal evaluation and the head principal once when he thought we were getting too loud.  (Subsequently, he saw some students were acting out a skit, smiled and said "Oh, okay" and then walked out and closed the door.)  There's also definitely some disadvantages to being a 2nd year teacher.  I've been hit up for all kinds of organizations and functions: Prom Committee, soccer coach, Mr. and Mrs. High School, MCTE presenter, and concession stand worker.  Fortunately, I can usually use the MTC Saturday class excuse to get me out of it, but sometimes I have to just say no.  Overall, the respect I receive is greater -- and some of it is actually deserved.