It's almost the December break! How fast the first four months of school have passed! These days have been exhilarating, challenging, surprising and amazing all wrapped together in a package, haven't they? Here is a thought-provoking article about the "Phases of First-Year Teaching." What resonates for you? What supports have you had? What supports do you need? Consider using this blog to reach out to other colleagues for support and mentoring. We're all in this together!

This is the article:

http://www.newteachercenter.org/blog/phases-first-year-teaching?utm_source=eReflectionsDecember2011&utm_medium=email&utm_content=textlink&utm_campaign=2011giving

The Lesley New Teacher Community wishes all of you the brightest of new years and the most relaxing and restful vacation. Come back rejuvenated!

Looking forward! Circle Saturday, March 24th on the calendar! It's the date for our next Lesley New Teacher Community event. Stay tuned for news about it!

Grandpa Bear's Lullaby

The night is long

But fur is deep.

You will be warm

In winter sleep.

The food is gone

But dreams are sweet

And they will be

Your winter meat.

The cave is dark

But dreams are bright

And they will serve

As winter light.

Sleep, my little cubs, sleep.

Jane Yolen

Seen today hanging outside of a classroom in the hallway of an elementary school:

OCCUPY EDUCATION!

Teach to students and not to tests!

Encourage uniqueness! Encourage greatness!

This has been an amazing Fall----news-wise, weather-wise, work-wise! How is everyone's year going? What kinds of supports are you getting? What help do you need? Have you thought about applying for one of the Lesley University New Teacher Community mini-grants (sorry, just for Lesley alumni)? The application deadline is December 9th!

Check it out at http://lesley.edu/soe/ntc_mini_grant.html

Here are some more teacher resources for you! Enjoy!

NICHCY: (www.nichcy.org)

The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities: A central source of information on: disabilities in children, IDEA (the law authorizing special education), No Child Left Behind (as it relates to children with disabilities), and research-based information on effective educational practices.

Education World: (www.education-world.com)

“The Educator’s Best Friend”: This diverse website features lesson plans, professional development, school administration, technology integration and other school issues.

Education.com (http://www.education.com)

Activities, printables, articles, videos

Please send along some of your favorites, too! Or, tell us what you are looking for and we’ll try to find it for you!

My favorite December poem....

DECEMBER

I heard a bird sing
In the DARK of December
A magical thing
And sweet to remember.

'We are nearer to Spring
Than we were in September,'
I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December.
-----
Oliver Herford
(1863-1935)