Reflections on my yearS at dumont high school

Coming to Dumont after teaching for ten years at another high school was not a difficult transition, but there were some adjustments that I had to overcome. I wore many hats at Lodi High School that allowed me to establish positive relationships with both colleagues and students, and now I would need to start over in a strange place where other teachers had long standing relationships. There were also different procedures for lesson plans, lock-down drills, and prep periods. Luckily, I received a very warm and welcoming acceptance in the Social Studies Department at Dumont HighSchool. Teachers here were ready and willing to help with any questions I had and I quickly got to know my fellow teachers. 
Students are great anywhere. I really enjoyed establishing a rapport and  letting students see who I am as both a teacher and a person. I've always prided myself on my philosophy of letting the students find their inner student and enjoying the struggle and rewards of learning.  
Year Two
​As I finish my second year at Dumont High School, I am thankful to the various groups of students and teachers that have included me in their academic and professional lives.  This year I began working with the Pride Alliance student organization. I think it is important for all students, not just those who feel the need for a support group, to see that an older, ex cop, respects and supports the rights of people who may feel disenfranchised. 
I've also volunteered my time for the Teacher Vs. Teacher Basketball game and took on the responsibility of teaching  three bedside students via google meet.
I think this year's observations show that I welcome suggestions on improving my teaching and work to constantly hone my craft and apply the recommendations of earlier observations. 
At the beginning of this year, I had been cautioned about several students who struggled with behavior issues as freshmen. I was careful to establish a rapport with those students as well as creating fair and firm boundaries for them. I consistently made the students goals a part of their decision process. "How do you want this to play out?" was a quietly asked question that allowed the student some introspection.   Looking back on the year, I think it was important to provide friendly guidance to those students because they have shown personal growth in the classroom.
I continue to enjoy teaching World History-Honors, In my last school, I taught AP History and I enjoyed the higher level of classroom conversations  that That class provided. I'm now enjoying teaching the basic skills needed for these freshmen to succeed at higher level classes. I also enjoy the positive energy that these students bring into the classroom.  In All my classes, at all levels this year, I think my students are learning to enjoy being lifelong learners

Third Year Reflection
I'm happy to have solidified my place in the Dumont High School community. I continue to be a member of the Dumont Pride Alliance, which I think is an important organization that provides  support for student who may feel marginalized.  I also began  my role as Advisor to the Social Studies Honor Society.  This organization provides scholarship opportunities as well as leadership and experience with organizational skills, such as Roberts Rules of Order.  This year I taught Freshmen at both the Honors level and CP, which while an adjustment was an opportunity for me to hone my skills as a learning coach.