Day in the Life of a Teacher

Silvia Velazquez, Bridges Middle School Director

8:00am Señora Vanegas calls, “Silvia, solo queria confirmar nuestra cita del IEP esta mañana.” “Si, estare alli.”
- One of my parents calls to confirm an IEP* meeting.

8:30am Arrive at Young Oak Kim Academy Middle School.

9:00–10:30am IEP meeting begins.
- Assisting parents with translation.
- Assuring that the student gets the assistance he needs to do well this year.
- Discussing with teachers his progress in class.
- Developing an academic plan for him.
- Signing him up for additional homework support.

11:30am Phone rings! “Silvia, podrias hablar con mi hija sobre la importancia de ayudar en la casa y ser resposable.”
- A mom calls, she wants me to talk to her daughter about being responsible and helping out at home.
- I let her know I will try my best to speak to her today.
- I listen and she shares with me what’s going on at HOME.
- She apologizes for taking my time and thanks me for listening.

12:35pm Check email.
- A teacher emails me regarding one of my students.
- He has not turned in a project and needs me to work with him during homework time.

1:00pm A parent walks into the office.
- She would like to know if her daughter can be part of the program.
- I let her know that unfortunately we have a waiting list and we are currently not accepting new students.
- She looks disappointed and begins telling me how her daughter is struggling in school and doesn’t know how to help her.  She is failing all her classes and the school is not willing to help her.
- I listen to her story and give her some advice.  I also let her know that I will put her daughter on the waiting list and call her next session.

3:00pm Students arrive.
- “HOLA Silvia, How was school?” I ask. “It was ok, what are we doing today…?”

3:30pm A parents enters the office and says, “Silvia necesito que me ayudes” (Silvia, I need your help).
- Her child is struggling in school and doesn’t want to complete his homework.
- She updates me regarding parent-teacher conferences.
- I let her know I will have a talk with him and to please keep me updated.

4:00pm HOMEWORK TIME begins
- Check agendas.
- Assist students with HW: Math problems, Science questions, History, etc.
- Use the internet to look up history questions.
- After homework is completed, writing assignments are given.

5:30pm Students Transition – Enrichment Classes Time.
- Teach Career and College Club.
- Students are learning the importance of planning their future.

5:35pm Resolve a conflict between two students.

5:40pm A student gets emotional, starts to cry.
- Before stepping out of class, I give my students an assignment.
- Take student into my office to see what’s going on.
- Listen to what the student has to say and calm her down.
-Thanks me and I tell her to stay in the office for the rest of the class.

6:00pm Return to class- CC Cub.
- Discuss College and answer questions.

6:40pm TIME for students to go home.
- Dismiss them while helping one of them with last minute homework. 
- The student has computer HW and he still needs to finish it and print it.

7:15pm Waiting for a parent to show up.
-Student left her house keys and cannot go home.

7:25pm Mom arrives and apologizes for being late.

7:40pm Day ends.

* IEP stands for Individualized Education Program. An IEP claims to be designed to meet the unique educational needs of one child, who may have a disability, as defined by federal regulations.