My experience teaching

I just finished teaching the first 2 and a half day class that I have ever taught. For anyone who has ever taught, then you know how difficult teaching for that long can be. I hear it gets easier as you teach more, but going into that first day, I had no idea how much material I would need to teach for 6 or 7 hours. The first day was a new subject, that I just wrote, The History of Building from Earliest Recorded History to Present and Consumer Motivation in this Green Economy. Wow! Well, I made it through the first day, but I struggled towards the end and was forced to "leak" some of the pictures and info for day 2. After the first day of class, I went to the Instructor only dinner to rub elbows with everyone. I was nervous, because, once again, I was the "Green Horn" in something and dinners like this can go several ways. I am happy to say, that everyone was very nice and welcomed me into their rhelm. I asked for advice for day 2 and they all gave me some great suggestions. After thanking everyone for their input, I raced backed to my computer to adjust my approach and content for day 2.

Day 2 was "Green Building". I was prepared for this day! It appeared that the class members had never seen what was on my pictures and videos and everyone sat forward in their seats and said "wow" off and on throughout the day. Day 2 was a great day and put a smile on my face as I finally got to see people's reactions in person to the work I have completed. I had a meeting in Grand Rapids after the class that lasted into the evening. I got back to my computer to revamp day 3 and had an even greater respect for those who teach as their profession!

Day 3 was a breeze. For those that have taught, you know that by day 3 things are much more relaxed. We had great conversations and lots of questions. Handing out their certificates was a great experience and at the end of the class, everyone seemed satisfied with the class.

On the class evaluation sheets, there are a few comments that I will use to improve my approach. Yes, I need work and practice at teaching, but this is something I really enjoy doing and have wanted to do for many years. I will improve in areas that need improving and polish areas that need polishing. I was asked to teach again for them and I am happy to say that my teaching schedule is filling up in 2011.

2010 has been a great year of learning and realizing my dreams. I can only imagine what the future holds. No one brought me an apple in class thou....