Summer is Almost Over

Truth be told, I would love to be a stay-at-home wife. While that may not be in our best interest at the moment financially, I am fortunate enough to have a job that I love.

I started teaching last year after a five year stint of nannying. Teaching has been something I have wanted to do my entire life and I'm blessed to have this opportunity. When talking to most young people who want to teach, it's obvious that there is a favored age group that they want to teach. Usually, this falls into the elementary-age category.

When people ask me what I teach I happily tell them middle and high school English. This is the point where I usually get a groan! But, seriously, I love that age group. It's challenging, but  the great thing is that they are at the age where they can really think for themselves and are so insightful. Can they be a handful? Yes. However, so can any age. It's all about what you're comfortable with and how you relate with your students.

I have just under a month left until we go back to school and I'm already working on some things for my classroom. It's been nice to have the time off, but since I have to work right now, I am so grateful to have this job that allows me to grow and not be complacent. It's a good fit and I'm sure this year will be even better than the last.

One Year Down, Many More to Go...

Today was the last day of my first year of teaching. Phil's mom always reminds me that your first year teaching, you learn more than the kids do...and she is right!

This year brought with it so many positive things. I've learned so much and really can't wait to start planning for next year. Ok, maybe I do need a little break, but you know what I mean.

I went into this year with no professional experience and still came out alive! The students seemed to have learned things and I took away more than I can express. I love where my professional life is heading and am looking forward to seeing what next year brings.

Teaching can be a very difficult job. It's hard to just leave your work at work and not prepare at home for it. It's difficult to know what to say when a parent is upset with you and all you want to do is the right thing. It's difficult when your students don't seem to understand what you have put so much effort into teaching them or when they don't try and live up to their full potential.

Despite the difficulties, teaching is incredibly rewarding. Our staff is so supportive and really cares for each and every student. The parents go out of their way to say thank you when they realize that you have done all you could to help their child. And last, but not least, when you see a student learn something that they never thought that they could is rewarding, in and of itself.

Teaching may not be an easy job, but it is one that I have been called to and love. I will always remember my first year teaching and be able to look back upon it and see all of the lessons that were learned.

Faking

It's hard to believe that tomorrow will complete my first week of teaching. It doesn't feel like this is actually happening, but it is. I am a full-fledged teacher. I stand in the front of the class talking about grammar, vocabulary, and literature. I give assignments, grade papers, and lesson plan. I have a total of 19 students for the three classes and 4 students in the computer lab. Needless to say, I teach.

This past week I have really loved my job. I love getting dressed for work and going in a little early to make sure that I have everything needed for the day. I love going to devotions/staff meetings in the morning. I love having co-workers again and the adult interaction that comes with it. I love coming up with fun ways to make learning exciting and seeing the kids enjoy themselves while knowing that they are still learning. I pretty much love my job.

There's only one thing that's been difficult. I feel like I'm playing pretend. I feel like everyday when I get in front of the class I "fake it" and hope the kids learn something. I know this isn't true, but that's how I feel.

I have proof that what I teach is affecting the students and they are learning what they are being taught. I can tell when the 6th graders understand the vocab words, use it in a sentence, and can act it out...two days later. I can tell when the 7th graders take their first reading/vocab/grammar quiz on the story and they all get an A or B. I can tell when the 10th graders point out the capitalization rules during the game we play and correct each other. This is how I know what I'm doing works.

I wonder when it's all going to feel real. When I'm not going to feel like I'm playing "teacher" and "dress up" and when it's going to sink in that this is my life and that it's ok to have so many blessings and good things happening. My life has turned around dramatically and sometimes it's just hard to take in. I am blessed beyond measure and know that God is with me every step of the way.

Has anyone else ever felt like they were "pretending?"

Tuckered out

I am now officially a teacher! It's been great so far and I've had a lot of fun, but one thing is sure. Teaching is so incredibly tiring. My job no longer stops the second I walk out of the door and into the car. No way! Now, it's going home to grade papers, prepare for tomorrow's lesson, and figure out lesson plans for next week to turn in at the end of this week. I'm super busy lately.

One good thing is that I'm making sure to take out some time just for myself each day. I like to do it before Phil gets home so that I can focus on relaxing instead of wanting to tell him about my day and get things done. I still do not have internet at home and that is becoming more of a difficult thing. I stop by his house every afternoon to make sure and check my email in case parents are trying to get a hold of me. It will be easier when we decide to get me internet (probably not until January) because then I can go home after work and do whatever I need to do there. In the meantime, I have to unload the work at school, load it up to go to Phil's, unload it to get it done, and load it back up to leave. Sometimes I even have to finish it at home and unload/load it up there too and I have a lot of books y'all.

I did manage to make it to the gym today to see my trainer and I'm completely exhausted. I want to work in the gym some way, but I've been so tired when I wake up I have no idea what day it is! I'm hoping I will adjust to the new schedule quickly because I'm beat!

I am very thankful things have gone well for the first couple of days and I hope it continues!

Pre-Teaching Week

Growing up, I've always wanted to be a teacher. I've always been drawn to teaching for some reason so, naturally, when I went to college I pursued a degree in Education.

Up until last week, I've always thought that teachers had it easy. They work 9 months of the year and get the rest off. I mean, sure, there's grading and stuff, but the majority of it was working on bulletins, writing on a chalkboard/whiteboard, and teaching. I thought that teachers were pretty smart and just knew what to teach. No planning required. I'm not sure where I got this crazy idea from, but it was there.

This past week has been a wealth of information. I have been going through three different sets of curriculum for three different classes. I've been lesson planning and trying to figure out what the right amount of homework is and what are reasonable expectations for each grade level. To be frank, it's been a lot of work.

I've been doing well with the planning process mainly because Phil's mom is a retired teacher and volunteers at the school that I am teaching at. I have been working hard this week to have everything ready to go and it is finally all together. The Parent Orientation is tomorrow and they get to come meet me and see the curriculum we are using for the year. I am both excited and nervous to meet everyone, but know it will be fine.

The students start school on Monday and it will be interesting to see how I do in the classroom. I have a great support group that assures me that it will be tough the first quarter, but after that I'll have a better feel for what does and doesn't work for me and my students.

I am definitely looking forward to the challenge. I am teaching Middle School and High School English at a small, private school and am blessed to have a small class size. It will be a great learning experience and I can't wait to have it all figured out, in time. This is what I've wanted for so long and I'm going give it 100%.

The Plan

In order for me to pursue teaching, I am going to have to go back to school. This involves a lot of extensive research on the different schools in the area and what programs they offer. It seems to be that I will need to get a Master's In Arts and Teaching (MAT) which will give me all of the classes and student internship to get me my certification.

It's going to be difficult to choose which program I want to pursue because there are some really good ones out there. I figure that maybe losing my job will give me more time to go to school. I'm still worried about how my bills are going to be paid, but I know that God is in control and He will work something out.

I guess right now I just need to focus on praying, trusting God, and listening to His guidance in what direction to go in. I'm definitely excited, nervous, and a little whelmed (but not overwhelmed). This new adventure will definitely be worth it!