So this year I have actually been keeping busy. I just finished working nine days straight (in the sub world that is crazy busy.) I even had a young man comment that I am practically at his school everyday. He ended that conversation by saying "hope you enjoy being here like ALL the time!" Well Mr. Man I do enjoy it.
Getting to sub this much is so great. I get to see a lot of teachers that I really enjoy talking with (because they are amazing!) I get to work with kids who make me have lots of hope for the future (because they are amazing as well!) Also subbing this much gets my teacher ju-ju flowing. (That is not as gross as it sounds.)
By teacher ju-ju, I mean I have been reflecting and learning so much this year. Going all over, helps me to see things from a different point of view. I get to interact with people I don't normally interact with. I also get to ponder problems that I normally don't face. Going to new schools and classrooms allows me to see the many different ways that education issues can be handled. It really is fascinating to see!
Even though working all over this much can be difficult (for example when I forget where I am and have to ask a student for directions back to my own classroom [embarrassing]), I am so grateful for the fantastic experience.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
roller coaster
I have not blogged in quite some time because I have been on this crazy roller coaster ride. There have been downer days where I have just wanted to bawl my eyes out. (Like when a parent called to try to get me fired. Never met this person in my life and they set out to ruin my career. Reason for this: because their kid wouldn't stop talking so it took us too long to pass out papers and we were late leaving. Makes sense to anyone? Cuz I'm lost.) There have been upper days when I leave the job feeling like a super star. (Like when a writing guru tells you that you are a really amazing sub and she is going to recommend you to everyone she works with.) Usually these days have a tendency to alternate as well. Sometimes I am sure my husband believes he has married a crazy person. My days are just as unpredictable as a roller coaster. I never know where I am going to be from day to day. I could do art one day, kindergarten the next and sixth grade after that. These classes are not in the same school let alone the same town!
This crazy ride has left me feeling so tired lately.
So why do I do it? What am I gaining? I know that I will feel this way as a full time teacher. From everything I have read and everyone I've talked to, I have learned that I am not alone. It is good to know that. It is also good to know that even though I find being a sub very challenging, I still want to be the very best that I can be. I am still growing and I will never stop learning. I still take time to reflect and read professional literature. I am still working on myself and I still love what I'm doing. That's what I take away from this ride. No matter how crazy it gets, I still love teaching. I still want to teach.
This crazy ride has left me feeling so tired lately.
So why do I do it? What am I gaining? I know that I will feel this way as a full time teacher. From everything I have read and everyone I've talked to, I have learned that I am not alone. It is good to know that. It is also good to know that even though I find being a sub very challenging, I still want to be the very best that I can be. I am still growing and I will never stop learning. I still take time to reflect and read professional literature. I am still working on myself and I still love what I'm doing. That's what I take away from this ride. No matter how crazy it gets, I still love teaching. I still want to teach.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Swear I am mental
Some days I just feel like I'm a mental patient. Perfectly fine this morning and then suddenly sullen and grumpy. Ok. Maybe I know why I'm in a foul mood. I have been getting stir crazy. Not just "I've been alone for too long" crazy but "I feel like I'm loosing myself" crazy.
First off, I managed to land an interview and I bombed it. See previous post for details. They sent me a written rejection letter.
This summer I was offered a summer school teaching position. The experience helped me to realize that I really want my special education certification. So I began my search for a certification program. University of Wyoming offers an amazing program that actually counts towards a masters program if I want to earn my masters. Then I found out that I have to wait till next year to join this program. I also do not know how I will pay for this program.
For some reason this news has put me in a bad mood. Afraid that I might not get to continue with my education. Terrified that I have a degree that I will not use. Saddened by the fact that I might not get to follow my life's passion. Confused as to what others are doing right and what I'm doing wrong.
Maybe I'm not good enough. Maybe I'll never be anything more than a sub. These are the thoughts that are always in my head. I need to learn to move past the negative thoughts and trust myself. Believe that I WILL be a full time teacher some day. I will be a teacher.
First off, I managed to land an interview and I bombed it. See previous post for details. They sent me a written rejection letter.
This summer I was offered a summer school teaching position. The experience helped me to realize that I really want my special education certification. So I began my search for a certification program. University of Wyoming offers an amazing program that actually counts towards a masters program if I want to earn my masters. Then I found out that I have to wait till next year to join this program. I also do not know how I will pay for this program.
For some reason this news has put me in a bad mood. Afraid that I might not get to continue with my education. Terrified that I have a degree that I will not use. Saddened by the fact that I might not get to follow my life's passion. Confused as to what others are doing right and what I'm doing wrong.
Maybe I'm not good enough. Maybe I'll never be anything more than a sub. These are the thoughts that are always in my head. I need to learn to move past the negative thoughts and trust myself. Believe that I WILL be a full time teacher some day. I will be a teacher.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
The waiting game. Again.
Sigh. Ever have one of those days where you know it's going to be very long? That was today for me. I awoke at four in the morning. My nerves would not let me go back to sleep. SO I began my day. Once I arrived at the school and settled down, we began to serve breakfast. Super Co-worker was making her pancakes while Mr. Know-it-all and the other sub were talking.
Me: Hey, can you two fill up the juices?
Mr. Know-it-all (as other sub follows directions): I was actually planning on waiting for when the students all arrived. (Um... they arrive all at once since they are on a bus, sir brilliance.)
I responded with my usually response to open defiance, a teacher glare. At this point Mr. Know-it-all walks into the kitchen.
While serving breakfast I noticed one of my students was in the middle of an altercation with another student. Not good my friends. This young man really struggles socially and emotionally. I knew right then and there that we were heading for turbulent waters.
I felt like jumping over board today. My student refused to do anything. All day long it was just a fight with this student. The worst was when I had people come into my classroom. First the Councilor came to talk to my class. I was surprised to see him because our school was still finishing up testing. I simply figured he was not going to come so we could finish up our state testing. Nope. He showed up while my students were finishing their tests and while my student was "cooling off" we'll call it. I tell this student that he can cool off if he needs too but that his work will be finished today. Meaning if he choses not to do it in the time I give him then he will be doing it at recess. My hope is for him to self monitor and make wise choices. When my student finally had calmed himself and he was actually working on his paper, the councilor decided he needed to talk to my student. (WHY!!!???) At first my student said he did not want to go and that he wanted to finish the paper. I decided that if the councilor need my student that I would let him go. So I informed my student that he could go with the councilor and then go to recess. That suddenly changed everything!
After recess my student was much more agreeable. We played Multiplication bingo and we were getting along just fine. Some one from District came into my room while we played. District decided that she had a problem with my student using a silly voice. (I know that she had no idea but Why!??!!) She did not notice the warning signs after she had done so. Shortly after she left. When it was time to clear the bingo cards, my student lost it because he didn't win a sticker. So I tried some of the advice the councilor gave me. He told me to give my student a time limit on his emotions. That went so well. (can you hear the sarcasm?) Finally I just let him have his emotions and if he didn't win a sticker that was his responsibility. He made the choice to join in.
On top of my student having a rough day, I had an interview. I really would be surprised if they hired me. I have subbed in this building before and I have not gotten the "we like you" vibes. Only one of them admitted to remembering me. (ouch my pride.) I also know that the teacher that is leaving is amazing and would be hard to replace. Also their questions threw me through loops. They were defiantly different. I had to ask several times for clarification. Which I feel they didn't like. So I would be surprised if I got this position. Oh well!
Time to unwind. Fare the well dear followers!
Me: Hey, can you two fill up the juices?
Mr. Know-it-all (as other sub follows directions): I was actually planning on waiting for when the students all arrived. (Um... they arrive all at once since they are on a bus, sir brilliance.)
I responded with my usually response to open defiance, a teacher glare. At this point Mr. Know-it-all walks into the kitchen.
While serving breakfast I noticed one of my students was in the middle of an altercation with another student. Not good my friends. This young man really struggles socially and emotionally. I knew right then and there that we were heading for turbulent waters.
I felt like jumping over board today. My student refused to do anything. All day long it was just a fight with this student. The worst was when I had people come into my classroom. First the Councilor came to talk to my class. I was surprised to see him because our school was still finishing up testing. I simply figured he was not going to come so we could finish up our state testing. Nope. He showed up while my students were finishing their tests and while my student was "cooling off" we'll call it. I tell this student that he can cool off if he needs too but that his work will be finished today. Meaning if he choses not to do it in the time I give him then he will be doing it at recess. My hope is for him to self monitor and make wise choices. When my student finally had calmed himself and he was actually working on his paper, the councilor decided he needed to talk to my student. (WHY!!!???) At first my student said he did not want to go and that he wanted to finish the paper. I decided that if the councilor need my student that I would let him go. So I informed my student that he could go with the councilor and then go to recess. That suddenly changed everything!
After recess my student was much more agreeable. We played Multiplication bingo and we were getting along just fine. Some one from District came into my room while we played. District decided that she had a problem with my student using a silly voice. (I know that she had no idea but Why!??!!) She did not notice the warning signs after she had done so. Shortly after she left. When it was time to clear the bingo cards, my student lost it because he didn't win a sticker. So I tried some of the advice the councilor gave me. He told me to give my student a time limit on his emotions. That went so well. (can you hear the sarcasm?) Finally I just let him have his emotions and if he didn't win a sticker that was his responsibility. He made the choice to join in.
On top of my student having a rough day, I had an interview. I really would be surprised if they hired me. I have subbed in this building before and I have not gotten the "we like you" vibes. Only one of them admitted to remembering me. (ouch my pride.) I also know that the teacher that is leaving is amazing and would be hard to replace. Also their questions threw me through loops. They were defiantly different. I had to ask several times for clarification. Which I feel they didn't like. So I would be surprised if I got this position. Oh well!
Time to unwind. Fare the well dear followers!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Another interview
So my stress level should be really high right now. My post assessment of my students did not go so hot. My fault for testing them on a Monday. My students actually lost knowledge (YIKES!) When I handed back the tests and explained that we would go over it and try to raise our scores, most of my students were positive. So we went over our test and it feels like some light bulbs went off today so I'm going to keep my fingers crossed for tomorrow. To top it all off my students have been doing standardized testing. It has not gone well. Our students are not getting the accommodations they need because the test have to be finished by tomorrow. Did I mention that we have two teachers gone to a conference right now? Thankfully the district has sent someone to help us with our testing (since I am not trained for this.)
Another reason for my stress level is a certain sub. We will call him Mr. Know-it-all. He is very interesting. I first learned of Mr. Know-it-all from district 1. He is not allowed in district 1 because he managed to insult a teacher while observing her. As the gossip goes, Mr. Know-it-all asked this teacher an absurd amount of questions while she was teaching. Let's picture this. This teacher is trying to keep a room full of 1st graders' attention on their lesson but is being interrupted by Mr. Know-it-all. Now this teacher was going to let it slide but then Mr. Know-it-all went into the next classroom and began to tell that teacher how he would fix the first teacher's lesson. The second teacher is friends with the first teacher. Needless to say, an e-mail was sent out district wide explaining why he would not be allowed in any classrooms in that school. Ok. Mr. Know-it-all has learned his lesson right? Nope. Just found out that he somehow upset the school in which he was a student teacher (in district 2). I know this because a copy of his apology letter was sent to every one in the district. It's called watch your Ps and Qs!
Now we have Mr. Know-it-all as a sub. Every time I see this man, he asks the same question. "How's the job search going?" Makes sense to ask me that. I am looking for a job. (Hence the blog.) What I find annoying is how he always tells me about the "principals just begging" him to work for them but they are all out of this area. He is choosing to stay with his family. I then get the treat of hearing about what he thinks is unfair or how he "really handled" this tough kid. Conversations with him are so fun. (Insert eye roll.)
Today was very interesting because we had a reporter show up. As she was asking us questions, Mr. Know-it-all felt like he had been there long enough to answer said questions. For example:
Reporter: How do you decide the classroom schedule? Is it decided by the school or by the teacher?
Mr. Know-it-all: We do what we want. As teachers we know what's best.
(Insert my horrified face.)
Super Co-worker to the rescue: Um... We base our schedule on their needs. For example some teachers with younger students do their math in the morning with calender.
Next reason for my stress level to be high, I have a job interview. I had a teacher put in a good word for me with a school for a fifth grade position. I've spent tonight preparing for this interview. I'm sure I'm not ready. I haven't even practiced interview questions. So I should really be stressed, right?
I am not. Weird. Maybe I am just too tired. But I will let all of you know how the interview goes and if I am carted off to the loony bin because of Mr. Know-it-all.
Far well my dear readers.
Another reason for my stress level is a certain sub. We will call him Mr. Know-it-all. He is very interesting. I first learned of Mr. Know-it-all from district 1. He is not allowed in district 1 because he managed to insult a teacher while observing her. As the gossip goes, Mr. Know-it-all asked this teacher an absurd amount of questions while she was teaching. Let's picture this. This teacher is trying to keep a room full of 1st graders' attention on their lesson but is being interrupted by Mr. Know-it-all. Now this teacher was going to let it slide but then Mr. Know-it-all went into the next classroom and began to tell that teacher how he would fix the first teacher's lesson. The second teacher is friends with the first teacher. Needless to say, an e-mail was sent out district wide explaining why he would not be allowed in any classrooms in that school. Ok. Mr. Know-it-all has learned his lesson right? Nope. Just found out that he somehow upset the school in which he was a student teacher (in district 2). I know this because a copy of his apology letter was sent to every one in the district. It's called watch your Ps and Qs!
Now we have Mr. Know-it-all as a sub. Every time I see this man, he asks the same question. "How's the job search going?" Makes sense to ask me that. I am looking for a job. (Hence the blog.) What I find annoying is how he always tells me about the "principals just begging" him to work for them but they are all out of this area. He is choosing to stay with his family. I then get the treat of hearing about what he thinks is unfair or how he "really handled" this tough kid. Conversations with him are so fun. (Insert eye roll.)
Today was very interesting because we had a reporter show up. As she was asking us questions, Mr. Know-it-all felt like he had been there long enough to answer said questions. For example:
Reporter: How do you decide the classroom schedule? Is it decided by the school or by the teacher?
Mr. Know-it-all: We do what we want. As teachers we know what's best.
(Insert my horrified face.)
Super Co-worker to the rescue: Um... We base our schedule on their needs. For example some teachers with younger students do their math in the morning with calender.
Next reason for my stress level to be high, I have a job interview. I had a teacher put in a good word for me with a school for a fifth grade position. I've spent tonight preparing for this interview. I'm sure I'm not ready. I haven't even practiced interview questions. So I should really be stressed, right?
I am not. Weird. Maybe I am just too tired. But I will let all of you know how the interview goes and if I am carted off to the loony bin because of Mr. Know-it-all.
Far well my dear readers.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
I'm still alive!
Wow! I was just looking at the last time I was on here! So much has gone on since then. I have had so many wonderful surprises.
First off, I was surprised to find myself finishing the school year at the school I student taught. It was so great getting to hang out with that staff again. They are rock stars. Also the teacher I was called in for does an amazing job with his students. So thankfully they were great (plus it was the end of the year so it's not like I had to teach them any new concepts.)
Then when I thought I was done and settling down to summer, I was asked to be a summer school para with a school that I enjoy working for. I gladly excepted. It sounded like such a great opportunity. The experience was going to teach me so much. Next surprise...I received a phone call asking me to be a summer school teacher instead for a school I also love working at. Yes, please!
I have loved every little minute of this job. We are two weeks in, and I am reminded everyday why I love teaching. When your students suddenly get what you are thrown down it is the best! I love watching a student work their little tail off on a goal and then have that awesome clickie moment where they just get it and can do it with out even thinking. This is what I live for. To help my students grow and be their very best. By the way, we made Hiaku's and my second graders learned division and rocked (especially when I threw in M&Ms.) Even though we have some very unique challenges, I am so looking forward to seeing my kidos tomorrow.
One not so fun surprise was the Boys and Girls club. I was so excited when they called me and asked me if I wanted to volunteer. Even though I was tired from Summer School, I still wanted to volunteer. I felt like it was a good organization and I knew that they needed help. So I met with the person in charge of volunteers (we'll call her Ms. Organized.) She showed me around, introduced me to everyone and we agreed that I would do a writing class and help with a claymation software class. Great! This will be so much fun!
That next week I showed up for my first day. The secretary (we'll call her Ms. Friendly) asked who I was (even though we had met last week.) Knowing that Ms. Friendly is busy and it might be hard to remember some people, I told her my name and that I was suppose to be volunteering that day. She handed me the application form to sign up to volunteer and told me to fill it out. I reminded her (with much patients) that I had already filled it out and that we had met last week. She then told me that the Ms. Organized would call me if I was approved. (SIGH!) I (still patient) reminded her that Ms. Organized had called me and we had set up today as the day I would volunteer. The secretary then informed me that she would have to check with Ms. Organized.
About two minutes into my wait Ms. Friendly pointed at a 3-ring binder and told me to sign in. (Ok. Wait. There is no pen and Ms. Friendly is now on the phone.) After I stared at her for another minute, she finally handed me a pen (without saying a word.) So I look up my name. It is not there and I cannot find any forms to fill out. I begin to stare at Ms. Friendly again. When she hung up, I was finally able to ask for the form. Ms. Friendly (Sighing very loudly) said, "Hand me the book!" She pulled a form out from under a stack of papers in the back pocket. Then explained the form to me after another loud sigh.
I waited around 10 minutes before Ms. Organized showed up (mind you I am already tired from teaching summer school all day.) Ms. Organized told Ms. Friendly that I was in fact in the system (Why didn't Ms. Friendly just look me up? The computer is right there!) Ms. Organized then told two little girls to show me around. (ummm... okkkk.) That was the last I saw of Ms. Organized. In fact that was the last time I was talked to by an adult. Obviously all the staff members had forgotten what services I had offered.
It was such an awful experience. The game room was loud, rough, and disorganized. The few people who were trying to help these kids have structure, were undermined by there own coworkers. I also felt like they should have provided me with a helmet, since I was almost knocked unconscious so many times by pool Q's. What really surprises me is that this organization has the nerve to blame the adults in our community for their lack of volunteers.
Now off to a much deserved bubble bath and coffee.
First off, I was surprised to find myself finishing the school year at the school I student taught. It was so great getting to hang out with that staff again. They are rock stars. Also the teacher I was called in for does an amazing job with his students. So thankfully they were great (plus it was the end of the year so it's not like I had to teach them any new concepts.)
Then when I thought I was done and settling down to summer, I was asked to be a summer school para with a school that I enjoy working for. I gladly excepted. It sounded like such a great opportunity. The experience was going to teach me so much. Next surprise...I received a phone call asking me to be a summer school teacher instead for a school I also love working at. Yes, please!
I have loved every little minute of this job. We are two weeks in, and I am reminded everyday why I love teaching. When your students suddenly get what you are thrown down it is the best! I love watching a student work their little tail off on a goal and then have that awesome clickie moment where they just get it and can do it with out even thinking. This is what I live for. To help my students grow and be their very best. By the way, we made Hiaku's and my second graders learned division and rocked (especially when I threw in M&Ms.) Even though we have some very unique challenges, I am so looking forward to seeing my kidos tomorrow.
One not so fun surprise was the Boys and Girls club. I was so excited when they called me and asked me if I wanted to volunteer. Even though I was tired from Summer School, I still wanted to volunteer. I felt like it was a good organization and I knew that they needed help. So I met with the person in charge of volunteers (we'll call her Ms. Organized.) She showed me around, introduced me to everyone and we agreed that I would do a writing class and help with a claymation software class. Great! This will be so much fun!
That next week I showed up for my first day. The secretary (we'll call her Ms. Friendly) asked who I was (even though we had met last week.) Knowing that Ms. Friendly is busy and it might be hard to remember some people, I told her my name and that I was suppose to be volunteering that day. She handed me the application form to sign up to volunteer and told me to fill it out. I reminded her (with much patients) that I had already filled it out and that we had met last week. She then told me that the Ms. Organized would call me if I was approved. (SIGH!) I (still patient) reminded her that Ms. Organized had called me and we had set up today as the day I would volunteer. The secretary then informed me that she would have to check with Ms. Organized.
About two minutes into my wait Ms. Friendly pointed at a 3-ring binder and told me to sign in. (Ok. Wait. There is no pen and Ms. Friendly is now on the phone.) After I stared at her for another minute, she finally handed me a pen (without saying a word.) So I look up my name. It is not there and I cannot find any forms to fill out. I begin to stare at Ms. Friendly again. When she hung up, I was finally able to ask for the form. Ms. Friendly (Sighing very loudly) said, "Hand me the book!" She pulled a form out from under a stack of papers in the back pocket. Then explained the form to me after another loud sigh.
I waited around 10 minutes before Ms. Organized showed up (mind you I am already tired from teaching summer school all day.) Ms. Organized told Ms. Friendly that I was in fact in the system (Why didn't Ms. Friendly just look me up? The computer is right there!) Ms. Organized then told two little girls to show me around. (ummm... okkkk.) That was the last I saw of Ms. Organized. In fact that was the last time I was talked to by an adult. Obviously all the staff members had forgotten what services I had offered.
It was such an awful experience. The game room was loud, rough, and disorganized. The few people who were trying to help these kids have structure, were undermined by there own coworkers. I also felt like they should have provided me with a helmet, since I was almost knocked unconscious so many times by pool Q's. What really surprises me is that this organization has the nerve to blame the adults in our community for their lack of volunteers.
Now off to a much deserved bubble bath and coffee.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Oh the places I will go
Today I did not get called in. So I have had a very productive day off. I have applied to be a volunteer with the Boys & Girls Club, sent an e-mail in an attempt to finalize my summer plans, visited the doctor and went SHOPPING! Despite my awful veins I bought a CUTE skirt! (I totally negotiated with myself while trying it on. "I can just wear pantie hose." "If I lose more weight, maybe my veins will get better. They have already started receding.") The internal voice won. I also bought a new pair of khaki's and a jacket that normally I would point out to my friends Tracy or Biz. (They pull these kinds of jackets off soo well. Maybe it is because they have cute taste and amazing outfits.) But again the voice in my head talked me into it. "Come on. You can pull this off. It will look so great with your new pants. This out fit screams trendy teacher!" So the voice won, again. Finally I purchased a shiny dangly necklace and a fun beaded necklace. Oh and did I mention I got all of this for $58! That's right, super savy!
I have defiantly needed some new clothing. It is very awkward to get called in and not to know if you have pants to wear! Also getting called into district 1 has been very interesting. First day, I was called in at 9:00am to work in the Therapeutic Learning Center (TLC). This is a classroom for students who have a hard time with emotions or focusing on their work because of medical issues. My heart really goes out to these kids. They have so much that they have to deal with but they are such fantastic kids. The staff does a great job helping these students work through what they are dealing with. These kids were so fun to work with. The teachers let me do a read aloud with the students and I could have just taken them home with me. They hung on my every word, made predictions, and discussed the book so well! I LOOOOVED these kids. Working in this classroom was such a great experience.
Another fun experience came the next day when I was called in 10 minutes before the school bell rang. I showed up ready to teach a third grade class only a few minutes after the bell rang. Found out that the sub plans where thrown together in the last minute by the teacher's colleges but only up to lunch. Those poor colleges were soo worried for me. They informed me that the class was not always the best behaved and that their teacher got sick on her drive to work (hence the lack of plans).
When I sent my students off to their specialists, I sat down with the other teachers. They told me what they thought I should for the afternoon. So I wrote down my sub plans. That afternoon I pretty much threw those plans out. Found out one of my kids didn't have a copy of the packet we had planned to work on, so I read them some Shel Silverstein and we spent writing time making poems. The kids were so into the poems that several of them spent their indoor recess writing more. (That's right we also had indoor recess that day. Murphy's law was in full affect that day.) Then, as I was settling the kids down and digging into a math lesson one of the teachers popped her head into the room. Turns out we had an assembly. (Have I mentioned that I hate assemblies?) These kids however were wonderful. I had no problems with them. So as a reward we spent the last part of the day playing the "get to know you" game. They loved it.
The kids were great and the staff said that I was very impressive. They told me they loved how calm I was and how impressive I was when things fell through. They also told me that they hope to see me again. (I love leaving schools with this impression!)
I have defiantly needed some new clothing. It is very awkward to get called in and not to know if you have pants to wear! Also getting called into district 1 has been very interesting. First day, I was called in at 9:00am to work in the Therapeutic Learning Center (TLC). This is a classroom for students who have a hard time with emotions or focusing on their work because of medical issues. My heart really goes out to these kids. They have so much that they have to deal with but they are such fantastic kids. The staff does a great job helping these students work through what they are dealing with. These kids were so fun to work with. The teachers let me do a read aloud with the students and I could have just taken them home with me. They hung on my every word, made predictions, and discussed the book so well! I LOOOOVED these kids. Working in this classroom was such a great experience.
Another fun experience came the next day when I was called in 10 minutes before the school bell rang. I showed up ready to teach a third grade class only a few minutes after the bell rang. Found out that the sub plans where thrown together in the last minute by the teacher's colleges but only up to lunch. Those poor colleges were soo worried for me. They informed me that the class was not always the best behaved and that their teacher got sick on her drive to work (hence the lack of plans).
When I sent my students off to their specialists, I sat down with the other teachers. They told me what they thought I should for the afternoon. So I wrote down my sub plans. That afternoon I pretty much threw those plans out. Found out one of my kids didn't have a copy of the packet we had planned to work on, so I read them some Shel Silverstein and we spent writing time making poems. The kids were so into the poems that several of them spent their indoor recess writing more. (That's right we also had indoor recess that day. Murphy's law was in full affect that day.) Then, as I was settling the kids down and digging into a math lesson one of the teachers popped her head into the room. Turns out we had an assembly. (Have I mentioned that I hate assemblies?) These kids however were wonderful. I had no problems with them. So as a reward we spent the last part of the day playing the "get to know you" game. They loved it.
The kids were great and the staff said that I was very impressive. They told me they loved how calm I was and how impressive I was when things fell through. They also told me that they hope to see me again. (I love leaving schools with this impression!)
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Just when I thought I was done...
Just when I thought I was done with subbing, I got a phone call. It was the person in charge of the sub office for the town I live in. For those of you who don't know, I work for a school district outside the town I live in. The district I live in (district 1) is very competitive. VERY. So when my collage did not let me sign up to be a sub while I was student teaching, I missed out. When I submitted my application to be a sub after I graduated, I was informed that they were not hiring any more subs until someone quits. So you can imagine my surprise when they called me to ask if I wanted to be a sub for them. (Insert jaw drop.)
So my afternoon was spent signing up to be a sub for the school district that I actually live in!! It was so different from the district I currently sub for(district 2.) Here are some of them: 1.) The way I found out I was a sub. With district 2, I did not find out I was a sub for them until I called them to ask if they got my application. 2.) District 1 sat me down and gave me a manual, told me where to get my on-line training, and talked me through everything. District 2 had me sign some forms and wished me good luck. 3.) District 1 offers me actual training. District 2 does have some great websites but I'm not really welcomed to any training. 4.) I get called in by secretaries in district 2. District 1 calls me in using a tella service. (Meaning a computer is going to call me.)
Now don't go thinking that I favor one district over the other. I don't. They are just so different and I am so excited to have the opportunity to work in both. Both districts have different obstacles to over come and they both do amazing jobs over coming them. I am so excited to learn from this new opportunity. I can't wait to see how I will grow in my own profession. :D
So my afternoon was spent signing up to be a sub for the school district that I actually live in!! It was so different from the district I currently sub for(district 2.) Here are some of them: 1.) The way I found out I was a sub. With district 2, I did not find out I was a sub for them until I called them to ask if they got my application. 2.) District 1 sat me down and gave me a manual, told me where to get my on-line training, and talked me through everything. District 2 had me sign some forms and wished me good luck. 3.) District 1 offers me actual training. District 2 does have some great websites but I'm not really welcomed to any training. 4.) I get called in by secretaries in district 2. District 1 calls me in using a tella service. (Meaning a computer is going to call me.)
Now don't go thinking that I favor one district over the other. I don't. They are just so different and I am so excited to have the opportunity to work in both. Both districts have different obstacles to over come and they both do amazing jobs over coming them. I am so excited to learn from this new opportunity. I can't wait to see how I will grow in my own profession. :D
Thursday, May 12, 2011
I blog a lot
This morning, I subbed for a PE teacher. I like subbing for him. He is usually very well prepared and his kids have their routine down so they practically run themselves. (These two things are signs of a great teacher my friends.)
When I reported for duty, the secretary mentioned that I was not going to be in the gym that day because it was set up for a concert. Neither of us were worried because this teacher is usually so well prepared. I started reading my lesson plans. They involved using the gym. (Hmmm... this might be a problem.) So I stepped into the gym just to get my barrings. The music teacher walks up to me. The conversation was as follows.
Music Teacher (MT): You are not going to be able to use the gym today.
Me: Were there any mats on the floor before you started setting up?
MT: WHAT?! You are not allowed to use the gym! I will have students in here through out the day practicing for tonight. You are not allowed to use the gym!
Me: I wasn't planning on using the gym. I am just trying to figure out what my plans mean. I need to go. (I have just realized that he really does mean for me to use the gym. I now have 10 minutes to create a new PE lesson and figure out where I will be taking my students since it is raining and the playground is a puddle of mud.)
I head to the poor secretary and ask her advice. She informed me that he usually watches movies with the kids in the music room. (Ok! Now to find a TV/VCR and a movie to watch. Let's hope the music teacher will not yell at me any more.) Making it back to his office, I begin to rummage through his things. The only movie I found was "How to Run Faster in All Sports." (No thank you!) Then as I have 5 minutes before the kids enter the school, I noticed a box with the words "Healthy Bingo." I peak in and found a PE Bingo game! GOOOOOAAAALLL!! I check in with the secretary. Not only is she down with my plan but she gives me the idea to have the kids play in the lunch room so they can have their healthy PE snack while playing. (I would have had to bring them over from whatever room I was in for the last 10 minutes of class. This woman is a genius!) I ran to the 1st grade classroom to barrow some markers (I didn't see any in the box.) Best of all, my sub kit is always supplied with prizes for situations just like this. Can you say Bingo?! I have made it with enough time to fill up my water bottle as the kids file into the lunch room.
After my morning rush, I had a wonderful day. (Even if I had to have a little talk with the sixth graders about why they might have to write an apology letter to their regular PE teacher. They sobered up quick. Guess they didn't know PE teachers can assign homework as well.)
Now off to some much earned coffee. Fair well dear followers!
When I reported for duty, the secretary mentioned that I was not going to be in the gym that day because it was set up for a concert. Neither of us were worried because this teacher is usually so well prepared. I started reading my lesson plans. They involved using the gym. (Hmmm... this might be a problem.) So I stepped into the gym just to get my barrings. The music teacher walks up to me. The conversation was as follows.
Music Teacher (MT): You are not going to be able to use the gym today.
Me: Were there any mats on the floor before you started setting up?
MT: WHAT?! You are not allowed to use the gym! I will have students in here through out the day practicing for tonight. You are not allowed to use the gym!
Me: I wasn't planning on using the gym. I am just trying to figure out what my plans mean. I need to go. (I have just realized that he really does mean for me to use the gym. I now have 10 minutes to create a new PE lesson and figure out where I will be taking my students since it is raining and the playground is a puddle of mud.)
I head to the poor secretary and ask her advice. She informed me that he usually watches movies with the kids in the music room. (Ok! Now to find a TV/VCR and a movie to watch. Let's hope the music teacher will not yell at me any more.) Making it back to his office, I begin to rummage through his things. The only movie I found was "How to Run Faster in All Sports." (No thank you!) Then as I have 5 minutes before the kids enter the school, I noticed a box with the words "Healthy Bingo." I peak in and found a PE Bingo game! GOOOOOAAAALLL!! I check in with the secretary. Not only is she down with my plan but she gives me the idea to have the kids play in the lunch room so they can have their healthy PE snack while playing. (I would have had to bring them over from whatever room I was in for the last 10 minutes of class. This woman is a genius!) I ran to the 1st grade classroom to barrow some markers (I didn't see any in the box.) Best of all, my sub kit is always supplied with prizes for situations just like this. Can you say Bingo?! I have made it with enough time to fill up my water bottle as the kids file into the lunch room.
After my morning rush, I had a wonderful day. (Even if I had to have a little talk with the sixth graders about why they might have to write an apology letter to their regular PE teacher. They sobered up quick. Guess they didn't know PE teachers can assign homework as well.)
Now off to some much earned coffee. Fair well dear followers!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
"Just make sure the kid doesn't run away."
You know you will have a rough day when you sub in a special education classroom and you hear the words "just make sure the kid doesn't run away." Yup! I have had individuals say this to me before and that's all the instruction I get. I hate subbing in these situations. Now don't go thinking that I have a thing against students in the special education classroom. Because I love those kids. Some of them show more gumption then a lot of adults I know. I hate days like that not just because it's exhausting but you know that the kid is not getting the help they need.
So you can imagine why I was a little nervous when I was called in to sub for a para in a special education classroom. I have never subbed in this classroom. Before I walked into this building I do a little dance to please the education gods. When I reported for duty, I found out that we are doing a field day. (This means we get on a bus and drive to the town 7 miles away so we can do activities you would do in track. FYI: I'm dressed professionally. Greeeaaaatt.) At this point I am thinking that I have done the dance for a rough day. Then I get into the classroom. May I say the SpEd teaching in that classroom is soooo awesome.
I spent the first hour of the day talking with this teacher about great instructional strategies and putting those strategies into practice with the kids. On top of the super star teacher, the kids were amazing. They were very helpful in showing me what they normally do and they were so well behaved.
After writing in our journals, we headed off to field day. We had two kids. There was two of us. How perfect is that? I took the girl and the SpEd teacher took the boy. We settled ourselves and waited for our kids to have events. Turns out my student could only do two events (there was like 15 or 20.) I felt very disappointed for my student. She wanted to do so much more. (I don't blame her! They dumped us off and didn't leave us anything to do while you wait. Can you say boooooring!) So needless to say my student was restless. I found that she loved to race me. (Remember I'm wearing dress shoes.) I felt like we were having a good time. My student also got to enjoy hanging out with some of her friends in her own grade. Then came time for my student to run her 50 meter dash. The SpEd teacher asked my student if she wanted the SpEd teacher to run along the side while my student ran. The student shook her head and pointed at me. How could I say no?!?! So I ran the 50 meter dash in dress shoes and cheered on my student all at once.
The SpEd teacher said she thought I was very impressive with the students. I think the real impressive person is her. SpEd teachers are truly amazing. I don't know how they do it! I think I would spend most of my time crying. Not that I would cry because I would be depressed but these kids can really bring out the emotions in you. I would cry because I would be proud, frustrated with the world, sadden by how unfair things can be but most of all I would cry because of how wonderful those kids truly are. SpEd teachers you are amazing people and a true contribution to society.
So you can imagine why I was a little nervous when I was called in to sub for a para in a special education classroom. I have never subbed in this classroom. Before I walked into this building I do a little dance to please the education gods. When I reported for duty, I found out that we are doing a field day. (This means we get on a bus and drive to the town 7 miles away so we can do activities you would do in track. FYI: I'm dressed professionally. Greeeaaaatt.) At this point I am thinking that I have done the dance for a rough day. Then I get into the classroom. May I say the SpEd teaching in that classroom is soooo awesome.
I spent the first hour of the day talking with this teacher about great instructional strategies and putting those strategies into practice with the kids. On top of the super star teacher, the kids were amazing. They were very helpful in showing me what they normally do and they were so well behaved.
After writing in our journals, we headed off to field day. We had two kids. There was two of us. How perfect is that? I took the girl and the SpEd teacher took the boy. We settled ourselves and waited for our kids to have events. Turns out my student could only do two events (there was like 15 or 20.) I felt very disappointed for my student. She wanted to do so much more. (I don't blame her! They dumped us off and didn't leave us anything to do while you wait. Can you say boooooring!) So needless to say my student was restless. I found that she loved to race me. (Remember I'm wearing dress shoes.) I felt like we were having a good time. My student also got to enjoy hanging out with some of her friends in her own grade. Then came time for my student to run her 50 meter dash. The SpEd teacher asked my student if she wanted the SpEd teacher to run along the side while my student ran. The student shook her head and pointed at me. How could I say no?!?! So I ran the 50 meter dash in dress shoes and cheered on my student all at once.
The SpEd teacher said she thought I was very impressive with the students. I think the real impressive person is her. SpEd teachers are truly amazing. I don't know how they do it! I think I would spend most of my time crying. Not that I would cry because I would be depressed but these kids can really bring out the emotions in you. I would cry because I would be proud, frustrated with the world, sadden by how unfair things can be but most of all I would cry because of how wonderful those kids truly are. SpEd teachers you are amazing people and a true contribution to society.
Friday, May 6, 2011
I don't know if I will go outside today.
I have been in a funk my friends. It started out with the craziness at the high school. After subbing there for two days, I had a student come to my classroom and ask if I was going to sub again tomorrow. I informed her that they had another sub coming tomorrow. She responded by saying it was too bad. She said she really liked having me as a sub and that I was very good at what I do.
That night I went home and I was grumpy and I cried for a full hour. I know, who responds like that when someone says somethings so sweet to you? I think I was just mad that I was a sub and not a full time teacher. It sounds very self centered of me, I know, but this girl had really had such a hard time in life. The past two days she spent time just talking to me about her problems and just venting. Even though we really weren't on topic, I think she just needed to vent. When I went home, I was mad that I am only a sub. I wished I could be there everyday. Would I be able to help this girl if I was there everyday? I don't know. But at least I would have a better shot at it. Being a sub sometimes leaves a bad taste in my mouth. You walk into situations that you want to fix but you know you can't because you are only there for a few hours.
My funk has been added to thanks to my grandma's assisted living center. For those of you who don't know my grandma is recovering from a broken hip (again.) After returning home from rehab my grandma slumped over and was unresponsive. They had to give her CPR and admit her into the hospital. Turns out grandma was dehydrated. Well the director of the assisted living center complained to my mom about how they had to give grandma CPR since she didn't have a living will. Translation: If you have a living will for your mother, we will let her die of dehydration. Why would we want to get her a living will?! Then to put the cherry on top, the director said she was kicking my grandma out. (Oh! We found out her room has been rented out to someone already and they are just waiting for us to move grandma's things. Isn't that interesting?) When my grandma found out she cried.
Top this off, my mom is dealing with this horrible director while having to go to the hospital twice a day to receive an IV for her leg issues. Not a good week for my mom.
Finally I have this nagging feeling like I did last year. I feel as though getting hired here is going to be impossible. No idea why I've been feeling this way. I'm told by other teachers, principals, and students that they think I'm a great teacher. It's just a feeling deep in my stomach that says, "If your so great, why don't you have a full time job?" Then I catch myself arguing with the voice (I must be losing it!) Me: "Voice, I just have to network. Show people what I'm made of!" Voice: "Haven't we been doing that? You have amazing references and a great resume. Shouldn't you have been hired by now?" Me: "No. It's a really competitive area. People have been waiting longer than me and aren't you just a voice. What would you know?" Voice: "I might be a voice but at least I'm gainfully employed as a voice. Now take the ring from Frodo Baggins!" Me: "Wait. What?" Voice: "I mean get a job as a nursing home cook!" Me: "NOOOO!!!"
Yeah. I'm losing it. Sigh. I think I'll drink some more coffee, clean something, and then read more Terry Pratchett. I love his books. Hope all is well with you dear readers! Oh and don't worry about me. I'll pluck myself up. The voice will not win and my grandma will feel safer in her new home (no one there will pray she dies!) Later!
That night I went home and I was grumpy and I cried for a full hour. I know, who responds like that when someone says somethings so sweet to you? I think I was just mad that I was a sub and not a full time teacher. It sounds very self centered of me, I know, but this girl had really had such a hard time in life. The past two days she spent time just talking to me about her problems and just venting. Even though we really weren't on topic, I think she just needed to vent. When I went home, I was mad that I am only a sub. I wished I could be there everyday. Would I be able to help this girl if I was there everyday? I don't know. But at least I would have a better shot at it. Being a sub sometimes leaves a bad taste in my mouth. You walk into situations that you want to fix but you know you can't because you are only there for a few hours.
My funk has been added to thanks to my grandma's assisted living center. For those of you who don't know my grandma is recovering from a broken hip (again.) After returning home from rehab my grandma slumped over and was unresponsive. They had to give her CPR and admit her into the hospital. Turns out grandma was dehydrated. Well the director of the assisted living center complained to my mom about how they had to give grandma CPR since she didn't have a living will. Translation: If you have a living will for your mother, we will let her die of dehydration. Why would we want to get her a living will?! Then to put the cherry on top, the director said she was kicking my grandma out. (Oh! We found out her room has been rented out to someone already and they are just waiting for us to move grandma's things. Isn't that interesting?) When my grandma found out she cried.
Top this off, my mom is dealing with this horrible director while having to go to the hospital twice a day to receive an IV for her leg issues. Not a good week for my mom.
Finally I have this nagging feeling like I did last year. I feel as though getting hired here is going to be impossible. No idea why I've been feeling this way. I'm told by other teachers, principals, and students that they think I'm a great teacher. It's just a feeling deep in my stomach that says, "If your so great, why don't you have a full time job?" Then I catch myself arguing with the voice (I must be losing it!) Me: "Voice, I just have to network. Show people what I'm made of!" Voice: "Haven't we been doing that? You have amazing references and a great resume. Shouldn't you have been hired by now?" Me: "No. It's a really competitive area. People have been waiting longer than me and aren't you just a voice. What would you know?" Voice: "I might be a voice but at least I'm gainfully employed as a voice. Now take the ring from Frodo Baggins!" Me: "Wait. What?" Voice: "I mean get a job as a nursing home cook!" Me: "NOOOO!!!"
Yeah. I'm losing it. Sigh. I think I'll drink some more coffee, clean something, and then read more Terry Pratchett. I love his books. Hope all is well with you dear readers! Oh and don't worry about me. I'll pluck myself up. The voice will not win and my grandma will feel safer in her new home (no one there will pray she dies!) Later!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Nice Guys Don't Always Finish Last
I am a firm believer that nice guys don't always finish last. In fact I like to believe that they more often finish first. Maybe it's because I'm naive or childish or an elementary teacher but it is what I believe. Today just confirmed it.
To tell you of my confirmation I must start with yesterday. I was called in to be a substitute Spanish teacher for the high school. When I reported for duty, I was handed a folder with my sub plans. Looking through my sub plans my first thoughts are as follow: 1) "Where are the worksheets we are suppose to do." 2) "Oh. She only left me one worksheet for every class today. That means she expects me to make the copies." 3) This thought has been removed due to explicit material.
Never mind the fact that every level of Spanish is doing the same worksheet. I'll wrap my mind around that one later. I'm focusing on the fact that she expects me to make enough copies for my classes in the 15 minutes I have before class. This might not be a problem for regular classroom teachers, but I'm a sub. Here is what is wrong: 1) I'm a sub. I don't know how many people are in all your classes. At least have the courtesy to tell me how many copies to make! 2) I'm a sub. I don't know where your copier is. When I locate it, I now have to become familiar with it. Also some schools require codes to use their copiers and some schools only let faculty use their copiers. Is your school one? 3) Did I mention I'm a sub! Sub means someone who "wings it" all day long and they do this at the drop of a hat. Please take it easy on us. There are many heart conditions that we develop.
So off I go to ask someone who to make copies. By the time the second bell rings (meaning my students are now waiting on me) I am waltzing into the classroom with only half the amount copied. Thanks a lot Miss "Teacher students wish didn't have tenure" (seriously I had students say this!)
Well today I showed up at the high school to be her sub again. I feel older. The secretary saw me a little earlier than usual. First thing I did was look at what I had to do to prep. Sigh. I must find a TV with a VCR. Shoot me. Asking around, lead me to the library. Success! I roll the TV back to my classroom as students are filling up their seats. Oh, did I say success lets replace that with failure. The minute I pushed the tape into the VCR, I knew it was stuck. So my students are now watching me fight with and yell at a VCR. Three kind gentlemen come to may aid. While they are working I hop on the phone. I ask the secretary if she knew what to do. She told me she would call around. So there I sit. Room full of high schoolers, three students banging on a VCR, and no coffee or back up plan. Right as I see a fellow teacher walk into the door, I hear a the sound of plastic hitting the ground. The three students did it!
Fellow teacher heads back to his classroom after I say "I'm sure the other VCR will work!" I pop in the tape.... nothing. Oh no. After ten minutes of the three gentlemen and me working on VCR, a suggestion for a possible different TV arises. Off one of the gent goes! There I sit. Room full of high schoolers, no TV, and no coffee or back up plan.
The gent is back with a TV/VCR! Poor kid had to travel to three different classrooms to find on that was not in use. Ten more minutes gone. So there we sit. Room full of high schoolers, three students and I frantically rigging a TV, and no coffee or back up plan. After 20 minutes and a near break down they TV decides to work for me! IT'S ALIVE! Oh but wait their is only 20 minutes left. The students were delighted when I told them that they will not have to do the 1 page report over the film since they won't see enough. Oooookay. Well at least I have a working TV for the next class.
Next was my planning period. Being a sub, I really have nothing to do. So I checked the next day's lesson plans (even though I might not be the sub, I thought I would make sure that person would not have a day like mine.) Yup! The teacher expects the sub to make copies again. Off I go to make copies. As I am stapling said copies (learned a little to late that copier can do this for you,) another sub walks back into the room. She is asking for the TV back. She needs it for her next class. Well it was hers to begin with. Off I go in my last 10 minutes to find a TV. I looked everywhere! The TVs were either in use, not portable, or broken. Then the bell rang while I was in the office asking the secretary if she knew of anywhere I could get a TV. Ok. So those who are following along know that even if I find one, I push it to my room (through the mob in the halls) AND set it up all in 3 minutes. Thanks Miss Tenure!
All I could think about was how I hope the next sub had it easier...or do I? Being nice does pay off. I asked the secretary if the teacher with the working TV had a sub tomorrow. She informed me that he did not. Then I asked if it would be alright for me to switch today's sub plans for tomorrows. (Since the only class I had had that day was not able to watch much of the film, it really didn't seem to hurt anything.) The secretary was on board with my plan. I made a mad dash and walked in the door as the late bell rang.
Moral of the story. You should always try to make other peoples' lives easier because it can ease your own. ;)
To tell you of my confirmation I must start with yesterday. I was called in to be a substitute Spanish teacher for the high school. When I reported for duty, I was handed a folder with my sub plans. Looking through my sub plans my first thoughts are as follow: 1) "Where are the worksheets we are suppose to do." 2) "Oh. She only left me one worksheet for every class today. That means she expects me to make the copies." 3) This thought has been removed due to explicit material.
Never mind the fact that every level of Spanish is doing the same worksheet. I'll wrap my mind around that one later. I'm focusing on the fact that she expects me to make enough copies for my classes in the 15 minutes I have before class. This might not be a problem for regular classroom teachers, but I'm a sub. Here is what is wrong: 1) I'm a sub. I don't know how many people are in all your classes. At least have the courtesy to tell me how many copies to make! 2) I'm a sub. I don't know where your copier is. When I locate it, I now have to become familiar with it. Also some schools require codes to use their copiers and some schools only let faculty use their copiers. Is your school one? 3) Did I mention I'm a sub! Sub means someone who "wings it" all day long and they do this at the drop of a hat. Please take it easy on us. There are many heart conditions that we develop.
So off I go to ask someone who to make copies. By the time the second bell rings (meaning my students are now waiting on me) I am waltzing into the classroom with only half the amount copied. Thanks a lot Miss "Teacher students wish didn't have tenure" (seriously I had students say this!)
Well today I showed up at the high school to be her sub again. I feel older. The secretary saw me a little earlier than usual. First thing I did was look at what I had to do to prep. Sigh. I must find a TV with a VCR. Shoot me. Asking around, lead me to the library. Success! I roll the TV back to my classroom as students are filling up their seats. Oh, did I say success lets replace that with failure. The minute I pushed the tape into the VCR, I knew it was stuck. So my students are now watching me fight with and yell at a VCR. Three kind gentlemen come to may aid. While they are working I hop on the phone. I ask the secretary if she knew what to do. She told me she would call around. So there I sit. Room full of high schoolers, three students banging on a VCR, and no coffee or back up plan. Right as I see a fellow teacher walk into the door, I hear a the sound of plastic hitting the ground. The three students did it!
Fellow teacher heads back to his classroom after I say "I'm sure the other VCR will work!" I pop in the tape.... nothing. Oh no. After ten minutes of the three gentlemen and me working on VCR, a suggestion for a possible different TV arises. Off one of the gent goes! There I sit. Room full of high schoolers, no TV, and no coffee or back up plan.
The gent is back with a TV/VCR! Poor kid had to travel to three different classrooms to find on that was not in use. Ten more minutes gone. So there we sit. Room full of high schoolers, three students and I frantically rigging a TV, and no coffee or back up plan. After 20 minutes and a near break down they TV decides to work for me! IT'S ALIVE! Oh but wait their is only 20 minutes left. The students were delighted when I told them that they will not have to do the 1 page report over the film since they won't see enough. Oooookay. Well at least I have a working TV for the next class.
Next was my planning period. Being a sub, I really have nothing to do. So I checked the next day's lesson plans (even though I might not be the sub, I thought I would make sure that person would not have a day like mine.) Yup! The teacher expects the sub to make copies again. Off I go to make copies. As I am stapling said copies (learned a little to late that copier can do this for you,) another sub walks back into the room. She is asking for the TV back. She needs it for her next class. Well it was hers to begin with. Off I go in my last 10 minutes to find a TV. I looked everywhere! The TVs were either in use, not portable, or broken. Then the bell rang while I was in the office asking the secretary if she knew of anywhere I could get a TV. Ok. So those who are following along know that even if I find one, I push it to my room (through the mob in the halls) AND set it up all in 3 minutes. Thanks Miss Tenure!
All I could think about was how I hope the next sub had it easier...or do I? Being nice does pay off. I asked the secretary if the teacher with the working TV had a sub tomorrow. She informed me that he did not. Then I asked if it would be alright for me to switch today's sub plans for tomorrows. (Since the only class I had had that day was not able to watch much of the film, it really didn't seem to hurt anything.) The secretary was on board with my plan. I made a mad dash and walked in the door as the late bell rang.
Moral of the story. You should always try to make other peoples' lives easier because it can ease your own. ;)
Friday, April 29, 2011
O the teacher of PE
Today my dear followers went from being a fun and easy day to a "long but fun towards the end" day. At 6:40am Mr. L and I awoke from our slumber. The offender of sleep being the telephone. It was a school wanting to know if I could come in and teach PE today. Now for those of you who don't know I live 30 minutes from this school. They start at 8am and I have to get there before the bell rings because this PE teacher has a class right at 8am. Those who are doing the math have figured out that I now have around 40 minutes (if I want 10 minutes to prep for a full day of classes) to get read, pack a lunch and eat breakfast. Despite the crazy short notice I except. After all, it is PE. I don't have to look nice!
So I somehow make it there with 20 minutes to read my sub notes (thanks to Mr. L for packing my lunch and making me coffee and breakfast!) I start to read my notes. I notice one thing. There are no times listed on my notes. This is the second time I have subbed for this school. Sigh. Guess I'll just skip drinking water for the rest of the day since I have no idea when kids will be coming. Oh and teachers better not expect me to send them kids. Thanks guy!
Well my friends I am not the greatest PE teacher. Today was the first time I had to send a kid to the principal. He just flat out refused to listen. I sat him out twice. Then when he was being waaaay to rough with a girl, I lost my patients. I told him to leave the game and run five laps. He kicked a cone across the court, called me some names and began to walk. I told him that I said the word RUN. Maybe I was being a little too picky but this kid needed to burn off some energy. He did run for a little but then he sat down and started to read a magazine. (OK! I'm not stressing over this kid while I have everyone else armed with dodge balls.) So I called the secretary and had the young man removed. Sad day. I felt so bad about not being able to get this kid to play nice with others, that I found his teacher at lunch. She told me that I shouldn't feel bad. She said she does it all the time and that I did what I was suppose to do. I guess he has some issues with his anger and if you let him stick around he can get pretty bad in a hurry. All I can think is how sad it is that that young man struggles so much. I am thankful that the staff understands him so well.
I have nothing but respect for PE teachers and today just makes me respect them more. PE teachers work so hard and they teach kids more then just how to be physically healthy. Great PE teachers help kids to deal with a lot of emotions and help our students to work well with others. Kudos to you PE teachers! I'll NEVER cut you from my budget!
So I somehow make it there with 20 minutes to read my sub notes (thanks to Mr. L for packing my lunch and making me coffee and breakfast!) I start to read my notes. I notice one thing. There are no times listed on my notes. This is the second time I have subbed for this school. Sigh. Guess I'll just skip drinking water for the rest of the day since I have no idea when kids will be coming. Oh and teachers better not expect me to send them kids. Thanks guy!
Well my friends I am not the greatest PE teacher. Today was the first time I had to send a kid to the principal. He just flat out refused to listen. I sat him out twice. Then when he was being waaaay to rough with a girl, I lost my patients. I told him to leave the game and run five laps. He kicked a cone across the court, called me some names and began to walk. I told him that I said the word RUN. Maybe I was being a little too picky but this kid needed to burn off some energy. He did run for a little but then he sat down and started to read a magazine. (OK! I'm not stressing over this kid while I have everyone else armed with dodge balls.) So I called the secretary and had the young man removed. Sad day. I felt so bad about not being able to get this kid to play nice with others, that I found his teacher at lunch. She told me that I shouldn't feel bad. She said she does it all the time and that I did what I was suppose to do. I guess he has some issues with his anger and if you let him stick around he can get pretty bad in a hurry. All I can think is how sad it is that that young man struggles so much. I am thankful that the staff understands him so well.
I have nothing but respect for PE teachers and today just makes me respect them more. PE teachers work so hard and they teach kids more then just how to be physically healthy. Great PE teachers help kids to deal with a lot of emotions and help our students to work well with others. Kudos to you PE teachers! I'll NEVER cut you from my budget!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The results are in
Well folks I heard back from the elementary I interviewed with today. I did not get the job. The good news is that the principal wanted to let me know that they were really considering me and that I was very impressive. This really took the sting out of the news! It is nice to know that I made their decision hard (sounds kind of mean but I hope you know what I saying.)
This interview was a wonderful experience. I learned a lot about my strengths and weaknesses in my interviewing. This makes me feel like I have grown greatly from my first interview. So even though I would have loved to work for this school, I still feel like this was a great experience and I am still positive. :)
Good night dear followers and stay positive!
This interview was a wonderful experience. I learned a lot about my strengths and weaknesses in my interviewing. This makes me feel like I have grown greatly from my first interview. So even though I would have loved to work for this school, I still feel like this was a great experience and I am still positive. :)
Good night dear followers and stay positive!
Easter!
Today was such a fun day for me! As a sub you normally don't get to celebrate the fun holidays with the kidos. Now I still try to sneak some holiday fun in. Like throwing an themed book into my sub kit. (Yeah. You read right. I'm such a geek that I made my own sub kit. It contains vital things like the passwords for the computers, books, time fillers, and important of all candy for when I hit a rough spot.) Today however the kindergarten teacher I was subbing for let me do the fun things! I think I was just as if not more excited than the kids.
The kids were to make Easter baskets in my room, dip eggs in the 2nd grade room, and coloring pages in the 1st grade room. The teacher was so well organized. I was really pumped. While I was reading my plans, the 1st grade teacher walks into the classroom. She tells me that at 9:30 she was going to take the kids out to recess since they didn't have PE that day. A little before 9:30 rolled around the kids were done so I walked with them out to recess. I noticed that the 1st grade teacher was not there yet. So I played with the kids. Then at 9:45 I brought them in. The 2nd grade teacher caught me in the hall and told me that I was suppose to have my kids in the 1st grade room. Turns out they had a change of plans. Oops!
We sorted our kids into three groups and we were off! It was so much fun making baskets. The kids were great. It also helps that I had candy. Then I had some wonderful students who helped to pick the room up. When everyone had finished, I poked my head out of the door to see if anyone was heading out to recess. No one had a single coat on. So I read Robert Munch's I Got To GO. They loved it. By the time I was finished I noticed that some kids had walked past the door with coats on. So by the time I got my kids ready to go, it was a little late for their recess. Oh well! Good thing they got an extra recess earlier.
As I was walking out the door I stopped into the teachers lounge to tell the kindergarten teacher how wonderful the kids were. The kindergarten teacher and 1st grade teachers told me how they noticed how much the kids like it when I sub. The 1st grade teacher told me that when she had to go to the doctor, her kids asked if I was coming. I feel so loved! Those kids are great.
The kids were to make Easter baskets in my room, dip eggs in the 2nd grade room, and coloring pages in the 1st grade room. The teacher was so well organized. I was really pumped. While I was reading my plans, the 1st grade teacher walks into the classroom. She tells me that at 9:30 she was going to take the kids out to recess since they didn't have PE that day. A little before 9:30 rolled around the kids were done so I walked with them out to recess. I noticed that the 1st grade teacher was not there yet. So I played with the kids. Then at 9:45 I brought them in. The 2nd grade teacher caught me in the hall and told me that I was suppose to have my kids in the 1st grade room. Turns out they had a change of plans. Oops!
We sorted our kids into three groups and we were off! It was so much fun making baskets. The kids were great. It also helps that I had candy. Then I had some wonderful students who helped to pick the room up. When everyone had finished, I poked my head out of the door to see if anyone was heading out to recess. No one had a single coat on. So I read Robert Munch's I Got To GO. They loved it. By the time I was finished I noticed that some kids had walked past the door with coats on. So by the time I got my kids ready to go, it was a little late for their recess. Oh well! Good thing they got an extra recess earlier.
As I was walking out the door I stopped into the teachers lounge to tell the kindergarten teacher how wonderful the kids were. The kindergarten teacher and 1st grade teachers told me how they noticed how much the kids like it when I sub. The 1st grade teacher told me that when she had to go to the doctor, her kids asked if I was coming. I feel so loved! Those kids are great.
Monday, April 18, 2011
THE INTERVIEW don don doooooonn
It would have been lovely for me to have a full nights sleep last night but my new neighbor had other plans for me. Now don't get me wrong, I know that toddlers will cry and I'm cool with that. What I am not cool with is my single parent neighbor scream the f-bomb at this toddler every time he started to cry. I know parenting is vary hard at times and it is even harder when you are doing it alone but come on! Do you really need to teach your kid that word? Hello woman! We are sleeping above you. We do not need you adding to the noise. This woman chose to scream the f-bomb until one in the morning! I woke up at Five. That equals four hours of sleep. Needless to say I'm groggy and Mr. L and I are grouchy.
So I was very sleepy for my interview. I hope I did well but I don't know. I don't feel like my thought process was very clear today. Which is a bummer because this school was so nice. The staff was very friendly and I even knew one of the teachers! She is the music teacher for Albin and Pine Bluffs. So she has seen me work before as a sub. Maybe she will know that I'm not so scatter brained.
The school told me that they have five more interviews to perform. On Wednesday I get to find out. Good news is I will be subbing the two days I am waiting so at least I will be busy and not have time to worry. Even if I don't get this job, I will not go into my bath rob of sadness. I still have my subbing job and there will be more jobs to apply for. Plus I feel like I am getting better at interviewing. So I feel positive even if I don't get the job!
Welp! I'm off to go read my book Literacy at a Crossroad. Have a good week dear followers and I'll keep you posted. :)
So I was very sleepy for my interview. I hope I did well but I don't know. I don't feel like my thought process was very clear today. Which is a bummer because this school was so nice. The staff was very friendly and I even knew one of the teachers! She is the music teacher for Albin and Pine Bluffs. So she has seen me work before as a sub. Maybe she will know that I'm not so scatter brained.
The school told me that they have five more interviews to perform. On Wednesday I get to find out. Good news is I will be subbing the two days I am waiting so at least I will be busy and not have time to worry. Even if I don't get this job, I will not go into my bath rob of sadness. I still have my subbing job and there will be more jobs to apply for. Plus I feel like I am getting better at interviewing. So I feel positive even if I don't get the job!
Welp! I'm off to go read my book Literacy at a Crossroad. Have a good week dear followers and I'll keep you posted. :)
Friday, April 15, 2011
Surprising!
So I found out that I like teaching PE and going on field trips. Teaching PE was defiantly out of my comfort zone but it was so much fun. Getting to run around with kids was fantastic. The best part about PE was getting to see those kids I normally have to ask a thousand times to sit in their own seat or "please use your inside voice." In PE I didn't have to say any of that to them...well maybe a few times I had to remind them of what they were suppose to be doing. But it was so much fun to let them burn off some energy! PE is sooo important. Respect those PE teachers. They do do a lot for our schools.
I'm not going to lie followers, I was sooo worried about going on this field trip. One I was not in on the planning. Now most of you might not know this but as a teacher I am a HUGE control freak. I like everything planned and organized. It just makes me feel so zen. To go to a new place with students I don't know if I know AND I didn't do any planning. Mrs. L might have a heart attack. Turns out I was subbing for the Tittle I teacher. So she left me notes to check with kindergarten or first grade to see who wanted me. The Kindergarten teacher decided she wanted me. I love her class. They are such sweet kids and they are funny too.
We had such a wonderful time. The kids were great and the dairy was really interesting. The owners gave us a tour. We got to see how they mix the cows' food. The owner actually let the kids lay in the pile of flattened corn. The kids loved it. Then when they took us to show the calves, we got to see one being born! It was fascinating. Although first the calf was not moving (nail bitter!) The kindergarten teacher and I both looked at each other. I could tell she was thinking the same thing, "Please let it move." (No one wants to explain That to a group of kindergartners. Then the little guy moved! (Insert sigh of relief.) Next thought, "now who is going to explain what just happened to these kids." (Insert new sigh of relief.) The own did such a wonderful job handling all the questions the kids came up with! I was truly impressed and so were the kids. After watching the "Mommy Cow" lick her new bundle of joy, we headed off to see the other calves. Then we saw how the cows were milked (really impressive how fast they can milk them!) They tour was capped off with the kids getting goodie bags from the dairy. Who knew it would have been so wonderful?!
Many surprises and great experiences this week. Now that I have showered off the smell of the dairy, I shall go make Mr. L his dinner. Good night dear followers!
I'm not going to lie followers, I was sooo worried about going on this field trip. One I was not in on the planning. Now most of you might not know this but as a teacher I am a HUGE control freak. I like everything planned and organized. It just makes me feel so zen. To go to a new place with students I don't know if I know AND I didn't do any planning. Mrs. L might have a heart attack. Turns out I was subbing for the Tittle I teacher. So she left me notes to check with kindergarten or first grade to see who wanted me. The Kindergarten teacher decided she wanted me. I love her class. They are such sweet kids and they are funny too.
We had such a wonderful time. The kids were great and the dairy was really interesting. The owners gave us a tour. We got to see how they mix the cows' food. The owner actually let the kids lay in the pile of flattened corn. The kids loved it. Then when they took us to show the calves, we got to see one being born! It was fascinating. Although first the calf was not moving (nail bitter!) The kindergarten teacher and I both looked at each other. I could tell she was thinking the same thing, "Please let it move." (No one wants to explain That to a group of kindergartners. Then the little guy moved! (Insert sigh of relief.) Next thought, "now who is going to explain what just happened to these kids." (Insert new sigh of relief.) The own did such a wonderful job handling all the questions the kids came up with! I was truly impressed and so were the kids. After watching the "Mommy Cow" lick her new bundle of joy, we headed off to see the other calves. Then we saw how the cows were milked (really impressive how fast they can milk them!) They tour was capped off with the kids getting goodie bags from the dairy. Who knew it would have been so wonderful?!
Many surprises and great experiences this week. Now that I have showered off the smell of the dairy, I shall go make Mr. L his dinner. Good night dear followers!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Uh oh!
Uh oh! I am going to be a PE teacher tomorrow for the elementary AND the high school. Then today I found out that I am going to go on a field trip to a dairy farm this Friday. Expect to hear from me my dear followers on Friday when I hopefully make it home safe and clean. I am going to gain LOTS of new experience this week.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
New school!
Today I was making breakfast for my hubby and I as we prepared for work. I was only going to work at the high school for a few hours this morning. Then the phone rang. It was a new school wanting to give me a try! I love going to new schools. It is so much fun to see how different schools handle different things. Being in different classrooms, you get to see the different ways teachers organize and implement the different district programs. I always bring writing material and a folder so I can steal stuff. Beg, barrow and steal!
After the high school teacher came back to her classroom, I headed off to the elementary school. The teacher was still in her classroom. Turns out the poor woman had been toughen it out all morning with flue like symptoms. (What a teacher!) So this poor thing fills me in and shows me her sub plans (this was just her regular planner. Good thing we really weren't doing much and I'm very comfortable with the elementary setting.)
We had a pretty easy day. The kids were well behaved. There was a little "drama" with two students. This led to an afternoon of quizzing being interrupted by the principal bringing students into his office from my classroom. Needless to say some students did not get their quiz done but oh well! Nothing I cannot handle.
As I was walking past the teachers' lounge, I heard the staff talking about me and how much another elementary school recommended me. (SCORE! My rep is getting around.) Then I had a student stick around after school to help put up the chairs on the desks. This student told me that I was doing a real good job and most of the students seem to like me. Best complements ever. Have a good night and great weekend my dear followers.
After the high school teacher came back to her classroom, I headed off to the elementary school. The teacher was still in her classroom. Turns out the poor woman had been toughen it out all morning with flue like symptoms. (What a teacher!) So this poor thing fills me in and shows me her sub plans (this was just her regular planner. Good thing we really weren't doing much and I'm very comfortable with the elementary setting.)
We had a pretty easy day. The kids were well behaved. There was a little "drama" with two students. This led to an afternoon of quizzing being interrupted by the principal bringing students into his office from my classroom. Needless to say some students did not get their quiz done but oh well! Nothing I cannot handle.
As I was walking past the teachers' lounge, I heard the staff talking about me and how much another elementary school recommended me. (SCORE! My rep is getting around.) Then I had a student stick around after school to help put up the chairs on the desks. This student told me that I was doing a real good job and most of the students seem to like me. Best complements ever. Have a good night and great weekend my dear followers.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Impressive Sir.
Today I met a very impressive high school teacher. I subbed for a high school math teacher (yikes!) I was really worried when I was told that I would be in this classroom.
First off, I do not love subbing for math. You never know what you are going to get (and not in a Forest Gump kind of way!) Sometimes I am given instructions to simply follow the teacher's manual in order to teach a brand new concept. Well my friends I do not like doing this. Those things are ridiculous! The scripted ones are the worst. We already know the standardized testing is not that great. Why standardize our instruction? A manual does not know the different ways a student learns. Frankly who wants to watch me read from a manual? How is that helping students relate to their math problems. Standardized instruction is not meaningful. In other words, kids have no idea WHY they need to learn this stuff. This is especially true for high school (quadratic formula any one? When was the last time we used that?!) Plus, I am a sub. Hello! I waltz into your classroom and can sometimes not even pronounce a student's name correctly. Why are we expecting me to know where the student is instructionally (meaning what they are ready to learn.) I digress.
When you walk into a classroom you can also encounter the opposite. Sometimes they give you something to easy for a class. This is normally no problem for me. I am comfortable teaching English, History, and Science. If students misbehave, I simply make up my own homework assignment for them. But with math I don't know how to whip out a high school level math assignment. I have no clue what page they are in and I have no way of making up my own math assignment (again do not ask me to explain the quadratic formula. That I have worked very hard to forget.) So you can see my discomfort.
Luckily I had a very good teacher to sub for. She had two work sheets ready for me for the first class. This period the kids were very well behaved and the TA filled me in on all the juicy gossip. The next period was filled with kids whose names I have learned. (For those of you following along at home, when a sub knows your name it means you have done somethings to make them remember your name, if you catch my drift.) But this teacher had paired students up very well. Everyone stayed on task while working on their class project. I only had a minor technical difficulty for the time I was there.
The really impressive part was when I she returned to the classroom. She asked me about the student who was having technical difficulties. She was concerned that he was trying to get out of his work. (If you have worked with this student, you would know that it is not much of a stretch.) I assured her that the student was truly having difficulties. I informed her of my attempts to get the technology to work and the attempts of another student to get the technology to work as well. The teacher then asked me if I tried to get one of the struggling student's friends to help. I assured he that I would not make that kind of mistake. All in all I was very impressed with this young lady. She was super on top of her game. You go sister!
First off, I do not love subbing for math. You never know what you are going to get (and not in a Forest Gump kind of way!) Sometimes I am given instructions to simply follow the teacher's manual in order to teach a brand new concept. Well my friends I do not like doing this. Those things are ridiculous! The scripted ones are the worst. We already know the standardized testing is not that great. Why standardize our instruction? A manual does not know the different ways a student learns. Frankly who wants to watch me read from a manual? How is that helping students relate to their math problems. Standardized instruction is not meaningful. In other words, kids have no idea WHY they need to learn this stuff. This is especially true for high school (quadratic formula any one? When was the last time we used that?!) Plus, I am a sub. Hello! I waltz into your classroom and can sometimes not even pronounce a student's name correctly. Why are we expecting me to know where the student is instructionally (meaning what they are ready to learn.) I digress.
When you walk into a classroom you can also encounter the opposite. Sometimes they give you something to easy for a class. This is normally no problem for me. I am comfortable teaching English, History, and Science. If students misbehave, I simply make up my own homework assignment for them. But with math I don't know how to whip out a high school level math assignment. I have no clue what page they are in and I have no way of making up my own math assignment (again do not ask me to explain the quadratic formula. That I have worked very hard to forget.) So you can see my discomfort.
Luckily I had a very good teacher to sub for. She had two work sheets ready for me for the first class. This period the kids were very well behaved and the TA filled me in on all the juicy gossip. The next period was filled with kids whose names I have learned. (For those of you following along at home, when a sub knows your name it means you have done somethings to make them remember your name, if you catch my drift.) But this teacher had paired students up very well. Everyone stayed on task while working on their class project. I only had a minor technical difficulty for the time I was there.
The really impressive part was when I she returned to the classroom. She asked me about the student who was having technical difficulties. She was concerned that he was trying to get out of his work. (If you have worked with this student, you would know that it is not much of a stretch.) I assured her that the student was truly having difficulties. I informed her of my attempts to get the technology to work and the attempts of another student to get the technology to work as well. The teacher then asked me if I tried to get one of the struggling student's friends to help. I assured he that I would not make that kind of mistake. All in all I was very impressed with this young lady. She was super on top of her game. You go sister!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Positive thinking pays off
Hello dear dear followers! If you haven't noticed from the title, I am a little more positive today. I have received some great news. The phone rang around eight this morning. The caller ID read PB Elementary School. My assumption was that it was Pine Bluffs Elementary School asking me to finally sub for them. I was excited. To my surprise it was the school principle (normally sub are handled by the person who runs the school: the secretary.)
The Principle wanted to ask me... (drum roll please) if I was interested in interviewing for a kindergarten teaching position. Let me repeat: they want me to interview for a KINDERGARTEN TEACHING POSITION! I am sooo excited!
Now for me to climb down off the ceiling. There is a lot of competition for this position. A LOT. So in order for me to protect myself from putting on the rob of sadness I will tell myself the following.
The Principle wanted to ask me... (drum roll please) if I was interested in interviewing for a kindergarten teaching position. Let me repeat: they want me to interview for a KINDERGARTEN TEACHING POSITION! I am sooo excited!
Now for me to climb down off the ceiling. There is a lot of competition for this position. A LOT. So in order for me to protect myself from putting on the rob of sadness I will tell myself the following.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
If I go back to bed, will things go away?
Normally I am a look-at-the-bright-side kind of gal but today has just been a downer day. My husband took on free lance work to help us financially. Turns out the company he made the video for has decided to pay us late. (Hurray! Do you think my land lord will take monopoly money?) So Charles and I have taken turns being depressed and whinny. (I know. We have been so lovely to spend time with.) In order to alleviate this annoying back and forth we decided to go to the library. (I think Mr. L realized I was reaching for my sad robe and he wanted to cheer me up quick.) At the library I discovered two great books (hoping they will help me with my interview skills) and I found out that I can check out up to 100 books. (What were they thinking telling me that?! I am going to be there every week.)
After the library it was time for us to head to the store. (Remember that we were not given a paycheck for Charles' work.) So guess how we paid? That's right we did the We-are-so-poor-we-are-paying-with-nothing-but-coins bit. That's always so fun. We bought eight dollars worth of groceries for one week. YUUUP. We paid eight dollars in pennies, nickles, and dimes. Thank goodness for self checkout!
Last night while I was talking to my mom on skype, my older brother joined the conversation. I was telling my mom how little money we had. My older brother told me to "just get a job!" He told me that I don't HAVE to be a teacher. I could just get a job and pay my bills. (This is coming from my brother who drives home every weekend to get money from my parents.) Now while the source isn't that great, today makes me wonder if I should give up. Some of my family members have told me that I should go back to working in the nursing home. They say that I was good at that.
I don't know if I could quit trying to be a teacher. I have never loved something so much (Mr. L not included). You get such an amazing feeling when a student has an "Ah HA" moment or when you see a student has grown in fantastic ways. Sigh. I'm hooked and cannot give up (even if I cause my family to have to eat off of eight dollars worth of food for one week). Good things I'm creative in the kitchen.
Ugh! Icing on the cake. My beans that I was boiling for dinner burnt. I think I'll go back to bed and see if food has prepared itself for me. Good night!
After the library it was time for us to head to the store. (Remember that we were not given a paycheck for Charles' work.) So guess how we paid? That's right we did the We-are-so-poor-we-are-paying-with-nothing-but-coins bit. That's always so fun. We bought eight dollars worth of groceries for one week. YUUUP. We paid eight dollars in pennies, nickles, and dimes. Thank goodness for self checkout!
Last night while I was talking to my mom on skype, my older brother joined the conversation. I was telling my mom how little money we had. My older brother told me to "just get a job!" He told me that I don't HAVE to be a teacher. I could just get a job and pay my bills. (This is coming from my brother who drives home every weekend to get money from my parents.) Now while the source isn't that great, today makes me wonder if I should give up. Some of my family members have told me that I should go back to working in the nursing home. They say that I was good at that.
I don't know if I could quit trying to be a teacher. I have never loved something so much (Mr. L not included). You get such an amazing feeling when a student has an "Ah HA" moment or when you see a student has grown in fantastic ways. Sigh. I'm hooked and cannot give up (even if I cause my family to have to eat off of eight dollars worth of food for one week). Good things I'm creative in the kitchen.
Ugh! Icing on the cake. My beans that I was boiling for dinner burnt. I think I'll go back to bed and see if food has prepared itself for me. Good night!
Friday, April 1, 2011
I want to be a teacher
I have noticed that more of my loved ones are blogging and I just read an amazing book that started from a blog, so I thought I would join the fun. This blog will probably only be read by those who love me (Thanks Mr. L!) but I will tell my invisible readers a little about myself. I am working HARD to become a teacher. I graduated last year with my B.S. in Elementary Education and was unsuccessful in finding a full time teaching job. Currently I am a substitute teacher (kinda like 3 time substitute teacher of the year Peggy Hill only without the trophies).
I love the days I get to be a substitute teacher. You will never find me frowning on a day I get to hang out at a school. The best part is when I have a student run up, hug me and ask if I am their sub. (Makes you feel soooo loved.) My personal teaching philosophy is that everyone will learn and everyone will learn in their own way. I'm a big fan of differentiated instruction (for the two people who will read this that means instruction that is designed for the individuals in your classroom). The coolest moment of my career was when I saw Howard Gardner speak in person. For those of you who don't know who that is, he is like My Chemical Romance for teachers. He is the rockstar who created the Multiple Intelligence Theory.
In my free time I love hanging out with Mr. L (my hubby) and friends/family. You will find me reading, fishing/camping, or baking/cooking. Oh yeah! You will also find me relentlessly searching for a full time job. (Hince the blog.) Have a happy weekend my dear followers.
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