Hmmm...

Just yesterday I was thinking about my grade school career and the teachers I had. They never seemed stressed and we rarely heard them complain or grumble about anything.  We were taught well and we were disciplined. Not to mention our teachers taught our parents, cousins, aunts & uncles.  So the question came to me what changed that teachers don't love their jobs unconditionally anymore? It's rare to find teachers that have been teaching long enough to retire and most are seeking early retirement.  As I  pondered these thoughts it became clear to me that the US education system doesn't really care so much for the children as they say they do... concern is solely on how good does our school / school system look when those glorious test scores surface.  SMH it truly makes me sad that our educational system has come to this because what it causes is added tension among staff and added stress on the teachers.  It's hard to teach when in the back of your mind the only thing you can think about is how much you have to do, deadlines, iep's, pep's, test scores, etc. 

I would love the opportunity to teach stress free like my teachers did...at least once would be nice. 

I made it!

Hello all, I know I've been missing in action since January but I am back and I am pleased to say that I made it! I'm going into my second year teaching and I have to tell you God always has a way of working things out.  I am still at the same school and although several of my colleagues have transferred to other schools and my principal did the same I am really looking forward to this school year.  I don't feel like I am going to have to compete for the attention of the administration I am going to have the opportunity to shine and show the new principal what I am capable of.

I am also teaching a different grade level this year (3rd grade) which I was honestly nervous about at first.  Now I am really beginning to get excited about with school starting in about 2 weeks.  Hopefully I will have lots of great things to post this school year...

Ciao'

Funny...

So I read this the other day when I was working on my new website for my students & parents.  I wanted to put this quote on my "blog profile" there but it contained too many characters...go figure.

I laugh every time I read about it but I swear it applies to so many professions not just the ones listed.

If a doctor, lawyer, or dentist had 40 people in his office at one time, all of whom had different needs, and some of whom didn't want to be there and were causing trouble, and the doctor, lawyer, or dentist, without assistance, had to treat them all with professional excellence for nine months, then he might have some conception of the classroom teacher's job.  ~Donald D. Quinn

I love it...especially the part about having different needs and some who don't want to be there...

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year all!

Kinda sad it got here so quick...my winter break is officially over!!!!!! We had snow for 2 days in December before school was out so we lose our workday for January 3...(super sad face) I've had to go in to the school this weekend to do work to make sure I am all ready for my new beginning.

I have my mind made up that I am going to be the absolute best teacher I can be.  So with that being said it's gonna mean that I am going to have to put in some extra work during the week/weekend to be beyond prepared for what's in store.

I need to make some heads turn at my school so I've created a new website for my kids & parents to access so we will see how this goes.  Wish me luck and if you have any ideas please feel free to leave em'!

Ciao'

What in the world is Elf on the Shelf...

So the other morning my students walk in all talking about how the "elf" came to visit them last night.  I'm clearly confused and thinking they are playing a prank on me until today.  My bestie from school shares with me that her 2nd graders are all obsessed with the "elf on the shelf".  Naturally I look at her like she's insane until I realize that this is a book with a stuffed toy elf and they get to name it. Their parents are clearly invested in this prank because these kids don't even believe in Santa anymore because of their elf that writes them notes and hides and leaves them gifts in which they have to respond by letter as well.

Boy times sure have changed...

www.elfontheshelf.com

Second Thoughts

It's been a while since I've written anything for the blog but I honestly haven't had the passion to want to do so.  I'm going to try my best to post at least once a week because I think it will help me to express some of my feelings about my first year as a 4th grade teacher.

I swear I would have never thought it would have been like this.  Especially being we were all taught to ask what is your support system like for your new teachers. Sad to say I didn't get to ask that question because I wasn't hired to work at my school I was moved there.  Well now I know their support system sucks! My mentor was our for about a month because of her father's death which I don't blame on her because even though he was sick can you ever truly prepare for a loss like that? I don't think so but I did assure her upon her return that I was fine and that she shouldn't be worried about me but she needed to focus on herself and take some time to get herself back in her groove.

My grade level stinks...That's about all I can say about that.  I find out things at the last minute which leaves me feeling unprepared and anxious.  I have a great relationship with most of my parents but there are a few that I'd rather not deal with ever again in life.

I hate math stations...they seem pointless to me but hey somebody thought it was a good idea so I'm just gonna run with it.

The one thing that makes me hate school the most now is the disloyalty among my peers.  Everyone is worried about themselves especially our principal.  I honestly think next year he is gonna be gone and we are going to be in for a rude awakening because he is so laid back we have no true structure.  We don't turn in our lesson plans for review. We don't have grade level meetings anymore.

Now the final drum roll.................................................................................................................................

Due to our budget (county) there is going to be a lay off of about 300 positions.  So that feels like all of the 1st & 2nd year teachers are outta here... I pray not because I need my job but I can't say that I didn't think about this happening.

Ciao'

Knowing There Is Hope

So just when I thought things couldn't get any worse one of my students showed up Thursday morning before the  benchmark exams and said Ms. B I really thought you could use this because you're awesome...then she handed me a glass apple with a golden stem and leaf...I teared up for a moment not knowing what to say. So I sit it on my pc desk and the other students walk in and begin to start their day. As they see the apple I hear one student say, "So she really did bring the apple". I laugh to myself thinking how they all were discussing things nice to do for me and the surprise that someone actually followed through.

Dream Achieved