Life of a Teacher

     Here I am, sitting at my kitchen table putting together this dreaded thing known as the "Subfolder". This is basically a folder that outlines every last detail of my day, in the unfortunate incident that I am absent (it is weird to me that I will forever have the ability to be considered "absent"). Anyway, that is the first of many things on my to-do list for this evening- so what do I do? I decide it is time to update my blog!

     I have officially been a teacher for 1 week and 3 days, and I can honestly, without a doubt in my mind, say that I absolutely love my job. Not only do I have the luxury of almost 30 pre-determined days off (NOT including summer break). I have a group of absolute sweethearts to work with each an every day. I have the opportunity to help mold these children into effective citizens in our society. This opportunity is present for any teacher of any grade, but I honestly believe that elementary school is the most influential time for kids. They are going to get either a good, or a bad taste in their mouth for school - almost all based on the experiences with their teacher(s). All it takes is one bad teacher to really mess things up. One teacher, who is only teaching for those glorious days off (especially summer) and/or because they figured it was an easy profession. I'll give them this- it is an easy profession, IF you're a bad teacher. I say this because if you are a bad teacher you don't work outside of the hours of 8-3 (or whatever the schools hours may be) M-F. You don't go home at night and think about what great activity you could do to help the kids understand something better while having FUN doing so.  You don't take time out of your day to simply smile and make your students feel like they are the most important kids in the world to you, which is one of the most crucial things you should do. Some of these kids don't get that kind of attention and support at home and school may be the only place they really feel loved and feel like they are good at something.  But that is enough of my rant on BAD teachers... I will go on to tell you about my class!

     I have a grand total of a whopping 7 kids. I have 3 kindergartners that I see twice a day for reading and math, and 4 2nd graders, 3 of which I pull twice a day for Reading and Math, and the 4th for Math only. These kids are wonderful and hysterical. In fact, right before leaving my class yesterday, one of my kindergartners ran up and gave me a big hug and said " I love you!"-- that was cute, but the best part was, as he was walking out of the door he turned and said " I'll see you later cutie-baby!" I almost died from laughing so hard. It may not seem that funny to you, but I am telling you this kid is full of comments like that. All of my kids are great and my only goal and hope is that I am able to leave a good impression of school with them. I want them to enjoy school and enjoy learning, and I will do anything in my power to make that happen.

     With all of that being said, even with the absurd amount of paperwork I have to take care of due to being a  Special Ed teacher, and all of the other random assignments and papers I have to get done for the administrators - I would not trade my job for anything. It is quite the feeling to know that I have chosen the right profession for me and that it is something I love so much. I just wanted to share a little update and some feelings about this new chapter of my life, and I will leave you all with this quote that I am sure you have heard a million times but is perfect for me:

“If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life"





 

Classroom

     Hello fellow bloggers! This past week has been spent doing in-service, working registration, and setting up my room. Of course, my favorite part thus far has been setting up my very own classroom! I am extremely excited about school starting and can't wait to meet my kiddos. Speaking of kiddos, it looks like I am only going to have about 6 kids TOTAL. Two kindergarten resource and four 2nd grade resource. It is going to take some getting used to, but I know it will be a wonderful experience; and like I have said before, I am so glad to have familiar faces around to help guide me through my first year. Here are a few pictures of my classroom up to this point. It is about 85-90% complete, but there are a couple of things I still need to add and I am sure as the year goes on I will add little odds and ends.

This will be the pick-up and turn-in table. The 3 bins on the left are labeled by grade, the 2 small are sharpened and not sharpened pencils, and the 3 flatter bins will be used to turn in math and reading work.

My wall shelving where all the textbooks, games, and craft supplies are. This will soon be more organized once I get all matching containers. Yes, I have a problem :)

This is one side of the classroom. Still have to add some sort of "Behavior Chart" sign above the bear paws that will be used for conduct.

Here is the other side of the room, my SmartBoard, and the table has all of my Math program materials on it, separated by grade level.

This is near my desk, just filing cabinets and then a "mailbox" type system to help separate student work at the end of each day.

If anyone has any other ideas they think I should add in my room, let me know :) I am always up to try new ideas! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!