School Days....

Well, school has officially started and I am pretty much back into the swing of things. I had two weeks of teacher inservice, which let me tell you it was definitely not enough time to prepare myself or my classroom for what was coming yesterday! Yesterday was insane! No matter how much I tried to be organized I quickly figured out something was about to throw a kink in my organization.

First thing Monday morning the kids started showing up at 7:30. I got there at 7:20 which definitely was not enough time to get the days things ready, or prepare myself mentally! It was a whirlwind from the second they walked in the door until I left at 5:00. It was crazy! So much to do, so much to explain, take up, pass out, etc....just absolutely crazy! But I survived to do it all over again today! Today was definitely less hectic....MUCH LESS! It was definitely more layed back as far as how much there was to do. After these first two days I must say I am really looking forward to this year! My kids are all well-behaved for the most part. Some of them will have some slip-ups, but for the most part I don't forsee anything major (i.e. referrals). Nothing like what I dealt with last year that is for sure! These kids are practically angels compared to my 4th graders last year! My fellow 3rd grade teachers are awesome also! They are willing to do anything to help me out! Which is so nice...I feel so blessed because I didn't have that luxury last year! And let me tell you it is definitely a luxury! The Reading teachers are planning the first 6 weeks lessons for the other new 3rd grade Reading teacher and me, which is SO nice! It is such a relief to have the weeks lessons handed to you and all the materials that go along with it! After the 1st 6 weeks we will begin planning a portion of the lesson, which will also be nice. I came from working in a horrible environment to this....I feel so blessed! It is an amazing feeling to be able to leave school in a good mood. (and only have to drive 30 minutes to get home!) Most days last year I couldn't say that.

Needless to say, I am really looking forward to this year! I have great 3rd grade teachers to work with (including my partner teacher who's awesome!), well-behaved kids (for the most part), and a supporting administration! All three of those combined should make for a great year! I will definitely keep this up to date on my daily happenings as much as my time allows. Until next time....

Hallelujah...I have a job!!!

Well, it finally happened....I HAVE A JOB!!!! I have gone through 5 interviews and waited all summer, but I finally got one! This is nothing short of God's handy work! In a nutshell here is the story...

I was sitting at home yesterday going between the computer and the TV as I have been doing all summer long when I get a phone call. It was the principal from Caldwell (who called last week to tell me they had filled the position I interviewed for 2 weeks ago) asking me if I had signed a contract anywhere yet. I of course said no, and she proceeded to say they have another opening for a 3rd grade Reading teacher. She said she didn't have a letter of resignation yet, but would probably be calling tomorrow (today) to offer me the job after she checked my references. Needless to say I couldn't express my excitement and gratitude enough on the phone. I was trying to downplay my excitement, but it was a little hard. So I waited by the phone all day today with my mind wandering in a million different directions. Then my phone rang...it was her offering me the job! So, I now have a job! I will be teaching 3rd grade Reading at Caldwell Intermediate School. I will also have a partner that will teach Math, Science, and Social Studies. This will be similar to my student teaching experience, which I enjoyed, but it will of course be 3rd grade and I will focus on Reading. I am not sure who my partner is, but I am nevertheless excited about this year! After I interviewed in Caldwell, I felt like I was supposed to be there. The grade level set-up was ideal for me (having a partner teacher) after what I went through last year. I will also have the opportunity to plan with the rest of the 3rd grade Reading teachers, so that will be so nice. I no longer have to plan for a subject I know little about...i.e. Science! I hope this proves to be a great year! I know I am excited for what God has in store for Clay and me as I am able to teach closer to home, and as he graduates and starts working full-time at 12th Man Productions. God promises that He will take care of us and never leave us, and He has proved that yet again! God is so good! This verse just came to mind, and I think it fits very well here...

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
~Philippians 4:19

So why was I worrying???? :) Until next time....

And the saga continues....

There could be some good news...make that GREAT news on the horizon! I don't want to officially say it and jinx myself, but lets just say God has possibly opened a door for a job. I will probably find out more tomorrow. Until then I pray and wait...

On the same note... as I mentioned in my last entry, I had an interview at a charter school last Thursday. Lets just say that turned out to be a bust. They expected for me to be SUPER TEACHER, which is not exactly possible! I met with the superintendent of the school first who was a mild mannered older lady and very nice. Then she traded me off so that I could meet with the principal and she could meet with another candidate the principal scheduled an interview for at the same time mine was. (Great communication skills!) The principal, however, turned out to be a drill sergeant grilling me with all kinds of questions, some I didn't even have an answer for. So I pretty much would give the answer that was on the top of my head. I sat through 30 grueling minutes of this! It was the worst interview that I have ever had. I have never had a principal interview me like that. I felt so intimidated by him that I couldn't even think straight! As I was in the middle of the interview I just wanted to say "see ya, wouldn't want to be ya!" and walk out. On top of all this he decides to ask me a question such as this: "If I were to walk into your classroom how would I know you have enough knowledge to teach the children." Are you serious right now???!!! I have a teaching degree from one of the best colleges in America and you want to question my level of knowledge!!?? I was appalled, not to mention disgusted! Oh well, I have just chalked it up to another interview and moved on. I almost wanted to laugh in their faces before I left, but I kept my professionalism. Best of all they wanted me to teach in the corner of a room. They were going to convert a corner of the front office/cafeteria into the 4th and 5th grade classroom. Hahahahaha! But I digress....

Anyway..... Clay finished up his last summer session officially today! He got a 79 in his Biology class and will probably get a B in his English. Hallelujah he is done with summer school and almost graduated! 9 more hours to go! Should be a light fall semester of classes, but a busy one with football season! That's about all for now...pray for good news on the job front!