I apologize up front for my inconsistent blogging. It is so relaxing and enjoyable to sit down and actually take a minute to express how I'm feeling through writing. But to actually remember to sit down....that's another story.
Wow! I can't believe I only have 5 weeks of teaching left until I can honestly say, I have successfully completed my first year of teaching in a 5th grade resource room & with middle school students at the Truancy Academy.
When I was younger, right before I graduated from high school, an older friend of mine said, "Hey, slow down, once you get out of high school, life speeds by." I laughed this comment off, thinking "YEAH RIGHT!! Schooling takes FOREVER!."
Looking back now, I am 25 years old, have completed 6 years of college & earned my Special Education Teaching Certificate, traveled to South Africa, completed my first year of teaching and all I have to show for the many memories of my life up to now are certificates and pictures that spark those lost memories that are unfortunately forgotten during the fast paced bustling life I lead.
I'll admit the end of the year is conjuring up a bit of stress within this body of mine, however, I have so many amazing team members and colleagues that I know I am not alone. The assessments, paperwork, collaboration & meetings, etc. are all meant to make us more effective in teaching.
So let's talk about my students. I am going to be an emotional wreck when my kiddos walk out the door on June 8th. They are the most fabulous group of unique, creative kiddos a first year teacher could only imagine to have. They have grown not only academically but also socially in the past 9 months. These 5th graders will soon be moving on, heading to middle school. I pray for them the ability to laugh off gossip that is not truthful, the opportunity to stick up for others who are being treated in negative ways, and for them to continue to be motivated and passionate about learning & life. I pray for my Truancy kiddos to head back to their home districts with a new found confidence in their academic and social skills.
Teaching is all about igniting that fire within each student. I believe my job is to teach students WHY it is important to build a foundation in elementary and middle school that will carry them through high school and life.
Although the CCSS and criteria for students to earn their diploma is becoming more intense, with an internal drive, I do believe students can achieve amazing things. Students with severe learning disabilities, students with emotional impairments, students with speech and language impairments, hearing impairments, etc. We do not teach a cookie cutter population. This means though, we as teachers, MUST step it up. We must differentiate their instruction. We must HELP students to understand WHY it is important to really "get" geometry, or algebra. Creativity is key.
And I pray someday when I have children of my own, the teachers will take the time to ignite that spark with my own little ones instead of putting it out. Education equals success in a "more difficult than ever to get a job" economy.
I am excited to end this year on a positive note, spend some time learning about myself and my love for teaching through professional development in Belize, and start out next year all the wiser with a kick to my step.
Thanks to everyone who continuously supports me on my journey to figure out my educational philosophy and ......my life goals =)
Love,
Miss P
