Changes...

When I started this blog, I was a 1:1 aide in a public school, working with a co-taught 4th grade class. I had all the time in the world after school. I didn't plan anything, I didn't prep anything, I just worked with the materials I had. I thought I would blog.

Then last year, I got a job as an assistant teacher in a therapeutic middle school. I was suddenly planning for 3-4 subjects per day (social studies, math, reading group, and grammar) and assisting with writing, community meeting, social skills, and so on. About the only thing I wasn't involved in was science. I loved my job intensely and connected with my students easily. But I was busy and exhausted and picking up overtime hours and going to the gym like it was my (second) job. So I didn't blog.

Ultimately, I needed to move on this summer, because I have had my masters and teaching license since 2011 and haven't utilized it as a head teacher yet. Breaking into the head teacher role was difficult. Interviewing and convincing people that I could take on roles that were not part of my previous job, such as testing/evaluations, managing staff, and writing IEPs. Luckily each job gave me a little more experience, and at this point, I am happy to say I managed to be comfortable enough to convince a district to give me a shot. And I don't always know what I'm doing, but I always have someone I can ask.


I interviewed for, was offered, and accepted my current position the Friday before my old job was meant to start. There was a week of orientation for staff there, and hopefully that gave them some time to replace me. My new students, however, started just 2 days after I was hired. It has been a complete whirlwind and I'm still trying to catch my breath. My team just now feels like we're starting to settle in a bit after 4 weeks (15 school days)--I think having 2 full weeks has been helpful, because it solidified our schedule a bit.

I am teaching in a 1st-5th grade emotional/behavioral program where kids vary wildly from on/above grade-level to kids with huge skill gaps, reading  3+ years below grade level...and kids with minor behavioral issues who have succeeded in the program and gained skills over the years, to kids who have majorly unsafe behaviors we're starting to see bubble up to the surface. I have 7 students who are included in 5 different classes. I am co-teaching with a general education teacher who consults with teachers to deliver their grade level work if they can't get it in class, while I modify classroom work to meet their needs. I have 3 fabulous paraprofessionals who support my kiddos in inclusion. My biggest nightmare is managing the schedule for all of us, but its beginning to settle down and all 12 of us know where we should be when and with whom. Until it all changes again.


I guess my point is, I am absolutely not less busy than I was before. I am not finding myself with an abundance of free time. But when I do have free time, I am finding that I want to spend time talking about my work, sharing ideas, and being part of a larger community of educators. So now, finally, I feel ready to actually put some work into this blog. I hope it will be a useful outlet for me, a resource for others, and a connection to people who are working in similar environments.