Changes are Coming

When I was in 5th grade I had a very strict teacher. In his class you always had to fold your papers a certain way, turn things in number order, and stand up when answering a question. Everyone else in the class had to turn and face you.

One day he called on me to answer a math word problem. I stood up and gave the wrong answer. He read the problem again, and I gave the wrong answer again. He read the problem for a 3rd time and I again gave the wrong answer. He made some comment about me getting the problem wrong.

At this point I broke out of my quiet shell and shouted "Maybe if you actually explained the problem to me, instead of just reading it, I could figure it out!"

I was sent to the hall......and this is the day I decided I would one day come back and teach at that school and not make students feel like I felt in that moment.

That dream came true. My first full time spot was indeed at my home school. My husband also worked in that school.

I taught at Lexington for 3 years and then had to move to another school in my district, Scottsburg, so my youngest boys could be picked up from preschool/daycare on time. Then I transferred back to Lexington last year. A few months ago my husband was offered the principal spot at our school. Under 1 condition, I had to leave.

Saying I was heartbroken would be an understatement. I couldn't stand in the way of his dreams, but I was going to have to leave mine behind for it to happen.

Once again, I had to pack up my room. (My 5th move)

At first my school board was going to move me to the Middle School as there were no elementary spots open. I was going to work on an emergency license and teach Family and Consumer Science. I had a minor freak out over this. I looked at the State test for that license and it wasn't pretty. I can cook, but the questions on the sample test were crazy.

A week later my Superintendent came back and told me there was an opening at Scottsburg elementary, and I was now moving to that spot.

I am now going to be teaching a Transitional First Grade class. It's a "Gift of Time" program. Meaning, it's for a small group of kids, no more than 15, that don't need to repeat kindergarten, but aren't ready for 1st grade either. They will be with me for a year and then the following year move into first grade full time. Half of my year will be kindergarten material, and the other half 1st.

I won't be using our kindergarten curriculum, or our first grade curriculum. I'm winging it!

I hate that I'm leaving my home school behind. I truly love it. It's been my dream for a long time.

I'll miss my knitting kids and the staff that have become my second family. But, I have worked at this school before. I already know the staff and routines. That makes things easier. I'll be spending this summer figuring out my curriculum and once again preparing a new room.

My friend Michelle was kind enough to go into my new room and take pictures the last day of school.