After one week in the same classroom, I must say...being in the same place everyday is such a blessing. I am working in a third grade classroom, my first long-term substitute job, with a bunch of fantastic kiddos. I knew I would enjoy knowing my schedule for the entire week, after many weeks of very unusual schedules and different days, but I didn't think the first week would go by so quickly and be so fun. The first few days were difficult, as the students were pushing limits and trying to see what they could get away with, but by Friday, we were doing great! You can tell they miss their teacher, but they are responding to my instruction and working together to be flexible. I am grateful to have a regular volunteer to help with grading, filing of papers and preparing folders for the students. This woman has volunteered for the teacher for seven years, she knows where things are and has been a tremendous help. The other two third grade teachers have also been fantastic. It's great to be a school where I know most of the staff and know I can ask for help or send kids to them to complete work. An experience that will hugely benefit my confidence and comfort levels for having my own classroom. This week will go by quickly, between substituting and doing my own school work.
Graduate school is going well. We only have three and a half more weeks of the semester. I will be done on May 9th, but I feel as though I just started yesterday. Eleven week semesters go by quickly. I will be taking two, maybe three classes for summer session, which starts the third week in May. One of my professors from this semester will be teaching a class on classroom management that I plan to take over the summer session. It will be fun to see her teach face to face after having a great online class experience with her as the professor. She is also my academic adviser, so it is nice to have a chance to get to know her more. I am amazed at how quickly time is flying by.
I have also been tutoring twice a week at Matheson Park, working with first, fourth and fifth grade students. These three activities have kept me rather busy. I am enjoying getting to apply my college education with students and starting to see how my education impacts my teaching.
The semester is flying by and I look forward to a change of pace in the summer. I am still not sure what the summer will bring, but I know I will be taking classes, enjoying some time by the pool, and working in some sort of odd summer job. I look forward to the possibility of having a teaching position in the fall...but time shall tell. I have talked with a few principals, but the must hire teachers must be placed in positions first. God has a plan and I am letting Him be in control of what happens next. I look forward to my own classroom, but know that substituting for another year may be helpful as well. We shall see where the road leads.
As always, I am thinking ahead, but trying to remember that relaxing and enjoying now is just as important. New adventures will always be around the corner. God will lead me to the perfect teaching position in His perfect timing.
May God bless you this week.
Julie
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