Hi Everyone ~
I know it's been a couple weeks since my last post - sorry. I do have a lot to share. As you all know I was subbing in that 5th grade classroom. The first few days were rough....the teacher who retired had been teaching for 32 years and it looked as if the stuff in his classroom was around for that long as well. It was so unstimulating that even I was depressed when I walked in there. The kids were a rowdy bunch - from what I understand they were able to do basically whatever they wanted. So I started that Monday 11/14 and my interview for that position was on that Thursday. I had a panel of about six people interviewing me. One of the people was another principal from another school who was hiring for a 4th grade opening. Well to make a long story short they were interviewing 8 of us and I was told that I should hear something by the following Wednesday. That night I received a call but I wasn't home so I missed it. The next day the principal came up to me and offered me the choice of the 5th and the 4th grade position. I choose to stay in the class I was working with - so (drum roll please) I am officially a 5th grade teacher with a contract until the end of the school year. Yippee for me! I took great pleasure in ripping the stuff off the walls and making the classroom mine - I'll post pictures soon.
However, it's been very difficult. I am going in at 7:00am and not getting home until 5:00 and than putting in an additional 6-8 hours per Saturday and Sunday. As a matter of fact I just got home from there now - about 6.5 hours. I am finally starting to feel as if I'm catching up. Which is good.
Talk to you soon.
Love,
Katie
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Working
Hi Everyone ~
Well I am currently working at that school that had the open 5th grade position as a substitute teacher. I don't have the position yet but I do interview for it again on Thursday with the 5th grade team. However, in the mean time I am subbing for that very class because the teacher left already. They have 6 possible canidates - It sounds promising....however I am feeling very overwhelmed. It's only day two and part of me is ready to break down. Some of these kids are at a reading level lower than first grade. It's so much work and the teacher did not leave me any type of lesson plans. I am just winging it and not sure what they have covered. It sucks. I know it will get better but in the mean time - ARGHHHH!!!!
Heather (my old mentor) came by yesterday to help me just sanatize the room. It was disgusting. Today I cleaned the desks - the white baby wipes were black at the end. GROSS!! And the sad thing is - I'm not lying at all. It is just dirty. The guy before me was not known for his cleanliness in the class. The walls in the class are filled with useless crap - posters that his class made - ten years ago. Nothing is from the current year. If I do get the job I'll have to purchase things for the wall - it is so unstimulating it's depressing.
Yes - this is what I worked for. It will get better - it will get better - it will get better.
Hope all is going well with everyone.
Love,
Katie
Well I am currently working at that school that had the open 5th grade position as a substitute teacher. I don't have the position yet but I do interview for it again on Thursday with the 5th grade team. However, in the mean time I am subbing for that very class because the teacher left already. They have 6 possible canidates - It sounds promising....however I am feeling very overwhelmed. It's only day two and part of me is ready to break down. Some of these kids are at a reading level lower than first grade. It's so much work and the teacher did not leave me any type of lesson plans. I am just winging it and not sure what they have covered. It sucks. I know it will get better but in the mean time - ARGHHHH!!!!
Heather (my old mentor) came by yesterday to help me just sanatize the room. It was disgusting. Today I cleaned the desks - the white baby wipes were black at the end. GROSS!! And the sad thing is - I'm not lying at all. It is just dirty. The guy before me was not known for his cleanliness in the class. The walls in the class are filled with useless crap - posters that his class made - ten years ago. Nothing is from the current year. If I do get the job I'll have to purchase things for the wall - it is so unstimulating it's depressing.
Yes - this is what I worked for. It will get better - it will get better - it will get better.
Hope all is going well with everyone.
Love,
Katie
Friday, November 11, 2005
Monday, November 07, 2005
The Day Before.....
Hi Everyone ~
Well it's official (I've been having a lot of "official" days lately haven't I?) - student teaching is over. It was sort of an emotional time...didn't help that some of the kids start to cry a bit but I over came it. They put together a book full of letters from each of the students and binded it up. It's so awesome to read through the letters and see what each of the kids had to say.
Some of my favorite lines are:
"I also liked writers workshop I liked that you brought pictures in. Good thing you took writing classes or we would have these cruddy books that stunk."
"You are the best student teacher I have ever had and I have been at this school for four years."
"I hate when my student teachers leave cause they always cry pathetic." I had to laugh when I read that.
"Trust me if you are going to be a teacher you are going to have some ruff years and want to quit. But the others are going to be great and you will want to brag. " This is from a boy who's mother is a teacher.
"If you want a high paying job then you should think of a new job."
"Here is some advice you should always be yourself and not someone else"
"I'll miss your jokes and kindness."
"You have a very pretty face and your clothes are always beautiful." One of my favorites.
"I love your personality and how you act around kids because you don't have to feel like you have to be all quiet. Because last year our student teacher was always quiet and didn't really show herself that much but THIS year you have been outstanding and you have shown the class the REAL you!" That's me alright....not hiding my personality from anyone!
"Your nice, funny, cool, sweet and awesome! You never got mad at us either." This student must have been absent.... :-)
As you can tell I didn't not edit these...but that's why I love them so much. They also got me a cake and a gift card to a teacher store which will come in handy. A couple of the student's brought me flowers and I got tons of homemade cards! Things I'll treasure forever. I need to put together a student teaching box.
Also good news is tomorrow I am going to get my teaching certificate. My AEPA test scores came in (the ones I lost) so I'm all set. A girl from Ottawa who I had numerous classes with is going with me and we'll get them together and then go to lunch to celebrate. I can't believe I"M DONE!!! Man time flew by.
Of course I'm off until I find a job...can't leave the house because I'll spend money. So I am watching tons of TV. TLC - I love that channel. I've watched the Baby Story, Clean Sweep, What Not to Wear....the list goes on. And yesterday was movie day. I'm must have seen about 10 movies. You may ask....where is Chris? Well good question....Sport Chalet opened on Saturday so all week he was at work doing 12-15 hour days. Good thing he is hourly. So I haven't seen much of him. I must have shocked the hell out of him yesterday. He comes home the place is clean (even the drawers in the bathroom), I have dinner ready (which I made) and a cold beer waiting for him along with brownies for dessert. Who is the best girlfriend ever???? ME! Never mind I'm going through people withdrawal and I was just happy to see another human being instead of the animals I live with. :-)
I'll post a picture tomorrow of me holding my certificate. No news on that teaching job but my mentor teacher just called and asked if she could give my cell phone to a school who needs someone. No idea on what grade but hey it's a call right?
Love,
Katie
Well it's official (I've been having a lot of "official" days lately haven't I?) - student teaching is over. It was sort of an emotional time...didn't help that some of the kids start to cry a bit but I over came it. They put together a book full of letters from each of the students and binded it up. It's so awesome to read through the letters and see what each of the kids had to say.
Some of my favorite lines are:
"I also liked writers workshop I liked that you brought pictures in. Good thing you took writing classes or we would have these cruddy books that stunk."
"You are the best student teacher I have ever had and I have been at this school for four years."
"I hate when my student teachers leave cause they always cry pathetic." I had to laugh when I read that.
"Trust me if you are going to be a teacher you are going to have some ruff years and want to quit. But the others are going to be great and you will want to brag. " This is from a boy who's mother is a teacher.
"If you want a high paying job then you should think of a new job."
"Here is some advice you should always be yourself and not someone else"
"I'll miss your jokes and kindness."
"You have a very pretty face and your clothes are always beautiful." One of my favorites.
"I love your personality and how you act around kids because you don't have to feel like you have to be all quiet. Because last year our student teacher was always quiet and didn't really show herself that much but THIS year you have been outstanding and you have shown the class the REAL you!" That's me alright....not hiding my personality from anyone!
"Your nice, funny, cool, sweet and awesome! You never got mad at us either." This student must have been absent.... :-)
As you can tell I didn't not edit these...but that's why I love them so much. They also got me a cake and a gift card to a teacher store which will come in handy. A couple of the student's brought me flowers and I got tons of homemade cards! Things I'll treasure forever. I need to put together a student teaching box.
Also good news is tomorrow I am going to get my teaching certificate. My AEPA test scores came in (the ones I lost) so I'm all set. A girl from Ottawa who I had numerous classes with is going with me and we'll get them together and then go to lunch to celebrate. I can't believe I"M DONE!!! Man time flew by.
Of course I'm off until I find a job...can't leave the house because I'll spend money. So I am watching tons of TV. TLC - I love that channel. I've watched the Baby Story, Clean Sweep, What Not to Wear....the list goes on. And yesterday was movie day. I'm must have seen about 10 movies. You may ask....where is Chris? Well good question....Sport Chalet opened on Saturday so all week he was at work doing 12-15 hour days. Good thing he is hourly. So I haven't seen much of him. I must have shocked the hell out of him yesterday. He comes home the place is clean (even the drawers in the bathroom), I have dinner ready (which I made) and a cold beer waiting for him along with brownies for dessert. Who is the best girlfriend ever???? ME! Never mind I'm going through people withdrawal and I was just happy to see another human being instead of the animals I live with. :-)
I'll post a picture tomorrow of me holding my certificate. No news on that teaching job but my mentor teacher just called and asked if she could give my cell phone to a school who needs someone. No idea on what grade but hey it's a call right?
Love,
Katie
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
~ Harvest Days ~
Hello Everyone ~
Happy November!! I really love this time of the year. It’s the calm right before the holidays. The air outside is crisp and you can smell the burning of leaves…..okay so right now in Arizona it is still about 90 degrees and I don’t think I’ve ever smelled burning leaves here – but you can imagine right?
But really I do love this time of the year – it really is the calm before the storm. At my school we did celebrate Halloween. Except we called it a Harvest Party and it wasn’t Halloween it was Costume Day which is a Spirit Day by Student Council. Some of the other schools in the district didn’t do anything…no party or costumes just a typical day at school. However since we did celebrate it the teachers had to come dressed up. Not had to but was STRONGLY encouraged
and as a newbie trying to find a job….well let’s just say I don’t need any more encouragement. After many hours of thought I finally decided to put one of those old bridesmaid dresses to use (I have three in my closet – always a bridesmaid but never a bride….by my choice I suppose ha ha ha – yet oddly enough I do have a wedding dress too ha ha ha). I ended up going as Miss Illinois. Made a little sash, grabbed a crown and pulled on my long red gloves “Hello little people, I am Miss Illinois.” One of the girls actually asked if Miss Illinois had given me her sash to use. What do you mean??? I am Miss Illinois. Geez.
Today I had a little impromptu meeting with the principle at the one school that has a 5th grade opening. She was very nice. Talked to me and then took me around to see the all the 5th grade classrooms. I even got to speak with the gentleman who was leaving due to medical issues. He said they were a good group…but they had their issues. What group doesn’t I suppose? The classroom was very small and the school in general is very different from the one I am currently at. But overall I really liked it…however I did notice that not too many classes had things posted outside in the hall. I hope I’m not too crafty for 5th grade….because we will have something posted. The students should feel welcomed – it is their home away from home after all. So seeing the teacher they have, I can tell I would be a big difference. They would be going from a gentle mannered 58 year old (give or take) to a crafty free-spirited (I love that word) 26 (almost 27 I guess) year old – on top of it one who think she can change the world. How cute! I joke around saying I want to touch the lives of all my students so my brother-in-law doesn’t have too. (He’s a cop – get it?) That would be the honest to god truth in the case of some of these kids. Yet I really liked it…unlike the school I’m at now I felt that a good teacher was really really needed by these kids. I don’t know if I fit that bill but I would love to try. So…..we’ll see I guess. She had to interview a few more people and work out the kinks with the teacher who’s leaving but I really hope I get it. I sent her a thank you please consider me letter. Keep your fingers crossed….thank you.
Also I found out today when I graduate. The official commencement date is March 24, 2006. Mark your calendars people!!!! Katie is graduating from college!!!!!!! But I am able to get my teaching certificate next week due to a special piece of paper called Institutional Recommendation which just means the University is vouching that I have completed everything necessary. But my Bachelors Degree won’t be authenticated until December 31 and they want to wait three months to have a ceremony. Whatever!! Just get my broke butt a job!!!
I can hear the mall calling my name….”Katie. Katie – we have the cutest fall and winter fashions ever.” Sigh. I’ll be there soon.
Well that is about all. Hope all is well with everyone and that you all enjoyed a safe and Happy Halloween! Which I can say because it’s my blog– if you’re offended by it – OH WELL. That’s the free spirit in me!!
Good night.
Love,
Katie
Happy November!! I really love this time of the year. It’s the calm right before the holidays. The air outside is crisp and you can smell the burning of leaves…..okay so right now in Arizona it is still about 90 degrees and I don’t think I’ve ever smelled burning leaves here – but you can imagine right?
But really I do love this time of the year – it really is the calm before the storm. At my school we did celebrate Halloween. Except we called it a Harvest Party and it wasn’t Halloween it was Costume Day which is a Spirit Day by Student Council. Some of the other schools in the district didn’t do anything…no party or costumes just a typical day at school. However since we did celebrate it the teachers had to come dressed up. Not had to but was STRONGLY encouraged
and as a newbie trying to find a job….well let’s just say I don’t need any more encouragement. After many hours of thought I finally decided to put one of those old bridesmaid dresses to use (I have three in my closet – always a bridesmaid but never a bride….by my choice I suppose ha ha ha – yet oddly enough I do have a wedding dress too ha ha ha). I ended up going as Miss Illinois. Made a little sash, grabbed a crown and pulled on my long red gloves “Hello little people, I am Miss Illinois.” One of the girls actually asked if Miss Illinois had given me her sash to use. What do you mean??? I am Miss Illinois. Geez.Today I had a little impromptu meeting with the principle at the one school that has a 5th grade opening. She was very nice. Talked to me and then took me around to see the all the 5th grade classrooms. I even got to speak with the gentleman who was leaving due to medical issues. He said they were a good group…but they had their issues. What group doesn’t I suppose? The classroom was very small and the school in general is very different from the one I am currently at. But overall I really liked it…however I did notice that not too many classes had things posted outside in the hall. I hope I’m not too crafty for 5th grade….because we will have something posted. The students should feel welcomed – it is their home away from home after all. So seeing the teacher they have, I can tell I would be a big difference. They would be going from a gentle mannered 58 year old (give or take) to a crafty free-spirited (I love that word) 26 (almost 27 I guess) year old – on top of it one who think she can change the world. How cute! I joke around saying I want to touch the lives of all my students so my brother-in-law doesn’t have too. (He’s a cop – get it?) That would be the honest to god truth in the case of some of these kids. Yet I really liked it…unlike the school I’m at now I felt that a good teacher was really really needed by these kids. I don’t know if I fit that bill but I would love to try. So…..we’ll see I guess. She had to interview a few more people and work out the kinks with the teacher who’s leaving but I really hope I get it. I sent her a thank you please consider me letter. Keep your fingers crossed….thank you.
Also I found out today when I graduate. The official commencement date is March 24, 2006. Mark your calendars people!!!! Katie is graduating from college!!!!!!! But I am able to get my teaching certificate next week due to a special piece of paper called Institutional Recommendation which just means the University is vouching that I have completed everything necessary. But my Bachelors Degree won’t be authenticated until December 31 and they want to wait three months to have a ceremony. Whatever!! Just get my broke butt a job!!!
I can hear the mall calling my name….”Katie. Katie – we have the cutest fall and winter fashions ever.” Sigh. I’ll be there soon.
Well that is about all. Hope all is well with everyone and that you all enjoyed a safe and Happy Halloween! Which I can say because it’s my blog– if you’re offended by it – OH WELL. That’s the free spirit in me!!
Good night.
Love,
Katie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)