Restful Summer & New Hope

Hi everyone! I hope you are all enjoying your time off. I definitely know that I have! I decided that I didn't want to teach summer school or summer programs like I have these past four years. Instead, I decided to spend my time babysitting several of the kiddos around my neighborhood. And let me tell you, I am really glad that I decided to do that. I don't have to worry about driving 45 minutes or trying to prepare lessons.

My summer started out with one of my closest friends getting married! It was such a beautiful wedding and I was honored to stand by her side. The wedding was at their ranch home in Clovis. It was all about love, country music, and family. I know that they will have a long and happy life together.

Then, I've just been taking the kiddos to swim practice and doing fun activities during the day. About once a week, I will babysit and infant who is one of the sweetest little boys I have ever babysat! I am definitely enjoying my summer days spending time with these sweet little ones.

During this time, I've really had some time to think and reflect about my career. I am going into my 5th year of teaching. I've taught in 4 different classrooms, in 4 different schools, and 3 different school districts. At first, I didn't enjoy teaching in my current school district due to my 30-45 minute commute each way. But, I am making good money and the school I'm at this year is a little bit closer from the freeway. So, it will save me probably 10 minutes every morning. I am also teaching 2nd grade this yeah, which is my favorite grade to teach. Yes, I have a long commute; but, I am trying to see the more positive side of things. I know that this is where I belong right now. When my boyfriend and I decide to settle down and buy and house and have a family, then I will move to a closer district that is closer to my house.

I have new hope for this school year. I have hope that this will be a great year. Yes, there will be challenges as for there are every year. But, I know that I have not only grown as a teacher, but also into a more mature adult. I am able to stay calm during rough situations and try to solve the problem more effectively. 

So, to all my teacher friends, enjoy the last little bit of summer vacation that we have left. I'll be sharing over the next couple of weeks what I will be doing next year. Until then, I'm going to relax, finalize my plans for next year, and stay positive.

Time off

Hi everyone! I know that I haven't blogged in over a year. I took some time off and had to regroup a bit. To be honest, I was heartbroken when I lost my 2nd grade job last year. I absolutely loved my school, staff, students, and parents. It was my best year of teaching! However, someone with higher seniority got my job. I was devestated and almost left the profession.

Then, that summer I was going through some more personal hardships. My boyfriend of 5 years and I decided that we needed a break. To add on, I had about 4 different interviews, and no job :( I had no idea why I wasn't getting a job. This was probably the hardest time of my life. I didn't get a job until a week before school started and it was for teaching 4th grade.

Granted, I was happy to get a job. But, I was devastated that I wasn't in my old school district. And instead of living down the street from my school, I now have a 45 minute commute. I struggled with this for months. I still struggle with missing my old school. I didn't have the same feeling this year as I did last year with the 2nd graders.

There is much more to my story about this year and I don't want to go into any details. But, I am moving classrooms (again!) and this time I'm staying in the school district. I'm really happy that I am going back into 2nd grade next year. I really liked teaching 4th grade this year; but, 2nd grade is where my heart is. Also, my boyfriend and I got back together and we couldn't be happier!

So, here's to next year being better, brighter, and learning to love teaching again. I lost it for a little bit after I lost my job last year. But, I am now trying to find the joy again. I am hoping that by teaching 2nd grade again next year, it will help.