Sometimes I miss it...

I have posted before about my surprise and satisfaction at how great it has been working with middle school students. While I antipated eyerolls, annoyance, sarcasm and hormones, I was pleasantly surprised by polite, appreciative, accepting, very nice kids. Although I am really enjoying my work with students in this age group, I have to say that sometimes I really miss my litte ones.

I taught first grade for three years and pre-school the year before that. One of the huge differences between these older students and the younger ones of my past is the fact that little kids just need more help. Simply put. They need their teachers more. Whether it is for academics, shoe tying, problem solving, or container opening the frequent beckoning of, "teacher! teacher!" definitely always made me feel needed.

Not to mention, not a day went by when I didn't get a hug. Most likely several.

Middle schoolers need help, but not in the same way. It's just not as satisfying to point out that there is another multiplcation strategy they might want to put to use than it is to zip a jacket or punch the straw in the Capri Sun.  I guess I really enjoyed the care taking part of teaching. Helping these little people get through the day, being a surrogate mom of sorts who not only teaches them, but helps them with other needs as well.

Not to mention, middle schoolers don't hug. Well, they probably hug each other, but not so much their teachers. I miss those hugs. I miss those excited faces that came to school with discombobulated stories of events that happened at home either the previous night or that morning.

Dare I say, I miss the wiggles?

My job now is different. I don't get to be with the same little group day in and day out. If you are a teacher, you know that your class becomes a team, a family of sorts, and that is a nice feeling. If you are absent, you are greatly missed! You feel like the class just might fall apart in your absence which is why you create lesson plans so detailed that you practically tell the substiute everything he/she should do including when and where to breathe. Having your own class truly is a treasure and a wonderful experience despite all those moments when you absolutely want to rip your hair out. It is in those moments when a quick hug from a student who takes you by surprise by wrapping their little arms around your bottom half, or a little drawing showing you and your little friend in crayon representations make every moment of teaching worthwhile.

I miss those things.

I miss my little ones.

Job Update

I heard from one of the 3rd grade teachers who I currently assist that the principal spoke to her about the options for a new TA....

Which would indicate to me that I possibly will be hired for the SPED position!

She also said that right now I am the only qualified applicant, so things are looking good. The application deadline is next Tuesday, but I have a feeling it is going to work in my favor.

The principal of the elementary school also spoke with me about it today in the hallway and sort of seemed apologetic that they did not even interview me for the first grade maternity leave opening, but like I said before, I just kind of feel like the way that it's working out is the way it's meant to be.

I am already brainstorming ideas of how to help these students that are needing extra support, even though I don't know the kids/ages/subjects yet. I think I am just trying to feel prepared to work with high schoolers! Yikes :0)

I am anxious to get our shipment which includes all of my teaching resource books and some teaching materials so that I can be ready.

Ok, I am acting like I already got the job and I haven't yet, so that is enough!

I went shopping today for my Back to School supplies to be ready for my fall term grad courses. The stuff I got is so funny to me. The planner is in German and has an Ice Age theme (like the kids' movie), but pretty easy to figure out. I need something to get myself organized not only for my assignments but for many appointments for our new apartment like the washer/dryer delivery, the installation of the lights, the IKEA delivery, and the internet installation.

Still keeping the fingers crossed and hoping for some definite news soon!

Job Offer

I received an offer from the school which guarantees me a TA position for the fall. The last email I got from the principal said it will most likely be in third grade, which makes me a very happy camper. I guess placements are not guaranteed until August, but I am hopeful that third grade will be my spot. One of the third grade teachers is actually also from Portland and taught at a district close to mine. It would be great to work with her because I am sure we have a lot in common. This is still all dependent on their ability to obtain a work permit for me.

I am now starting the process or wrapping my head around what the next 6 weeks will look like. I have lots of organizing to do both of my physical things and my thoughts. My husband does not want to officially make any announcements quite yet, so it is just our time to make sense of it all before we officially announce it to friends and colleagues. Given this process, I feel like nothing is 100% for sure until it is actually happening so even now, I can't say anything is "for sure."

Today is my first real day of summer vacation because ever since school let out we have been away. I woke up at 4:30 because of the 9 hour time difference, so I am trying to go full steam ahead with productivity until I crash later. I've got emails to send, friends to catch up with, cleaning, and lots of laundry to do. My poor husband has to go to work today which will be tough given the drastic schedule change. At least I know I can lay down at any point during the day when I need to. Being productive can be tiring!

Thanks for all the kind words in response to my most recent posts. This is quite a process and encouragement is always a great source of revival and support.