Landing a Teaching Job

I landed my first teaching job by a lot of HARD WORK and dedication. It took me a very long time to find a teaching job, partly due to my stubborness. When I first graduated college, I ignored others and did not give up my current day job to substitute. What a mistake! I wasn't known in any of the districts, so of course they would pass on me for someone they already had experience with! At first, I also did not apply to all my surrounding districts. Mistake #2! I had a closed-mind and only applied to two (yes, you read that right-- TWO!) districts. After my first disappointing year, I came to my senses. I subbed like crazy, and applied EVERYWHERE. I'm so happy to have been hired in my current school, where I am so, so happy.
I landed my first teaching job because I allowed my best qualities to be showcased during interviews. I showed them that I was willing to be flexible and would work hard for them. I showed them that I have a deep passion for teaching, and how I would be an asset to their school system by going above and beyond with the latest teaching trends.
I know finding a teaching job can be difficult, but here is some advice to make it easier: KEEP AT IT!!! It is so discouraging out there, and I know that there are times when you must feel like you want to give up. But you can't. If teaching is what you really want to do, then you have to stick with it until your opportunity comes. Sometimes you may have to take a postion that isn't your ideal job-- it'll be okay. Take whatever comes your way, and you will have time to shift around once the time comes.
This post is part of the Teaching Jobs Portal: “How to land a Teacher Job”. What was your journey like to become a teacher? If you’d like to share your experience with other aspiring teachers please see this post for more information

Snow, Snow, Snow

I can't recall the last time we had this much snow. I am so disappointed that we weren't able to have our holiday parties in school. These students (and me!) were so looking forward to our holiday festivities. I'm torn as to what to do come time to return to school. Do I have a party the first day back? But they always come back so rested and focused-- I'd hate to throw that off-balance and have a party. Do I just throw the party out the window? But then I feel like they are deprived of festivities that are due to them.

Decisions, decisions...
I think I have to have the party. I can't do that to them!
Party on!

Going Above and Beyond: Teaching in 2009

Boy, do I wish I had teachers like my daughter has had!! These teachers not only make school fun and exciting for my daughter, but also for me as the parent! I am extremely lucky that my daughter has had amazing teachers. These teachers have gone above and beyond in any way imaginable. What impresses me most is their willingness to welcome parents into the classroom. We are updated regularly via the classroom website, and are also invited into the classroom for different celebrations and to help out with special projects.

When I think back to my elementary school days, I never remember having any parents in! Nowadays, it's different. I think there is a bigger focus on the relationship between the student, teacher, and parent. It is more about this relationship than it ever was before, and I think that gives us a great hope for the future of education in this country. Education was never just about the teacher. It is a three-way relationship, and I think in 2009 it is more evident than ever.

This post is a part of the MAT@USC Hope for the holidays event. Did you experience or witness something in 2009 that gave you hope for the future of American eduation? If so, please see this post for more information on how share it.

Fitting it all in

I'm having a really hard time fitting in all of my curriculum. I thought that because it's a full day program now for Kindergarten that it'd be sooo much easier to teach everything and then some throughout the day. NOT!

It just seems like it's even aharder than usual to fit it all in. How do teachers do it? What am I doing wrong? There are many teachers here to leave at the bell and come in with the students. How on Earth do they do it????!!!

Here's to a New School Year!

This year I am starting anew. I'm going into this school year with a new attitude-- and yes, even a new blog. Teaching Kindergarten can be EXHAUSTING, and especially with the new full-day program, it's so easy to get burnt out.

I plan on using this blog to help me stay on track and stay positive with my teaching. Good luck to me!