I don't even remember the last time I posted.... let's just say it has been way too long. It is not because I haven't wanted to, but I just have no time or strength to take time away to think about myself.
My first year of teaching has been such a roller coaster. I wish I could say I enjoyed it despite all the craziness. Between parents, kids, school, and life drama, I have never prayed so hard. Now I am probably not being fair to the awesome field trips, hugs, "ah-ha" moments, cute cards, smiles, laughter, "silly Fridays," etc. I am so blessed to have the class that I do. One moment I think I'm going to pull my hair out and the next I'm going to cry because my 5 girls (yes, I have 15 boys and 5 girls) created a song about their "Super Awesome Teacher." The best part about my job are the kids. Parents, administrators, and discipline problems just sometimes put a damper on things.
BUT I am already getting sad about the end of the school year. After tomorrow, we have 2 1/2 more weeks left. I cannot believe it is over. It seems like we just started. My students are finally getting into a great groove and days are "good" and "fun." I ask why at the end of the year, but I also know that it means that they are ready for fifth grade.
Speaking of next year, I will not be a fourth grade teacher. Last week I found out that I am being switched to first grade. I originally wanted first or second, but now I'm scared. I am very much used to the independence of 9 and 10 year olds. This is a huge switch. I will have lots of help from the other first grade teacher and other teacher friends, but the teacher aides are being cut. I may have help a couple hours a week, but it is not for sure. It is one thing to have 25 six year olds with little help, but I may have a student or two with specials needs. Lots of prayers please!
Because of all the craziness, Adam has been talking about finding a job somewhere on SouthEast coast. I have always talked about not staying in So Cal forever, but Adam and I have said we have jobs here which we are very blessed to have right now. Of course we wouldn't just up and move, we are too paranoid about not having a job and relying on family. We are very stubborn in the fact that we want to do/pay for everything ourselves. I would absolutely love to live closer to my family! I think it would get crazy if we lived too close, but closer than thousands of miles. The hard part is this:
- I don't have my full credential. In CA you get a preliminary credential and then while teaching you have to do more research, seminars, etc. to obtain your full credential. I start that next year. Almost every state takes CA full credential, but some don't take the partial.
- Grants. Because I said I would become a Lutheran School Teacher, I received grants from the Synod to teach in a Lutheran School. You have to teach at least 2 years in a Lutheran school otherwise you must pay them back. We can't guarantee that I will find another call out there right away.
- Work for Adam. Adam does technical theater. He wants to be a set designer, but right now he builds all the sets. He loves his job and eventually it will pay very well. BUT to move, he may have to start all over with contacts and his position. His jobs relies on contacts and we don't have many out East.
- Moving!
- Moving away from Adam's family. They all live up near Sacramento.
- Moving away from friends.
The pluses:
- Being near my family.
- Being near some college friends.
- New jobs (possibly better position for me).
- Housing is cheaper!
- Away from materialistic Orange County
- A solid place to raise a family
- ....... Any others???
I apologize for not posting in so long and then spilling my crazy life. Unfortunately this is calm right now. You should have heard what happened earlier this year. But another time.
I will be working a lot harding to write more as it feels really good to do this. :)
