This school year was a blur. I can't believe how quickly 180 days can go by. It began with a transition to yet another new school and grade level in my district. I began the year hopeful and full of excitement that I had finally found a school to put some roots in. I was full of great ideas about how I would be a super 2nd grade teacher, even though I had absolutely no knowledge of 2nd grade curriculum. The year started off great and then the testing season began. It seemed I had only had my students for 4 weeks. They were troopers but by the time the CST came in April, they were done...and so was I! I had never experienced so much testing in my life! Synonyms, antonyms, multiple meaning words, compare and contrast, predicting, revising sentences...and that was just the language arts portion! They were tested in math, science, and writing. It seemed our days leading up to the CST were filled with test prep. Every spare moment was spent reviewing how to use the UNRAAVEL strategy when faced with a reading passage and it's accompanying comprehension questions. The year seemed to move even faster once the CST was over. Before I knew it, I was being handed my 3rd pink slip. I was told yet again that I would not be picked up for the coming school year at the school I had so hoped to stay at for more than 180 days. Despite this sad news, I had to keep moving forward. I still had several days of teaching left, interviews to seek out, and packing to begin.
I have now been on 10 interviews for teaching positions in my district. While some may have given up hope, I am still hopeful. I am not done teaching yet. I am not done making a difference in someone else's life. I am determined and as I have learned over the past 3 years...resilient. I think that is the most important lesson that I can teach my students. No matter what curve ball life throws at you, you will pick yourself up and keep going.
As I sit here writing and thinking, I remember all the lives I have touched and those who have touched mine whether they were teachers, office staff, administrators, or students. Most importantly, I remember the students. I have literally taught well over 200 students in my relatively short teaching career. It all began when I was a tutor for the America Reads program at Cal Poly Pomona. I never thought I would have the desire to be a teacher. I remember thinking at the time it was just a way to get some financial aid. I am so glad I chose this path. It has not always been easy, but it has ALWAYS been rewarding.
It is with a hopeful heart that I look forward to my next adventure in education....whatever that may be.
