Fourth year teacher!

School was back in session this Wednesday, August 11! It's comforting to hear vets of 30+ years talk about how they still get butterflies on that first day; it made me not feel so strange that I was still getting a bit nervous in my fourth year.

A lot is different this year... Last year, I was not on a team, so I taught all levels of math across 6th and 8th grade. I'm definitely not a 6th grade teacher, but those sixth graders were a breath of fresh air somedays! As a 6th and 8th grade teacher, I was in the 7th grade hallway, go figure! Middle ground, right? :-) This year, I have been moved to an 8th grade team position, where I will only teach eighth grade and be much more involved in the transition to high school meetings/activities.

Since I'm on a team now, I had to switch rooms, which is a slightly daunting task when you have over two hundred posters and lots of other materials. Luckily, my WONDERFUL HUSBAND spent HOURS at my school with me, helping me unpack, moving furniture, rewiring, putting up bulletin boards, and assisting in the maintenance of my sanity during all of it! The room looks great, and it feels great to be part of an awesome support team.

The first three days are under my belt, but I was back in the groove by the start of 2nd period on the first day! :-) I remember a lot of the kids from the hallway last year, so that's helping me a lot with learning names (which I always learn within a week anyway). I'm optimistic for things this year; it's always very empowering to start your second year at a school because you feel so much more "on it".

Wish me luck with everything to come!!