So I pretty much was debating whether or not to keep teaching this year because of all the craziness. I could go on about all the difficulties of this year, but I'll keep it simple--too many 11 year olds who all need tons of help, too much planning, too much stress. So I had to ask myself, "Is this worth it?" I only had 1 more year to go, but still it seemed forever away. The thought that this was my last year didn't help on the day to day basis for some reason. Also, people in Texas were telling me how much better and easier it would be to teach there, not to mention the pay raise.
Moving on... things have been looking up! Both Julie and I (thank goodness I work with a friend who keeps me sane) went to talk to our amazing principal about getting another teacher. Although it wasn't possible because of our total school numbers, my principal listened and tried to work with us on anything she could do to help the situation. After a few hours, she gave us a list of things she would try to accomplish for us. It's funny... sometimes I feel like she's my therapist because I feel a lot better after walking out of her office.
First off, she found money to hire an aide in each of our classrooms for 2-3 hours. Hallelujia! The aide could even just help me keep everyone on task and focused. He/She could also do things like grades and copies for me...amazing! The other thing is the principal isn't allowing any other new sixth grade students to join our classrooms during the year. We can't put a cap on our student numbers (because of some ridiculous Utah law), but she can have the new kids go to a 5th/6th class with one of the 5th grade teachers. I'm happy to say my number will stay at 34. haha. Sad, but true! Could be worse! Also, we have absolutely no time to plan/breathe during the actual school day, so she extended our lunch for 10 more minutes for some planning time. This will REALLY make a difference. Before, we hardly had time to scarf down our sandwich. Yea! Ok, so Julie still brings her peanut butter, jelly, and loaf of bread to school to make her sandwich every day. =)
Another perk that I already knew about but is just happening now is... we're having Promethean boards installed in our classrooms, and I love technology! With this comes a permanent projector and possibly an ELMO. I know that doesn't mean much to anyone else, but it's the coolest thing ever. It's like an overhead projector except you don't have to have overhead sheets. You can just put a book or paper under the built in camera and it projects on the screen. The funny thing is, I put an ELMO on my teacher wish list for 2 years in a row as a joke, and now I'll have one!
All in all, I have a lot of things to be happy about. I know it won't be a blissful, perfect year, but I feel much more confident that I can do it for one more year and do it well. I'm getting more used to my kids, and I even have 2 girls who give me hugs.... who knew that could happen in 6th grade?!
7 comments:
Oh I am so happy for you Christie! It's going to be a great year and then it's smooth sailing in Texas yeay!!! I miss you.
AWESOME!! I'm so happy for you! You are seriously the greatest teacher and those 34 kids are so lucky! 34 is a ridiculous number but I'm so happy you are focusing on the positive! :) Love you!
It is nice to here from a teachers point of few. It makes me want to try harder as a parent with two boys in elementry this year. I can barley handle 3 kids. You are a brave person to take on 34. Even if I was paid for it! It's a good thing that we have such wonderful people like you to really try hard, teach our children.
I know it is hard giving up one of your day's on the weekend, but we would love you, and James to come for dinner. Let me know when a good weekend would be and we will plan it. Tell James hello for us. Have a good rest of the weekend!
Ok, so I was totally thinking of like a tickle me ELMO doll, and I was sort of REALLY confused as to why you would want one for 6th graders! And yeah I suppose I could set up the "Cucumber Version" of Winder Dairy just for you guys if you don't mind delivery only happening when Marc and I get invited to BYU Legacy Club football games! :)
Are we sane? Haha! You're so great! It is a good thing we are working together. How could be do it otherwise?
I love hearing about your teaching things. You have some lucky students. I bet they love you. I was on cloud-nine when I had an overhead calculator and timer. (They were expensive.) 34 kids is overload. Someday you can 'retire' like me. It is the BEST!
Oh Chrisite, it seriously made me want to cry reading you're entry because I know exactly how you feel. I'm speechless when I think of you having 34 kids...that's insane. I don't care what anybody says teaching is the hardest job in the entire world. Nothing anybody says can make things better and I'm sure this year seems like it will last forever. All I know is that Heavenly Father can do miraculous things and will help you when things seem impossible so I'll definitely keep you in my prayers. These kids couldn't have a better teacher though...just do your best and that's all you can do. Love ya!
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