Book Coma... and an appraisal

My life this week is taken up by two things.

an appraisal

and this book.

First, let's talk about the appraisal. Every school in Granite District must be 'appraised' during the span of the next two years. My school's chance is this week. Every teacher is observed, there are discussion groups held, and each teacher has a twenty minute interview with a member of the appraisal team. My interview was yesterday, and although it wasn't painful at all, it did remind me of the job interviews I experienced prior to becoming a First Year Teacher. All the teachers are making an effort to be at the top of their game, which makes for a lot of late nights and extra preparations. For some reason I can't quite place, I'm not too nervous about the whole shebang. I'll just keep teaching as I always teach - but I want to make sure nothing falls through the cracks this week, when it feels like so much is on the line.

Even though many of my teachers friends and I have been dreading this week for months, it's really helpful to take a moment and reflect on how I meet the needs of all learners, how I cover the core, and how I collaborate. Reflection is a powerful tool that always leads to improvement, at least for me.

Okay, now to the 'book coma.' (A friend of mine coined that term, and I just love it.) I was looking forward to receiving my very own fresh shiny new copy of Mockingjay all week last week. Mockingjay is the final book in the Hunger Games series - which I will admit I am addicted to. So - between the book coma and being a full time teacher, I have very little room in my life for anything else! I mean, really. There's nothing better than a full night of reading after a full day of teaching. Especially when the book is a total page turner. No lie! I cannot put it down.

Read it. I know you'll love it.

I can't stand...

... the sound of the electric pencil sharpener. I truly dread sharpening my students' pencils after they leave for the day. Ick.

But on the spectrum of things that could drive me crazy about teaching, I guess the sound of a pencil sharpener isn't that bad. :)

A Laugh a Minute

I'm totally stressed out about two full days of parent teacher conferences and hanging my alphabet in my classroom. Oh, and the cooler is broken at my place - but that's neither here nor there.

As a bright spot today, one of my students asked me to tell a joke. I told a joke that's as old as the hills, but it was new to her, and she giggled. Then it was her turn.

Her: "Knock knock."
Me: "Who's there?"
Her: "Mountain."
Me: "Mountain who."
Her: "You walked up a mountain and fell down!"

I love third grade humor.

It's a new year!

Full of
new challenges
new kids
high expectations
a looming audit
loads of adventures
a room with a view - and a sink!

There's so much to say, but no time to say it, because, hey - it's the first week of school! I'm up to my eyeballs in school work. To be completely honest, it takes me a few weeks to get back in the groove.

Stay tuned for a story about catching up with former teachers, setting up my room (take 2), and moments that make me grin.

I hope your first weeks are going swimmingly as well.

Summertime ...

... and the livin' is easy.

What do you do when you're not in school? I personally wouldn't mind being part of this picture.

Hooray!

I made it! I am no longer a...

First Year Teacher!

But I still plan to keep the blog. Does 'Confessions of a Second Year Teacher' have the same ring? :)

Thank you

For the past three days, I've been living at the hospital. I'll spare you the details. I'll just say my sister is very very sick.

I didn't know she was going to be sick, so I wasn't prepared to be away from school for two days.

I just need to say thank you to the wonderful people I work with. They have stepped in and covered for me while I've been away. I didn't even have to ask before my army of friends moved into action to take care of my class.

Thank you to all of my friends who have sent me messages telling me they're praying for me. Thank you to an understanding principal who told me to take all the time I need. Thank you to a very special person who reminded me that I'm loved and that I make a difference in the lives of the children I teach.

Also, I had a talk with my dad yesterday. He said, "I love coming to your class. You are a wonderful teacher and your kids adore you. I know I asked you over and over as you were going through school if you really wanted to be a teacher. If I ever ask you that again, it will only be to remind myself how dumb I was."

I've always thought that teaching isn't only a job. It's a calling. I was born to teach.

To all the other wonderful teachers I know - thanks for choosing to be a teacher. And thanks for helping me to be one, too.