I'm So Glad I Love My Job

I often hear people say they hate going to work or they don't like their job.  I am one of those fortunate people who loves their job.  I can't imagine not teaching in some capacity, even after 33 years in the classroom.  Sure there are days when my students get on my nerves, my administrators throw something else on my already too full plate, the district directs me to implement something that is not developmentally appropriate for my students, my parents are blowing up my phone with texts, and I'm having to sit through meetings when I really need to be in my classroom preparing for the next day.  Yes, I'm one of those teachers who spend their own money to provide my students with the materials they need to work in an hands-on environment, get to school early, stay late, work on weekends, holidays, and summer breaks.  Of course there are days when I leave school feeling defeated, exhausted, frustrated, and wondering if I'm really making a difference in my students' lives.  However, even through all this, I still love teaching.  The rewards outweigh all those difficult moments and the sacrifices I make.  The smiles and hugs from my students, the moment I see the light bulb come on when one of my students finally get it, the growth my students show from the beginning of the year to the end, the relationships I form with my students, and the lessons that I myself learn are just a few of the awards of my jobs.

Along with teaching, I have enjoyed being a leader in the schools I have worked in.  I have mentored teachers, provided professional development  to colleagues, developed curriculums, and completed research projects.  I have been lead grade level teacher, supervisory teacher of student teachers, and team leader.  These opportunities, along with my love for teaching is now taking me to my next adventure.

Along with teaching, I am now taking on the role as educational consultant for my company Kindercaraven.  Kindercaravan is a place for teachers to find resources and to get support.  I will be writing for Teachers Pay Teachers (teacherspayteacher.com), developing professional development,  working in classrooms, mentoring, and consulting.  I look forward to this new phase in my career and helping teachers reach their students.