This is a really short blog, but I found the reason why God sent me to Erwin. For confidentiality purposes, I can't say his name. I will refer to him as Michael Jordan. :) He has extreme behavior, but tries so hard. I met with him today and something about him just melts my heart. It's my goal to get his behavior under control so he can learn more and better in the classroom.
When I went to pick him and 2 other boys up today from their classroom, he walked beside me and talked to me during the walk to my classroom. When I was taking him back to his classroom, he put his arm around my shoulder and said, "Miss Mack, we are going to have a great year." He was so matter-of-fact. At that moment, I knew. This was the kid that I was going to have the greatest impact on. I told him we were going to have a great year and he was going to learn so much stuff. I can't wait!!
My schedule is all complete...finally!! I am teaching reading from 8-11:30, with an hour break from 10-11. Then I teach social skills from 12-12:30 and math from 12:30-2:30! (The kids leave at 2:35.) I have a packed day, but I can't wait to get started. Monday will be my first full day of teaching and students. :)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Whoa!!
What a week it has been...
All week I have been assessing my students to see their individual levels. I started with reading on Tuesday. As the week progressed, I started going into the classrooms and observing my students. By Friday, I knew each of my 27 students and their names!! This is quite an accomplishment because I am terrible with names. I also started their math assessments on Friday. It's funny to take a guess at where the kids are, then test them because you find out that often your guess is WAY off.
Friday was a bit of a struggling day for me. I received a file on a student and looked at his IEP. My heart immediately dropped. This child has 8 reading goals, and from his IEP I thought he was reading on grade level. I began testing him and found at he was actually reading on a pre-primer grade level...which is pre-kindergarten!!! And the goals in the IEP say that I have to have him reading 3rd grade material by the end of the 3rd grade... I just wonder what he has been doing in school for the last 3 years?!?!!? The other students IEP are not written perfectly either, but this was the farthest stretch. I began to have a break-down. I just felt overwhelmed and discouraged. I know that my education was great and I am prepared, but I feel like I am not prepared to teach all the kids. Its a scary feeling. Mr. Sledge, my roommate, gave me this piece of advice. "Your goal is not perform miracles, just make a difference." What a great thing to hear, now that I am calm. :)
I also have some really great news. I heard that when I return to school to begin working on my masters, if I am still working at a Title I school, I will receive money from the government to help pay for my school!!
I had a great realization Friday during school. These students need SO much love and you can't touch them. Yet, I had didn't need any love at school and I got it. Isn't that backwards? When one of my students recognized me when I walked in their class, I wanted to give him a hug and ask how his day was going. Instead I said hello and asked how his day was going. It's so sad. It made me want a huge Luke Ausley hug. :)
All week I have been assessing my students to see their individual levels. I started with reading on Tuesday. As the week progressed, I started going into the classrooms and observing my students. By Friday, I knew each of my 27 students and their names!! This is quite an accomplishment because I am terrible with names. I also started their math assessments on Friday. It's funny to take a guess at where the kids are, then test them because you find out that often your guess is WAY off.
Friday was a bit of a struggling day for me. I received a file on a student and looked at his IEP. My heart immediately dropped. This child has 8 reading goals, and from his IEP I thought he was reading on grade level. I began testing him and found at he was actually reading on a pre-primer grade level...which is pre-kindergarten!!! And the goals in the IEP say that I have to have him reading 3rd grade material by the end of the 3rd grade... I just wonder what he has been doing in school for the last 3 years?!?!!? The other students IEP are not written perfectly either, but this was the farthest stretch. I began to have a break-down. I just felt overwhelmed and discouraged. I know that my education was great and I am prepared, but I feel like I am not prepared to teach all the kids. Its a scary feeling. Mr. Sledge, my roommate, gave me this piece of advice. "Your goal is not perform miracles, just make a difference." What a great thing to hear, now that I am calm. :)
I also have some really great news. I heard that when I return to school to begin working on my masters, if I am still working at a Title I school, I will receive money from the government to help pay for my school!!
I had a great realization Friday during school. These students need SO much love and you can't touch them. Yet, I had didn't need any love at school and I got it. Isn't that backwards? When one of my students recognized me when I walked in their class, I wanted to give him a hug and ask how his day was going. Instead I said hello and asked how his day was going. It's so sad. It made me want a huge Luke Ausley hug. :)
Friday, August 14, 2009
This Week
Sorry I have fallen behind on the blog. Not having the internet at my apartment is really inconvenient. So, I am going to update the blog all in one sitting...
There is no place like home. Man is that true! After spending the weekend at home with my wonderful mom and brother, it was hard to come back to Trussville. There are so many great things about Guntersville that I am now realizing. For instance, I LOVE FBC Guntersville. I love seeing everyone and the way the church feels. I love the people and the messages. I also love Tin Top. :) It's nice to be somewhere where everyone knows your name and your story...didn't think I would ever say that!!
Tuesday was an exciting day. I didn't have to be at work until 12. I came to the library to blog, but the internet was down. So, I went to work and didn't do much until 5. The parents came for a meet and greet. I didn't have any parents come to my room so I walked around the campus and showed where classes were. It was raining, hot, and humid. My hair, which was straight when I left for work, was curly when I left school at 7. I met Cassie for dinner at 7:30. I really wish we were at the same school.
Wednesday morning came WAY too early. I had to be at school at 7 for bus duty. That means I had to wake up at 5:30...not a good thing. Millie was so confused because I have never been up that early. My job was to stand in the lunch room and keep everyone quiet. Those 5th and 6th graders are my size!!! I must admit it's kinda intimidating. I sat in my room all day and attempted to find something to do. Still nothing... BUT, Wednesday night I was in for a treat. Neal invited me over for dinner. Grace was in town and they cooked. I contributed blueberry cobbler. We had such a good time. Neal even showed off some dance moves. :) Grace and I called it an early night. I think I was finally able to fall asleep around 11...
Thursday morning came just as early. At 5:30, I jumped out of bed and began to get ready. Off for school at 6:40. Bus duty is really not my friend. I was productive at work!! I made my schedule...that was a major task. It's hard to figure out how to see everyone when all my students are on such different levels! But, I think I had success in creating a great schedule. Thursday after school I spent some time with Millie. We napped and ate watermelon.
It's finally FRIDAY! I felt rested this morning and had a much better attitude about bus duty. I noticed a lot this morning... the girls at my school have such an attitude. It hurts my heart to see them have such a sour outlook. I wish they felt self-worth. Mr. Sledge and I spent the day laughing at everything!! I am so glad I am sharing a room with him. He makes the time pass and always is friendly. As we are getting ready to leave for the day, a 6th grade teacher walks in and tell us there has been a fight at school. Two 4th graders were in a little scuffle.
Throughout the week, I have seen how different schools can be. Teachers can make such a difference, but children make the school.
It's been a long week, but a great week! I can't wait to start serving my students next week!!
Today, I ask that you pray for the girls at this school. I want them to feel self worth. I want to be a positive example in their lives. I also pray that God shows me how to reach these girls who want to be loved.
There is no place like home. Man is that true! After spending the weekend at home with my wonderful mom and brother, it was hard to come back to Trussville. There are so many great things about Guntersville that I am now realizing. For instance, I LOVE FBC Guntersville. I love seeing everyone and the way the church feels. I love the people and the messages. I also love Tin Top. :) It's nice to be somewhere where everyone knows your name and your story...didn't think I would ever say that!!
Tuesday was an exciting day. I didn't have to be at work until 12. I came to the library to blog, but the internet was down. So, I went to work and didn't do much until 5. The parents came for a meet and greet. I didn't have any parents come to my room so I walked around the campus and showed where classes were. It was raining, hot, and humid. My hair, which was straight when I left for work, was curly when I left school at 7. I met Cassie for dinner at 7:30. I really wish we were at the same school.
Wednesday morning came WAY too early. I had to be at school at 7 for bus duty. That means I had to wake up at 5:30...not a good thing. Millie was so confused because I have never been up that early. My job was to stand in the lunch room and keep everyone quiet. Those 5th and 6th graders are my size!!! I must admit it's kinda intimidating. I sat in my room all day and attempted to find something to do. Still nothing... BUT, Wednesday night I was in for a treat. Neal invited me over for dinner. Grace was in town and they cooked. I contributed blueberry cobbler. We had such a good time. Neal even showed off some dance moves. :) Grace and I called it an early night. I think I was finally able to fall asleep around 11...
Thursday morning came just as early. At 5:30, I jumped out of bed and began to get ready. Off for school at 6:40. Bus duty is really not my friend. I was productive at work!! I made my schedule...that was a major task. It's hard to figure out how to see everyone when all my students are on such different levels! But, I think I had success in creating a great schedule. Thursday after school I spent some time with Millie. We napped and ate watermelon.
It's finally FRIDAY! I felt rested this morning and had a much better attitude about bus duty. I noticed a lot this morning... the girls at my school have such an attitude. It hurts my heart to see them have such a sour outlook. I wish they felt self-worth. Mr. Sledge and I spent the day laughing at everything!! I am so glad I am sharing a room with him. He makes the time pass and always is friendly. As we are getting ready to leave for the day, a 6th grade teacher walks in and tell us there has been a fight at school. Two 4th graders were in a little scuffle.
Throughout the week, I have seen how different schools can be. Teachers can make such a difference, but children make the school.
It's been a long week, but a great week! I can't wait to start serving my students next week!!
Today, I ask that you pray for the girls at this school. I want them to feel self worth. I want to be a positive example in their lives. I also pray that God shows me how to reach these girls who want to be loved.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Thank goodness it's over...
My first two official days have been amazing. :) I love the people I am working with. So far, I have made two new friends. These women seem to be very supporting and are also new at Erwin.
Yesterday we were in meetings ALL day. Nothing exciting happened in the meetings. The staff at Erwin made AYP, if you don't know what that it is, it's a great thing. They are all so happy. I am glad to see the after effects of hard work towards meeting goals. During lunch with my new friends, I shared some things I learned at UA about behavior management. They were excited about the ideas I had and are using them in their classroom. They are also sharing this idea with other teachers. I am happy to see a more positive approach to discipline spread!
Today was a very LONG and tiring day. I did absolutely nothing all day. We have to be there at 7:45 for the work days. So from 7:45 to 11:15 I sat at my desk and tried to look busy. Didn't work too well. The guy I share a room with, Mr. Sledge, finally asked me if I have found anything to do yet. I decided that was a good time to leave for lunch. Haha. Taco Bell was where Jamie and I dined for lunch. We took a stroll through Fred's and I discovered Fred's has great things. Lots and lots of things. So, I went back to school and visited Center Point Elementary, the primary school for Erwin. The 3rd grade teachers from Erwin and the 2nd grade teachers from Center Point met to discuss students. I am glad I attended this meeting. I got some heads up on some of the rowdy kids I will be having. When I returned back to school, I had 25 files sitting on my desk...IEPs!! :) By this time, I was ready to leave school for the day, so I left the IEPs for Monday.
This weekend I am in Guntersville to relax and enjoy great friends. I raced home after work to pack the last minute things and then Millie and I hit the road. I have just enjoyed dinner with my mom and brother...my grandmother's chicken pot pie. It was a perfect ending to a fantastic week.
Today, I am asking for prayers that God leads me to the places where I can find resources for my students. I know only He can prepare me to teach these students what they need to know. I also pray that God continues to do great things at Erwin.
Yesterday we were in meetings ALL day. Nothing exciting happened in the meetings. The staff at Erwin made AYP, if you don't know what that it is, it's a great thing. They are all so happy. I am glad to see the after effects of hard work towards meeting goals. During lunch with my new friends, I shared some things I learned at UA about behavior management. They were excited about the ideas I had and are using them in their classroom. They are also sharing this idea with other teachers. I am happy to see a more positive approach to discipline spread!
Today was a very LONG and tiring day. I did absolutely nothing all day. We have to be there at 7:45 for the work days. So from 7:45 to 11:15 I sat at my desk and tried to look busy. Didn't work too well. The guy I share a room with, Mr. Sledge, finally asked me if I have found anything to do yet. I decided that was a good time to leave for lunch. Haha. Taco Bell was where Jamie and I dined for lunch. We took a stroll through Fred's and I discovered Fred's has great things. Lots and lots of things. So, I went back to school and visited Center Point Elementary, the primary school for Erwin. The 3rd grade teachers from Erwin and the 2nd grade teachers from Center Point met to discuss students. I am glad I attended this meeting. I got some heads up on some of the rowdy kids I will be having. When I returned back to school, I had 25 files sitting on my desk...IEPs!! :) By this time, I was ready to leave school for the day, so I left the IEPs for Monday.
This weekend I am in Guntersville to relax and enjoy great friends. I raced home after work to pack the last minute things and then Millie and I hit the road. I have just enjoyed dinner with my mom and brother...my grandmother's chicken pot pie. It was a perfect ending to a fantastic week.
Today, I am asking for prayers that God leads me to the places where I can find resources for my students. I know only He can prepare me to teach these students what they need to know. I also pray that God continues to do great things at Erwin.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Excited!!
Sorry I haven't updated this since Monday. My intentions are to blog everyday, but since I don't have internet yet at my apartment, I am having to come to the public library.
On Tuesday, I went to Erwin just to drop some stuff off, and found out that I was supposed to be going to meetings all summer. I had no idea. I also found out about a meeting that I had to attend yesterday (Wednesday). Needless to say, I was not a happy camper about missing all the other meetings. I felt so out the loop, and even more down about the job than I was before. Tuesday night, Calla and Grace came over for brownies and strawberries to celebrate Calla's birthday. We had a great visit, and I stayed up WAY too late.
Wednesday morning came, and I was not looking forward to going to school. When I got there, I immediately ran into a mentor teacher who showed me where to go. Once in the room, I realized how lucky I am to be at this school. There are 7 new teachers, including me. That's quite a few new and happy faces at this school. The other teachers in the meeting were the mentors. Each grade level has a mentor, and then special ed has a mentor. All the new teachers introduced themselves. I am by far the youngest teacher at the school...a little scary. There are other brand new teachers as well. Everyone seemed so excited and ready to get started. All my butterflies flew out by the end of the meeting, and now I can't wait to get started as well.
This how I know I am supposed to be at Erwin---I was getting ready to leave the school yesterday, and I stopped by to tell the lead mentor I was leaving. We began talking a little about my personal life, like I am only 21 and graduated in 3 years. Right before I walked out of the door, she stopped what she was doing, and turned to look me in the eyes. Mrs. Melvin told me how happy she was that I was at Erwin. She said she was excited to see happy and excited new people and she knew I could make a difference. This is just the encouragement I have been needing! What a relief I felt. God does answer prayers!!!
So, now I am ready to talk about today. It's my last day of summer!! I slept in this morning. I am waiting on Cassie and her friends to decide where we are eating lunch and then I am off to enjoy my last day of no responsibilities! :) YAY!
I ask that you pray for me tomorrow as I sit through all the meetings and find out what my duties will be this year! I pray for strength and this feeling of excitement to last.
Stay tuned for tomorrow's update...
On Tuesday, I went to Erwin just to drop some stuff off, and found out that I was supposed to be going to meetings all summer. I had no idea. I also found out about a meeting that I had to attend yesterday (Wednesday). Needless to say, I was not a happy camper about missing all the other meetings. I felt so out the loop, and even more down about the job than I was before. Tuesday night, Calla and Grace came over for brownies and strawberries to celebrate Calla's birthday. We had a great visit, and I stayed up WAY too late.
Wednesday morning came, and I was not looking forward to going to school. When I got there, I immediately ran into a mentor teacher who showed me where to go. Once in the room, I realized how lucky I am to be at this school. There are 7 new teachers, including me. That's quite a few new and happy faces at this school. The other teachers in the meeting were the mentors. Each grade level has a mentor, and then special ed has a mentor. All the new teachers introduced themselves. I am by far the youngest teacher at the school...a little scary. There are other brand new teachers as well. Everyone seemed so excited and ready to get started. All my butterflies flew out by the end of the meeting, and now I can't wait to get started as well.
This how I know I am supposed to be at Erwin---I was getting ready to leave the school yesterday, and I stopped by to tell the lead mentor I was leaving. We began talking a little about my personal life, like I am only 21 and graduated in 3 years. Right before I walked out of the door, she stopped what she was doing, and turned to look me in the eyes. Mrs. Melvin told me how happy she was that I was at Erwin. She said she was excited to see happy and excited new people and she knew I could make a difference. This is just the encouragement I have been needing! What a relief I felt. God does answer prayers!!!
So, now I am ready to talk about today. It's my last day of summer!! I slept in this morning. I am waiting on Cassie and her friends to decide where we are eating lunch and then I am off to enjoy my last day of no responsibilities! :) YAY!
I ask that you pray for me tomorrow as I sit through all the meetings and find out what my duties will be this year! I pray for strength and this feeling of excitement to last.
Stay tuned for tomorrow's update...
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Brand Spankin' New
Hello World!! I decided to start a blog since I am now in the real world. Scary thought, huh? On here, I am going to blog about my experiences as a first year teacher, recent graduate (with my friends still in school), and finally on my own. This is the time I have been wishing for all my life and now that it's here, I am scared. Why did I decide to graduate in 3 years?! I feel as if I should be going back to The University and enjoying the slow start of classes and days at the pool with my friends. But, in 4 short days, I will go to Erwin Elementary as the 3rd grade Special Ed teacher. I am so excited about the opportunity God has given me. I have a chance to serve children...how exciting!!
I moved to Trussville a week ago today. I am enjoying living here, but I do not like living by myself. I have been spending a lot of time on the phone to anyone who will talk, visiting Cassie, and putting the final touches on my apartment. Two days this week I visited Erwin Elementary. I found my room in a complete disaster. Thanks to Cassie, we moved a lot of stuff around on my side of the classroom. Once we did that, I was able to start putting my stuff in order and getting my room to looking like a classroom should.
I must tell yall about my new little girl, Millie. I have never loved an animal as much as I love her. She is adorable and lovable. I am so thankful I have her. She occupies much of my down time. She currently has a few tricks. Millie can do a very good Michael Jackson impression, jump as high as Simone, and give a high five. I have a very smart kitten.
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