Today I am thankful for...
The opportunities I have had this year and all of the positive changes.
So much has changed for me this year. I began an official teaching career and I began grad school full time.
I may be "just a sub" but each day I am in the classroom I am learning more and more about classroom management.I get ideas for what I want to do in my own classroom. I learn about different schools in the area and figure out what kind of administration I like and don't like.
The experience I am gaining from substitute teaching is going to benefit me in so many ways. I have a rare opportunity to see and work in all the schools in my area and this gives me a chance to figure out what works and what doesn't work. Despite only teaching approximately 60ish days, so far this year I have already seen schools that do not function well and schools that run like a well oiled machine. I have experienced the extreme privilege in the suburban schools and the heartbreaking lack of resources in the urban schools. I have been surprised by which students I prefer teaching and which students I prefer to avoid.
I have met principals and teachers that have knocked my socks off with their motivation, passion and drive and I have met others that seem interested in only gossiping and complaining about their students.
For the first time in almost three years I have felt that same fire and passion that I felt for Club Libby Lu. Kind of crazy to compare something as important as a child's education to a retail chain that had to close it's doors after 9 years, but it's the honest truth.
I'm thankful that I had the confidence to make this happen. I know many people wouldn't do it and are too afraid of the risks associated with quitting your job at age 28 and going to graduate school full time. I'm afraid of those risks too, but I'm more afraid of being bitter and burnt out at much too young age.
I've always said that 40+ hours a week is too much time to spend doing something you hate. I don't understand people that let themselves continue to despise their work life and I refuse to be one of them.
So, today I am thankful for this opportunity to change careers in my late twenties and the courage to go against the grain. It feels amazing. :)
When was the last time you went against the norm and did something you believed in?
Good for you! I've been toying with the idea of going back to school too, I just need some motivation to apply.
ReplyDeleteLove this so much! I'm so happy you're doing Ten Days of Thanksgiving. Yay!
ReplyDeleteI need to pick your brain about grad school and subbing some day soon. I don't think I'll be headed to grad school until a few more years but I just love reading about what you're doing. :)
This is awesome. I love that you're so passionate about teaching, and how you're constantly looking for ways to learn - that's the sign of a great teacher!
ReplyDeleteAfter meeting you in August and hear you talk about how PASSIONATE you are about your schooling and teaching this post really made me smile. I am so proud of you for going back to school and doing something you truly love! I'm sure this next year will open up even more doors for you!
ReplyDeleteThis was a great post. I am glad you are following your passion!
ReplyDeleteProud of you! As you know, I too am totally changing it up to do something I believe in. It's scary and exciting all at the same time. I'm glad we are sort of doing this together...it makes it less terrifying (and more fun).
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I am so glad you are playing along this year. I just love this post series so much!!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that things have really come together for you this year. I would never say you are 'just subbing'. You are learning so dang much! And it will be so useful when you do finish school and start your career as a teacher!!
I am proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. I did something like that this year when I decided to rent my condo out and rent downtown. It is unconventional to go from owning to renting! Granted, I still technically "own" my condo, I just don't live there anymore. But it was the best decision I have made in a long time!
Oh good, you are playing along! I wanted to, but have questionable internet right now, so wasn't sure I would be able to.
ReplyDeleteYou are very lucky to have a job that you like. I don't think you should even say that you are "just" doing anything. If you enjoy it, that is great! AND better than a lot of people can say!
I sometimes have problems with the way that some of my upper management handles things, but really I enjoy my work, thankfully. The traveling gets old sometimes, but the perks are usually worth it!