Are you smarter than a 3rd Grader???

Well.....I sure hope so. Life is full of surprises. I was just settling into my new position as a teachers aide and all was going smoothly. I must say that after the first week, I realized that I had learned SO much since I had last been working for the school system. I was so happy to be back...yet, I was longing for more. Soon after I started, I took one of the tests necessary to get back into the school system as a teacher. It was the Special Ed test(here it is called ESE)....and I passed...thank you Darren! I figured I would take some time to study for the Elementary K-6 test. Again, my goal was to start teaching next school year. THEN the teacher that I was working with was put on emergency bed rest due to a high risk pregnancy. I found out this information on a Thursday night...


Sometimes you can't explain fate. There was something inside me that knew I had to make my pitch to the administration. For some reason, I knew I could do it. More importantly, I knew I would be so mad at myself if I didn't at least try. But there was one obstacle. I still hadn't taken that K-6 test! The principal said she would strongly consider me for the position, IF, I could pass that test ASAP. So, I registered the next day and then headed to Miami on the following day to take a 4 1/2 test that I had not yet studied for. I went in thinking "if I pass, great...if not, at least I tried". I checked in, and was told to put my stuff in a locker...immediately I saw locker 22 was open...that was a good sign:) and then I headed in....praying all the way.


As the test progressed, I was humbled. I laughed at myself, "Who the heck did I think I was coming in here thinking I could pass this test?"...at that moment...I surrendered. I applauded myself for trying...but admitted that I was in over my head. So I continued on. I took my time, had a good system, and let the pressure roll off my shoulders...


And then I passed....


I was offered the position Monday morning....


Needless to say, it has been a complete whirlwind! My class has many challenges...but just as many strengths. SO, I am currently a 3rd grade teacher...who would have thought???? Not I. Yet, I am enjoying the challenge of it all. It is very exciting, but teaching is hard. I have great admiration for teachers. I admit, I didn't enjoy school. Now, I understand why.  The format and structure of school really never changes:  quiet in hallway, raise your hand to speak, don't talk or sharpen your pencils when the teacher is talking, the daily pledge of allegiance, chapter tests, spelling words, homework...the list goes on and on. My goal is to connect with the kids and to make it fun...gonna try at least. My social lesson of the day on Friday was "Are you gonna be a leader, or a follower?". Anytime someone acted up...I called them out. "Leader? or Follower?" The real leaders took a moment and answered honestly even when they were following the pack. Truth is, some don't even know they are leaders yet.... THIS is why teaching is so cool. 

Trevor's team, the Brewer's, have been practicing hard. They have their first scrimmage on Thursday and first game on Saturday. Go Brewer's!!!!!!!!!!!!!


This Saturday, March 10th, is also the 11th Annual Food and Wine Festival. All proceeds will benefit Renaissance Learning Center and Renaissance Learning Academy. It will feature a Live and Silent Auction, Live Music and, of course, Food and Wine. This year it is at the Downtown, which should make for a great event. 

Thanks to all that have contributed to the card sales!!!!