Books, Books, and more books

This book captured my eye especially since it is a nonfiction story written about the state that I live in and specific cities that I have also resided in. However, I never expected for this book to feature someone I actually know. As I read this story a certain name jumped out at me and I recognized it as being someone that I have personally had the opportunity to work with. After reading the account about this particular person, I was in awe at what he had accomplished. I knew he was a special person but I never realized just how special he really was. This made me even more honored to have had the chance to work with him and I definitely hope that I can work for him sometime in the future. My hat goes off to him. 

Now I'm off to read and revamp my library of children's books. 

June 2011 Summer Reading List

Because I'm such an avid reader I decided to list my summer reading list in two parts, June and July. This list consists of books for fun and books for professional development. I'll start with my list of books for fun.

I'm sure it's apparent that I'm a fan of James Patterson and mystery novels. Now for the books for professional development.

This is just a brief list of some of the books that I currently reading or already read this month. I will be adding on to this list as necessary.

Interview Season

I have been invited to interview at a high school for a teaching position. I have been asked to prepare a 10-15 minute demo lesson for  about 15 8th graders. First reaction-freaking out. I have never had to teach for only 15 minutes. What do I teach? Where do I begin? I do not know what level these students are on or what subject I should teach. I guess I will have to figure it out though. I can do this. This is my passion and my light will shine.

JOB FAIR Season!

Job fairs. Man those things are hectic. So far I have attended two this summer. The first one was pretty much a waste. There were no jobs to be found in the district. I found myself impressing administrators for no reason. I chalked it up as practice for my next job fair. Job fair number 2 was 45 minutes away from my home and it made it there with plenty of time to spare. I found this job fair to be more successful because of the fact that there were actually job positions available. I know that I may be at a disadvantage because I am not fully certified yet but that will definitely NOT stop me from attending these fairs and making my best impressions. I feel that I have the ability to land a job and I am the best candidate for the position. I am currently composing an email to the principal of one of the elementary schools that I interviewed with and I will calling an assistant principal of another at her request. I was also approached by a principal of a middle school and the assistant principal of a high school and they requested that I speak with them and leave my resume. I believe that something good will happen this summer. I'm just waiting for it to occur. Like I said, I'm on my way...

Update from May

Wow May was a very intense month. I had the best experience with some of the best people and I enjoyed every minute of it. Okay maybe not EVERY minute but majority of them. I got to work with some of the most misunderstood kids and I was even able to teach them some things. Keep in mind that I was working with severe/profound students so this is VERY BIG! This position prepared me for the future in a big way. I have come to realize that my potential in this field is far greater than even I imagined. Next step is finding a job for the 2011-2012 school year. I'm on my way...

My OWN Classroom!

Today I received the greatest news ever. I no longer have to wait for a phone call late in the evening or early in the morning to confirm where I will be teaching the next day. I know exactly where I will be on tomorrow and the next day and the next. I will be in my OWN classroom with my 6 students and 4 teacher aides. I have been hired as a teacher for a Severe/Profound K-5th grade class. I am so nervous and excited. I don't have all the information yet so I await in anticipation of tomorrow and what it will bring. I have never worked in this type of setting before so this is something that is totally new to me. It will give me a chance to gain experience in this area and I am ready for the challenge.

The Me I Used to Be

I'm just so tired of everything and everybody right now. I don't know which way to turn and I feel so lost and alone at times. I feel like running away and just starting over. Someplace where I can begin again. Somewhere that I can immerse myself into my surroundings and myself. Someplace where I'm allowed to just be me. Half of the time I'm struggling just trying to figure out who I am and exactly where I stand. I just want to let go and be the me that I used to be. The me I was when I had it all figured out. The me I was when I just let it all flow out. I'm tired of being this person that I've been pretending to be when all I really want to be is me.