My Baby is not a baby anymore!

Yesterday was Christian's birthday, he turned 9. Where does time go? Yesterday I realized that he is no longer a baby, he is a young man. Where did my baby go? I guess that means no more "baby kisses", they were special kisses he would give me. Where did the last 9 years go? He did sit in my lap and cuddle with me, it has been way too long.

I smile just thinking about him. He has the most incredible laugh, and the sweetest smile. He just melts my heart. He is absolutely goofy and wild, but that is Christian.

This year has been so eye opening. I now have a teenager and no baby anymore. I have finished school, and am now living my dream of becoming a teacher.

I just wanted to let Christian know how much I love him, and that I hope he had a wonderful birthday. I love you, Tutor Bill!

2 down, 1 to go....

I will be finishing up my second week of summer school tomorrow. Next week is the last week and it is a little sad. I have really enjoyed the kids. However, I did forget about all the drama that goes hand in hand with high school.

I got an email from the principal yesterday and she told me how several of the students have been in to compliment me on the great job I am doing. It was really great to hear. I have also had several students go in and request to have me next year since I will be teaching a class of Algebra 2. I do have a good group of kids that just needed to be pushed and held to a higher standard.

I have settled into the routine of things, and will start my lesson plans for next year. I am so glad that my Granny Hill pushed me to finish school so I could teach. I love it and the kids. It is a wonderful feeling waking up and wanting to go to work. I guess that is why it is a career and not a job.

Today, I realized that the students do like me and my class. One of the girls missed the bus, and sat in my room from noon until around 3pm. She cleaned my boards and just sat and talked to me. I didn't ask here to, I just told the students that as long as I was there my door was always open to them for anything. I feel like I am becoming the teacher that I wanted to be, the one that students like and respect. The one that helps the students learn that won't learn for anyone else.

I have also been told by several staff and students that this one student never does anything and is never motivated has turned over a new leaf this year. They say that it is something I have done. I have done nothing but tell him he is smarter than what he or anyone thinks when he tries.

What an awesome two weeks it has been! I look forward to next year!

Oh, I was asked Friday if I would teach a class of Algebra 2, the Math Modeling class along with my 3 Algebra 1 and 2 TAKS Math classes. It was a great feeling that out of 3 teachers, they asked me.

My Room

On Monday, I will be an official teacher and also finishing up part 1 of my Alternative Teaching Certification Program (ATCP). WOW! I got my keys to the building and my classroom on Wednesday. I was able to get the room set up and cleaned a little. The teacher I replaced was not nice about how she left the room. She was let go.

The room is in the corner of the school with a hallway in front and on the side. When I walked in, the smell hit me! It is hard to describe, but it stinks! It might have to do with the fact that the building is 80 years old. The plus is it has carpet, I don't know if I would take my shoes off and walk around, but better than hearing my heals click as I walk. There are two boards, but I will only be able to use 1/2 of one until I figure out how to get the permanent 08 off of one and the ink off the other. It was much better after I moved everything around, and turned on the AC (the smell wasn't as bad). After getting everything just so, I stood at the front of the room and just stood there in amazement! This was MY room, and in a few days it will be filled with students.

I guess I am still in shock over the whole idea of me being a teacher. The kids ran the last teacher off, so I keep telling myself show no fear. I do feel better because I have an idea of what I need to cover. I think it is mostly because I feel unprepared.

I have homework to finish this weekend for my ATCP and a week worth of lesson plans that I have no idea how to write (the part of the ATCP that I still need to take). I guess I will manage and at least have a few mentors I can call.

I remember as a young child making my siblings play school, well really just Math class, and wanting to grow up and be a math teacher. Who says dreams don't come true? On that note, God is doing wonderful things in my marriage that I have been waiting 9 years for him to bring to pass. Life is great!

I will post pictures later of my room (before and after Sean helps me paint it this summer). I just wish I would have taken pictures before I got a hold of it.