Life as a First Year Teacher

Well, I did it.  I survived my first semester of teaching.  As you can see, it was hectic since I didn't post a blog one time during the semester.  To catch you up, I'll start back in August.  The day before school starts, I was sitting in a conference room interviewing candidates for the newly available 3rd section of 2nd grade at my school.  I was ecstatic because that meant I would only have 19 students, not 27!  Long story short, we hired a new teacher, decorated her classroom, and she started that night at Meet the Teacher night!  She has been a blessing to our team.

We are a young team, only one teacher has experience, and she has 2 years experience in Kindergarten and 1st grade.  Therefore, we are all new to 2nd grade, and rolling along just fine!  Oh and how fun expedition planning has been.  We had great ideas, only for them to get shot down, not once but twice.  Yet, we did almost complete a first semester expedition, with fieldwork to Target as well!  It's a long story, but I love teaching, I love Expeditionary Learning, I love my students, and I can't wait to see what 2nd semester has to offer!

The Time is Near!

In ten days from now, I will be in a classroom filled with 24 bright smiling faces.  I cannot wait to embark on this adventure of a teaching career.

Quickly disappearing are the days of sleeping in, staying up late, and everything associated with a "college lifestyle."  I am glad to say that I will not miss this life as much as people seem to think.

I'm debating creating a new blog: Inside of Room 307, however I haven't decided if I will have time for that or not.  Stay tuned to see what happens in my first year of teaching!

Sweet Summertime

My summer ends in 2 weeks. Where did that sweet summertime go? What happened to the days when summer was easy and full of time at the pool, barbecues, bonfires and friends? I feel like this summer slipped away so fast, yet I am excited for the new adventures ahead in my first year of teaching.


That leads me to my next point. This summer has been one of trying to work 2/3 summer jobs to pay for living and student loans,relax and have fun, and set up a classroom. I have not done enough relaxing but I realized I really should have been doing even less in order to prepare for my first year of teaching. Training starts august 8th, and I've been to my room once,and have so much to do. Everyone tells me not to stress but that's obviously not gonna happen. So with prayers and a lot of ice cream I've been able to relieve some stress and focus on the present. If anyone wants to help set up my classroom or give me ideas, you are more than welcome. And thanks to jess I've been on pinterest, finding awesome ideas that I won't have time to do.. At least not right now.

A New Path to Take

If you had asked me at the beginning of my college career, where I'd be in 4 years, I would've guessed home in MN, or teaching in Olathe.  Never would I have imagined that after graduating college, I would apply at 13 different districts, to receive one interview.  The economy is not great, therefore neither are the opportunities for first year teachers.  

However, I am happy to say that I got the job!  It's not in Olathe, which is fine with me.  It is within 30 minutes of my townhouse, a newer school, with a very friendly staff.  I couldn't have asked for more!  I was able to spend a day there last week, to get the procedures down before starting next year.  I have a feeling its going to be a good year:)  I cannot wait to start down this path, and see how God can use me in this new environment!

Predictable or Unpredictable?

Soap Operas: Predictable
Weather: Unpredictable
Bills: Predictable
Life: Unpredictable

Life has shown me multiple times that it follows no pattern, nor does it always go my way.  However, God has taken care of me every step of the way.  I wasn't the most optimistic a few weeks ago, however, I have had a few opportunities since then. 

I got a call for a job interview for a 2nd grade position- same grade that I student taught in.  I had the interview, and got a call a few hours later.  The phone message started with "I'd like to thank you for coming in..."  I instantly thought, oh man, they decided they didn't like me already!  Yet, she continued to explain that she'd like me to come in and teach a lesson the next week.  I had never heard of this before, but it had to be a good thing right?  Well, we'll see.  I teach my lesson tomorrow morning, and I look forward to showing them all that I can do:) 

Wish me luck!

Life's Choices

Everyday, life forces you to make many choices.  Do you realize how many choices you actually make? 

-The choice to wake up the first time your alarm goes off. 
-The choice to check Facebook before getting ready. 
-The choice to make toast or a bagel for breakfast. 
-The choice to have sugar and cream in your coffee. 

I love being able to make my own choices.  Now these are all very simple choices that will not change your life drastically if you make the other choice.  However, recently, I have been coming across more difficult choices.  The choices in which direction to turn for my career.  I now have a degree in Elementary Education, and have been working in a school for the past 4 months, however I still have no clue where I will be in the Fall. 

Here are my choices:
- Keep applying like crazy to public school districts
- Apply to private schools as well
- Pursue more opportunites to teach overseas, with the possibility of raising funds to do so
- Work at Blue Valley Rec the rest of my life : /
- Start my Masters in Education
- Go to Cosmetology School
- Move to Alaska and become an Eskimo
- Move home to Minnesota and apply for jobs there

If you have any suggestions/preferences on which choices I make I'd be more than happy to hear them!

For now, I'm going to enjoy the last month of work at this wonderful school, look forward to a summer of fun, and trust God with my life! 

Love Confusion

Love: a word associated with many things: I LOVE chocolate, I LOVE sleeping in, I LOVE sunshine, I LOVE my family, I LOVE getting paid. 

But do we really understand the meaning of love?  According to Encarta World Dictionary, there are 3 definitions of love:

1. feel tender affection for somebody: to feel tender affection for somebody such as a close relative or friend, or for something such as a place, an ideal, or an animal

2. feel desire for somebody: to feel romantic and sexual desire and longing for somebody

3. like something very much: to like something, or like doing, something very much

Most of the time, when using the word love, I am referring to definition number 1 or 3.  However, are those the only definitions of love?  According to the bible, love is so much more than Encarta's definition. 

⁶ And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. -2 John 1:6

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  -1 Cor. 13:4-7

Love is all encompassing.  His commandment is that we walk in obedience, showing the world our love.  1 Corinthians shows us a vivid picture of what love should look like.  Not only the romantic love we may find, but the everyday love that we are to show to others.  Where is that definition?  The world is so wrapped up in romantic love, or love of material objects that we forget how our actions can show love.  A simple smile to a stranger can show that love to them.  Love is showing others that you care.  How often do you show strangers love?  Personally, I know that I do not.  However, we should show all people love.  If we are to be Christ followers, and walk in the shadow of Christ, we should love like he loves.  His love is the greatest love we could ever ask for, definitely following all that is described in 1 Corinthians.  However, your love may make a difference in others lives if you take the time to love others as He loves us.

My goal: In my journey seeking what God has in store for me, to love others unconditionally.  Hopefully you can set a similar goal for yourself

It don't have a job
Don't pay your bills
Won't buy you a home
In Beverly Hills

Won't fix your life
And find easy steps
Ain't the low or the limp
Or the government

But as soon you needed...

Love, will, hold us together
Make us a shelter
to weather the storm

And I'll, be, my brothers keeper
So the whole world will know
That we're not alone
<3

The Impact of Attitude

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.” Charles R. Swindoll


In the past few weeks, I have felt exactly the same way as Swindoll according to this quote.  My life has not been perfect, but I have remained pretty positive about the twists and turns it has taken me on.  Recently, I have started to feel a little discouraged with the hit that school districts have taken from the economy and the reality that I may not have a job this Fall.  However, its not a life or death situation if I do not end up getting a teaching job this fall.  I can always work at Blue Valley as a Lifeguard the rest of my life. :)


I also realized that I should be applying to more school districts.  I have applied to 6 districts, all within my comfort level of teaching.  One is urban, the rest are suburban.  I have not looked into Christian schools much besides the one interview I did.  However, at lunch today, Gogo Connie helped me to realize that even though Christian Schools don't pay teachers that well, it is still an option.  I should be open to all options that will allow me to continue my passion: teaching. 


Another passion I've had since high school is Math.  I tutored at MNU, and now am able to be the Math Specialist at my school.  Last week I made the decision to go ahead and get my Middle School Math Endorsement.  That is if I pass the test.  The test is on April 30, then I have to wait a month for results, then submit my application for the endorsement to the State.  If districts have middle school math openings now, they most likely will be filled by the time I get the endorsement.  However, I'm going to remain positive in this situation and listen to Swindoll.  It's not about successes or failures, its about the attitude you have and how you react.  Let this be a lesson to us all-- Even if life isn't going your way, GRIN AND BEAR IT-- it will be worth it in the long run.  

Not So "Spring" Break

Spring Break is usually my favorite time of year.  It most likely consists of a trip to some warm place, a wonderful hotel, and days spent laying by the beach.  However, this year, I am spending my week off of work at home- in snowy Minnesota.  


Down the alley to Peggy's house:

I arrived to frigid temperatures, and many inches of snow still.  This winter has been so bitter cold with so much snow, I just wish it would be done!  Yet, it was still good to come home and see my family and friends.  


Minnesota is my one and only home state.  I lived in the same house my whole life.  Attended the same church since I was born.  And this weekend, that church will close.  This came as quite a shock to me.  This church was where I grew up, and where so many memories were made.  Since I live in Kansas now, it doesn't affect me as much, but I think about all the families that call that church "home" and how hard it is to find a church where you fit in.  I hope that the few members that still do attend this church will be able to find a new church home.


On a lighter note- today was beautiful!  I was able to have lunch with a friend, take a walk, and spend some time with my Mom.  We did find out about the gas explosion over in South Minneapolis by our church, but no one was hurt.  Cub Foods however had some damage.  Most of the cars in the parking lot were scorched, as was the grocery store sign.  


Even though this Spring Break is not a typical "Spring Break," it is still memorable to me.  I look forward to the beach trip with MNU Cheer in April, and will be happy to return to warmer Kansas weather until then:)  For now, I will enjoy the rest of the week in snow-melting Minnesota with the family. 

Searching

There comes a time in everyone’s lives when you must leave the comfy bubble of college life to enter the career world.  Technically, this day came for me on January 3^rd when I started my long-term substitute job at Sunflower Elementary.  However, staying in the same school that I student taught in, I really wasn’t leaving my comfy bubble yet. 

Yesterday marked the first step toward leaving the bubble.  I interviewed with 7 different school districts, in hopes of making a lasting impression on the interviewers.  I studied very hard for these interviews, making sure to connect my questions to the information I found on their websites. 

The day went well, yet in this economy, there is not much hope for first year teachers.  Many districts are closing schools, letting go of teachers, increasing class sizes, and not looking to hire a first year teacher.  I could come away from this experience down in the dumps, but I refuse.  I know that God has a plan for me, and that He will do anything and everything to reveal that plan to me.  If it is not in His plan for me to teach in one of those districts, then I will keep striving for what is His plan.  Perhaps He wants me to go teach overseas for a year—I would be totally okay with that. 

So the waiting begins.  Waiting for districts to post openings, redefine their budgets, find where they can fit first year teachers, and call me for a second interviewJ  I’ve found that teaching takes a lot of patience, and this process also calls for a lot of patience.  I was never the most patient person, but every day I find myself a little more patient than the day before. 

In a Nutshell

I never thought that I would be sitting here writing a blog.  I thought blogs were for people with a lot going on in their life, or for people with children that didn't want to post their whole baby album on Facebook, but here I am writing a blog.  I would like to thank my good friend Paula Jovanna for inspiring me to write this blog. So before we get into the nitty gritty of my exciting life, I would like to take sometime to let you know a little about myself.  


I am a recent college graduate, working as a long-term substitute in Gardner, continuing to help out with the MNU cheer squad, and hoping to find a full-time job for the next school year.  I enjoy reading, knitting, watching movies, ( I know what you're thinking, and yes I may sound like a grandma, but I have come to accept that) playing tennis, rollerblading, running, playing golf, and most any other thing that I can do outdoors.  I am so over this cold weather, and ready for the sun to shine so I can get outside and do the things I love.  


Besides my grandma qualities, I also have a passion for children (a teacher, I know, who would've thought?) as well as speakers of other languages, and other cultures.  I have been fortunate enough to take a trip to Swaziland, Africa where I was able to fulfill all of these passions.  I was able to work with children in the school, get to know some of their language, and learn about their culture.  It was the most amazing 2 week trip I could've ever imagined.  I never would have thought that a trip that far away without seeing the beach could be so incredible, but it proved me wrong.  Here is just one picture of many that I had with the children in Swaziland. 

This experience has definitely helped shape who I am today.  There is no reason that I should take anything I have for granted.  These children here had clothes that barely fit them, no shoes, and ate with their fingers.  A simple picture made their faces light up.  I would love to return to Swaziland some day, or even experience more countries that are suffering.  My heart goes out to the people of these places that do not have much, but are still able to have a giant smile on their face.  

These are just a few highlights of my interests and influential trips in my life, keep tuned for exciting news in the life of Kassie!