New Job

Two years ago, I left Woodridge Elementary to become an Elementary Technology Curriculum Coach (ETCC). I was ready for a change and new experiences. As an ETCC, I had responsibilities at Stevenson Elementary and Spiritridge Elementary Schools supporting teachers on the implementation of curriculum, instructional technology, and providing professional development. I also had responsibilities as a member of the district curriculum department working to develop the K-5 curriculum. I learned so much in this role and am thankful for the work my team was able to accomplish and the many people I was able to meet and learn from; however, this spring I decided I needed a change. I missed working with students. I missed working with one group of professionals. I missed going to one location for work. I missed having a schedule. I missed teaching.

In light of all that and after much prayer and discussions with Cliff, I explored the possibility of returning to Woodridge. It is a wonderful school community and an amazing staff and principal. Thankfully, it was possible and next year I will be teaching 2nd grade at Woodridge. Having taught special education, 4th grade, and 5th grade at Woodridge, I'm excited to be back to with a community I love and working with younger students.

While I'm loving every minute of my summer vacation, I am looking forward to all that the next school year will bring.

National Boards!!!

Cliff and I both passed our National Boards. After a year of intense work...300+ hours of writing, reading, and study, we passed. We submitted our 100 pages of writing and took our 4 hour test in March. At 6am on Friday, we logged into our profiles on the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards website and after a few nervous dry heaves found out that we passed! When that "Congratulations" screen popped up, we both thought we would instantly die of relief and excitement.

Woohoo!

If you have no idea what I mean when I say, "National Boards", click here.

We're DONE!!!

We officially finished the National Board process this morning. As of 11:04am, we both completed our three hour computer based essay test. This portion of the National Board process is worth 40% of our overall score. The huge portfolio we submitted at the end of March was worth 60%. Whew!

We both feel like this has been a valuable experience, but a huge investment of our time and energy over the course of the last year. While we don't find out if we passed until late November because of the huge volume of writing that actual people read and score, we are excited to be done! Some people thought we were totally insane to both be doing this at the same time. All the nights we sat on the couch typing next to each other, it made it easier to accept, because I didn't feel bad that he was on his own...we were both focused on our computers! :)

As to our celebration...we went to lunch after the test and then came home and took a nap. Sounds like a perfect way to celebrate to me!!

If you wand more info about the process we went through, check this link out...
http://www.bsd405.org/default.aspx?tabID=1525

9 days...

Believe it or not, there are only 9 days left in our school year. After three years on the west coast, we've finally adjusted to being in school well until the end of June. Long gone are the days of the last day of school being in May!

9 days left. There seems so much left to do...report cards, awards, packing to move to a new school, wrapping up curriculum, parties, and so much more! It has been a fun year and it is hard to believe that the end is so near. I had a wonderful class this year; not free from challenges, but it was a refreshing change from my position last year.

Continuing with the theme of change, I will be teaching fifth grade next year. I have the privilege to "loop" with my students. For the most part, I will have many of the same students next year that I had as fourth graders this year. This is a unique and interesting opportunity. I am really excited about the ease of transition to fifth grade. It should be fun....not without incident I'm sure, but exciting nonetheless.

4th Grade!!!

After 2 years as the special ed teacher at Woodridge, I'm making a change! Next year (per my request) I will be teaching 4th grade! I will still be at Woodridge, and I'm very excited for the new opportunity. Can't wait!!!