Meet the Teacher Monday!

I am SO excited about Teacher week on Blog Hoppin'!!

So here I go with "Meet the Teacher Monday"

Tell us a little something about you...

I took piano for several years in grade school and took private piano lessons for a couple semesters in college. I'm not ultra-talented or anything, but surprisingly, I haven't lost too much and I still play regularly. I especially LOVE playing hymns (in the privacy of my home! :)). Although, sometime this year I really want to bring my keyboard to school and play for the kids.

How long have you been teaching?

I graduated from Abilene Christian University in December of 2008. I substitute taught in my desired district during the spring semester and landed a job for the next fall. My school has a transient population which has caused me to move grades due to enrollment. My first year I taught 3rd, my second year I taught 2nd and this year I am in fifth! I'm excited about my 3rd year of teaching!

You might not know...

In undergrad, I never thought anything about working with English Language Learners. I didn't know much, and had never even given it a second thought. My first year about half of my class were ELLs. My heart really went out to them because they were trying so hard to learn the content while having to learn language simultaneously. It takes them SO much focus and energy! Now here I am, just a semester away from having my Master's in Reading/ESL Education, and I am so passionate about working with these kiddos. I hope to blog more about this topic!

What are you looking most forward to this school year?

While a new grade-level is intimidating, I am very excited for the new challenges ahead. This will keep me on my toes, and be a great experience. Also, I am now teaching the students I had in 3rd grade during my first year. I am SO excited to have this bunch of kids again! I can't believe how much they've grown both physically and academically

What do you need to improve?

Ohmystars. Everything. I'm learning how to manage and instruct a new grade-level, so I have so much room for growth. Mainly, I need to improve in my management and discipline of older students. Also, I am having to really learn how to adapt Daily 5 to fit with fifth grade.

What teaching supplies can you not live without?

Smartboard



Lilly Market Bags...used to transport props and miscellaneous items from home to school...



And of course, PLENTY of storage containers of all shapes and sizes!