Today was my first day of school…as a new teacher. I had emotions that I'm sure were normal. Excitement, nervousness, utter terror! But today as well as the days leading up to it have been amazing and each day I become more and more sure that I made an excellent decision for myself and my teaching career. Here are the top ten reasons why:
1. Reasonable expectations. I get to teach, without having to also be the janitor, secretary, cafeteria worker and nurse.
2. The opportunity to learn. We are encouraged to ask questions and I feel like people are really taking the time to answer and consider.
3. The SPED team. I don't think I've ever met nicer more dedicated people. Every time I've started to worry, I've been quickly put at ease by these people.
4. The first grade PLC team. Ditto on the nice, dedicated and willingness to put me at ease. Additionally, they have been quick to make me laugh, urge me to share new ideas and on a particularly memorable occasion, one told me if I needed "to vent, cry or hide in one of our closets, we're here for you."
5. All the new teachers, who have already started to become amazing friends.
6. The support staff, who continue to explain and reexplain the curriculum and never make me feel stupid when I have questions to ask.
7. Getting to work in a variety of classroom settings. I get to be in first and fourth grade, as well as help students in a one on one setting. I also get to teach both math and reading.
8. The communication is FABULOUS. So many people are willing to put in the extra time to make sure everyone knows what's going on and that things run smoothly.
9. It's a small school in a small town. This is exactly where I'm supposed to be and what my personality is made for.
10. Administration is supportive and reasonable, plus they have an excellent understanding of what Special Education is all about. One of our little girls on the autism spectrum had a bit of a hard time adjusting on her first day back and tried to make a break for it. I ended up barefoot in the hallway working to calm her down with our behavior specialist. We did, and when our assistant principal walked by, he didn't look at me strangely or make any comments. He picked up my shoe, used it to distract the child in a calm and gentle manner, and helped us get her back to class with a smile.
I am proud of my new job and am loving the adventure so far.
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