Thursday, January 17, 2008

CHANGES IN THE WIND

I have been real cautious about posting anything about this subject because of not wanting the blog trolls out there causing anymore stress than I have on this subject. So here goes....

Since June 2007 I have only been working part time at the airlines. I used to work a full-time job at a hospital plus this very part time job at an airlines. Back in June 2007, a quick decision was made to quit the full time hospital job, allowing me to find a job that was more do-able as a single momma. Teaching was suggested to me, and with this idea, I went forward at a turtle's pace. This rash quick decision to move on coupled with and this slow turtle pace is not the way to approach jobs that have DEADLINES for teaching a mere 6 weeks away. So hence, I did not start teaching in the autumn as expected. All good intentions were made by me in my mind that I was going to find another job, a job to get me thru until I could start teaching. What is facing me today is the month of January 2008. Months into this year of waiting to teach. I have been able to financially squeak by with working more hours at the airlines. I have been able to get a lot of my projects done in my box of projects. I have spent quality time with Mesa at the dog park... In fact, I have been known recently to chat about people I met at the dog park like they are my best friends. But time is moving on. Last week in a ditch to really see if I would like this teaching gig, I submitted my paperwork to be a sub-teacher. What is so scary about kids in a class room? Really... only 28 young eager faces with rosy cheeks, disheveled hair, runny noses looking up at me. What could be so scary? But it is! This week I made a small step forward and signed into the system that calls me with assignments.... They are calling me, and I in turn am declining this scary situation. Like anything in life, I need to close my eyes, hold my breath and jump right on it. It is too late for me this week..... Monday is a holiday. So this Tuesday my friends, TUESDAY is the day I will accept the call and head on out to suffer my first day as a teacher. I will close my eyes, take a deep breath and plunge into the deep end hoping to surface alive at the end of a school day..... I guess I will be guzzling the Airborne daily!



A report to follow after this torture happens..... Sorry no pictures of this carnage.

34 comments:

Stacey T. said...

I can't imagine how scary. Maybe you can come up with a plan to be the cool sub....give out candy or something. HAHA.. Have a raffle for good behaviour!! How old will the kids be???

Michelle said...

Oh Lisa! This is so exciting! You will be a GREAT teacher. With your amazing sense of humor, and your enthusiasm, the kids will LOVE you. And you them! I'm so happy for you. I worked with kids (both in and out of the classroom) for nineteen years, so if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Plus, we have some blogger friends that are awesome Teachers too that I'm sure can give some kick-ass advice. You are gonna be awesome. So happy over here for you.

OziMum said...

I SOOOOO admire teachers. They are right up there with Superhero's in my book!!!

Just remember, you are bigger than the kids, they are more scared of you?!!! hahaha! Geez, I sound like my mother?!!!

Good luck on Tuesday! (you watch... they won't ring, now!!!)

Special K said...

You'll be great.

But I know it's scary. Change always is. Good luck.

Alyson and Ford said...

Subbing is tough. Don't let anyone try to tell you it's not. And with that said - Teaching was the happiest and most satisfying job I ever had. Go in with an air of confidence and wait until you are home to collapse on the couch with a big glass of wine :)

FWIW: If you're thinking of going full time into the profession, this is a great way to introduce yourself to those who do the hiring. You'll do great...

peace
fm

Lisa~~ said...

Think positive and good luck. Can't wait to hear the follow-up.

Anonymous said...

I would be honored to have you as a teacher for T. You are brave and you'll do awesome. So proud of you!

Pug Mama said...

my sister was a sub teacher for many years, and she loved it.
Good luck!!!!

Catherine said...

You'll do GREAT!! I know you will! Just don't let them know you're scared. LOL!

You can do it and the kids will be better off for having such a great teacher who will care for them. I know that you'll see them as little individuals, not just a group. They'll be blessed to have you for even 1 day in their lives.

When you hit that classroom Tuesday morning, imagine all of us bloggy friends sitting (squished into those little desks) cheering you on! Oh yah, and we're probably talking too much too.

You can do it friend and we're all here to support you!!! Love ya!

Andrea said...

YES! Another partner in crime!! Subbing isn't that bad. Just think if you don't like that class, you never have to go back. Ever. Good luck!! Have fun!! And a little candy can go a lllooonnnggg way!!

Kayce said...

You'll do great! Just have fun and enjoy!

Gracencameronsmomy said...

How exciting! Good luck!

laurel said...

I know that the unknown can be scary, so do you. But I know you can do it. Heck if you can do the adoption thing, which is a world unknown, you can teach. Just look at it that way. Hang in there! You are a strong woman as far as I can tell. You can do it! Just think, "I think I can, I think I can."

Ginny said...

Good luck - I remember how scared I was of my first ever primary class but, you know, they aren't as scary as they look on first appearance.
Have fun
Ginny

M3 said...

Wow, go get em!!!! Thinking good thoughts for you on Tuesday. Wow (I just said that, huh?). So excited for you. You will be THE BEST teacher.

Kim said...

Good Luck girly..
You will have fun..
Can't wait to hear how much FUN you had...
Have a Great Weekend..

~Kristen said...

Good Luck!!! You'll be fine, just make sure they know who's in charge!!

Can't wait to hear about your day!!

Polar Bear said...

You are going to do GREAT!!! Just remember subbing isn't like a class of your own. Your own class is SO much more incredible. It is a rewarding, challenging, the hardest job, and the best job you'll ever do.

I can't wait to read about your first day. We can compare subbing stories some day! :)

Keep us posted!

4D said...

That is great! It is scary but you will conquer your fear and succeed. I have no doubt about that.

Keep smilin!

Joannah said...

I did a little subbing before I got my first teaching job. It's tough, but some classes are wonderful. You'll have some rough days, and some days (and students) will just be great. It's a great way to get into the profession. We've hired many substitutes who filled long-term positions (like maternity leaves).

Good luck! They will love you!!!

Kristin said...

Good luck! I'm sure you will kick booty (in a good way!!)

Mayken said...

That's awesome, Lisa! What a leap for you. I know you'll be great. What ages are you subbing for (or do you get to run the gammut)?
Blessings,
Janice

Jewels of My Heart said...

I know you will do fantastic....
You CAN do it!!!!!!!!!!!!

C's Mom said...

Good for you! Yup...dive right in and soak it up. (you can shower afterwards ;0)

I look forward to hearing how it went.

Donna said...

That is so exciting! But coming from a family of educators, you should keep in mind that subbing is nothing like having your own classroom. So don't let that scare you off - you'll be a great teacher if that's the road you choose to take!

kitchu said...

Wow, I will be thinking of you and will be anxious to hear how your day goes- it's exciting and scary, all at once! But I trust you are making the right choice for you and that these kids will love you.
Good luck!!

Kelli said...

Wow! Good luck!!! Hope it goes well!

Snugglebug Mama said...

Good for you Lisa! Take some slow deep breaths and dive on in. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

HI! I am a 4th grade teacher and a blog-peruser... Saw your note, and thought I would give you a sure-thing activity to fill up 10-15 minutes if you need it:
Play a game called "SPARKLE." Here's how it works: Kids sit on their desks (they think this is fabulous anyway), and you tell them a specific order to go in (in rows or around their groups). Give them a spelling word (you can use an old list or just basic words you come up with). The kids spell one letter, and then the next kid spells the next letter, etc. At the end of the word, the next kid says the word, and the next kid says "SPARKLE." The NEXT kid is out, and has to sit in their chair. (Example: R-U-N- run-Sparkle) Also, a kid is out if he/she says the wrong letter. The winner could be the word caller the next round. I have played this game with 2nd graders through high school students, and they LOVE it! Steal ideas from EVERYONE you know, and you can use them as a reward for getting through the lessons the teacher left. Bring a few picture books that you LOVE to read aloud to fill the time. One of my favorites is called "Hey Little Ant." (Again... kids of all ages love it!). Good luck.

Christi and Abbey said...

You go girl! I totally understand the scary feelings, I still get them right before school starts and I've been doing this for 20 years. It's so much better after you take the plunge. I prefer the little ones but everyone has their nitch and finds the ages they like to work with best. We look forward to your report.

Christi and Abbey said...

You go girl! I totally understand the scary feelings, I still get them right before school starts and I've been doing this for 20 years. It's so much better after you take the plunge. I prefer the little ones but everyone has their nitch and finds the ages they like to work with best. We look forward to your report.

Anonymous said...

I sure hope this turns out to be a career you really enjoy. What a great way to use your waiting time - finding a job that works for you and Tate! Can't wait to hear how it went and how it progresses.

Anonymous said...

Good luck! Your bank account will thank you for taking the plunge :)
Anne

Shelley said...

How awesome and congrats. Lord knows I could never do it! It takes real talent, like you! :)

Best of luck!