Yesterday I interviewed for a position in Burnet, and it sounded so perfect! The district sounded absolutely wonderful- very student-centered, and that's what I loved most. It just seemed to fit with my "philosophy" of education, and I am very hopeful that I get hired. Plus, Burnet is such a beautiful town, it would be very fun to live there. I don't find out until Tuesday, but I've decided that whatever the outcome, I will be happy.
Today I completed my pedagogy training through A+ Texas Teachers, and I am really happy with the program as a whole. I really do feel like they prepared me to do well in my classroom. My UMHB classes also helped me out, but it was different experiencing this training in a non-classroom setting.
Russell and I leave for Tennessee on Tuesday! I'm pretty excited. It's going to be a good 17-18 hour drive, but I haven't been out of state in a few years, so it will be fun. We're going for Thanksgiving to spend it with his family. It should be fun!! :)
Oh, and I graduate in 27 days!!!
Showing posts with label Teaching. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Teaching. Show all posts
11/22/2008
10/15/2008
happy 215th post to meeeee....
I know it's a random number, but I think 215 is a lot! ;)
Well, the reality that is growing up is smacking me in the face harder and harder everyday. Today I found out that I reeeeally need a job with health insurance, and fast! It makes me wonder how many college graduates go without it!
So resume making and job hunting I will be doing.... so just in case you hear of anyone who needs a teacher, preferably a 4-th-8th grade English teacher, you know who to tell!!!!
:)
Well, the reality that is growing up is smacking me in the face harder and harder everyday. Today I found out that I reeeeally need a job with health insurance, and fast! It makes me wonder how many college graduates go without it!
So resume making and job hunting I will be doing.... so just in case you hear of anyone who needs a teacher, preferably a 4-th-8th grade English teacher, you know who to tell!!!!
:)
10/08/2008
Preparing to Teach
As graduation draws near, I'm beginning to realize how stressed I am about the whole thing. I'm really looking forward to it, and when I say that, I mean it; I will never have to write another paper or take another exam.... at least for the time being.
I've been doing my alternative certification stuff and I've been pretty optimistic about the whole thing. I know finding a job will be the biggest ordeal, but right now, I'm all about taking my TExES test. I'm pretty stressed about this- the money, studying, time... But I know I can pass it. I'm taking the test for 4-8th English, and I'm graduating college with an English degree! It can't be too hard. :) See, optimism mixed with questioning....
Anyways, the test is on November 8th- please pray for me :) If I pass, I will be soooo pumped because I will be an official "highly qualified" teacher and a true candidate for a teaching position.
Well... I guess I should go study!
I've been doing my alternative certification stuff and I've been pretty optimistic about the whole thing. I know finding a job will be the biggest ordeal, but right now, I'm all about taking my TExES test. I'm pretty stressed about this- the money, studying, time... But I know I can pass it. I'm taking the test for 4-8th English, and I'm graduating college with an English degree! It can't be too hard. :) See, optimism mixed with questioning....
Anyways, the test is on November 8th- please pray for me :) If I pass, I will be soooo pumped because I will be an official "highly qualified" teacher and a true candidate for a teaching position.
Well... I guess I should go study!
10/04/2008
sleep-drive-learn-drive-sleep!
It has been a loooong day. I didn't think driving to Austin for my alternative teaching certificate for 2 months would take quite the toll on my body. :( I started it last week with an 8-hour introduction to the profession of teaching, and today we had an 8-hour session on Lesson Planning & Development.
It was really good that I went even though I've already taken the education courses here at UMHB and have prior knowledge to the lesson-planning cycle. It was still very informative! I'm preparing my portfolio over the next few months before graduation- I'm going to include my unit plan that I did for high school English last semester (which I got a 98 on, by the way- and yes, I can brag because I'm very happy about that!), a few recommendation letters, and the like.
It's hard for me to believe that in about a month and a half, I will be looking for a job and possibly teaching. Seriously.
After I drove back from Austin, I went to Russell's and we talked for a while about books and his writings that he's working on. I was so pooped that I feel asleep on his couch for about two hours! He worked on homework and I slept. It's so typical of me, having senioritus and all. ;) So now I'm up at one in the am... I need to get to bed though. Long day tomorrow- full of researching, reading, writing...
It was really good that I went even though I've already taken the education courses here at UMHB and have prior knowledge to the lesson-planning cycle. It was still very informative! I'm preparing my portfolio over the next few months before graduation- I'm going to include my unit plan that I did for high school English last semester (which I got a 98 on, by the way- and yes, I can brag because I'm very happy about that!), a few recommendation letters, and the like.
It's hard for me to believe that in about a month and a half, I will be looking for a job and possibly teaching. Seriously.
After I drove back from Austin, I went to Russell's and we talked for a while about books and his writings that he's working on. I was so pooped that I feel asleep on his couch for about two hours! He worked on homework and I slept. It's so typical of me, having senioritus and all. ;) So now I'm up at one in the am... I need to get to bed though. Long day tomorrow- full of researching, reading, writing...
9/30/2008
it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...
a beautiful day! :)
So, please forgive me for my long absence! I have been a horrible blog-keeper. :( Thank you, Stephanie, for unknowingly inspiring me to blog again! :) (I saw your blog and the cute background and thought to myself, "Self, you should make your blog all cute and updated!" So I did.)
Well I guess I'm long overdue for an update.... ;)
What's new you may ask? Good question! I shall tell thee.
I graduate in 80 days!!! I will be done with school for(ever?) a long time!! Over the length of my absence, I decided that the wisest financial decision for me right now is not to dig myself into a deep debt hole of student loans and the like, but to get a job with my Bachelor's degree and start paying some loans off! So I'm applying to teach English in January. I'm pretty confident in my ability to do this- except the plan is now not to teach high school (because I look like a high schooler still...), but to teach middle school. 4th-8th grade sounds like a pretty good grade level for me. :)
Since graduation is coming up, I would like to invite my readers to my graduation party! I graduate on December 20th (a Saturday) and will be having my party the day after in San Antonio. I'll send out invitations to both my graduation and my party as the dates draw closer.
Russell and I are still doing great! :) He's graduating in May and applying to grad schools near San Antonio. I'm really excited about this! And not to sound too lovey-dovey... he makes me really happy and I'm really looking forward to the next year as we transition from undergraduate life to adult life (also known as "the real world")! Eeeek! It will be fun. :)
So, please forgive me for my long absence! I have been a horrible blog-keeper. :( Thank you, Stephanie, for unknowingly inspiring me to blog again! :) (I saw your blog and the cute background and thought to myself, "Self, you should make your blog all cute and updated!" So I did.)
Well I guess I'm long overdue for an update.... ;)
What's new you may ask? Good question! I shall tell thee.
I graduate in 80 days!!! I will be done with school for(ever?) a long time!! Over the length of my absence, I decided that the wisest financial decision for me right now is not to dig myself into a deep debt hole of student loans and the like, but to get a job with my Bachelor's degree and start paying some loans off! So I'm applying to teach English in January. I'm pretty confident in my ability to do this- except the plan is now not to teach high school (because I look like a high schooler still...), but to teach middle school. 4th-8th grade sounds like a pretty good grade level for me. :)
Since graduation is coming up, I would like to invite my readers to my graduation party! I graduate on December 20th (a Saturday) and will be having my party the day after in San Antonio. I'll send out invitations to both my graduation and my party as the dates draw closer.
Russell and I are still doing great! :) He's graduating in May and applying to grad schools near San Antonio. I'm really excited about this! And not to sound too lovey-dovey... he makes me really happy and I'm really looking forward to the next year as we transition from undergraduate life to adult life (also known as "the real world")! Eeeek! It will be fun. :)
2/01/2008
Teaching!
I'm taking two education classes this semester: Curriculum Methods and Classroom Management. For each class, I need to do 26 hours of field experience, putting me at 52 hours this semester. I'm not quite sure how this will work considering I have school and 2 jobs... but it will work. I promise! :)
Anyways, that was me going off on a tangent again. Today I met the two teachers I will be working alongside this semester, and I felt so good about it. They were both so encouraging and offered me many resources to help me in my teaching career. One even gave me the book "Night" by Elie Wiesel (which I have wanted to read for a while. We both agreed that the lessons I would teach this semester would be over that book. We discussed the Holocaust, Wiesel's beautiful words and writing, and of course- the life of a teacher. She told me how stressful it can be, yet how rewarding. I was deeply encouraged by everything she told me.
As we sat and talked in her overly crowded (by desks) classroom, I felt like everything I have been preparing for is so right. I'm going to be honest and tell you that I have questioned the career I have chosen. But I know that I sought the Lord in prayer about this very intently, and I know that He has a plan. As I walked through the highschool hallways today, I knew that what I was doing was exactly where I needed to be. While many of the students I saw today were taller than me, I still felt older than them. I know that sounds crazy, but I have feared that I would not be confident walking through the hallways of a highschool as a teacher, but today God brought that peace.
After hearing about some of these student's lives, my heart went out to them. Our world is full of so much that we choose to overlook. There are 15 year old students that see school as their only safe haven. I am excited for what is to come. I know it will be rough, but I am so ready to see what God has planned.
I start in the classrooms next week. Before, my biggest fear was feeling confident, but now- my worry is, "What will I wear?!" (That's right, I STILL have not deveoped my teaching wardrobe...)
Anyways, that was me going off on a tangent again. Today I met the two teachers I will be working alongside this semester, and I felt so good about it. They were both so encouraging and offered me many resources to help me in my teaching career. One even gave me the book "Night" by Elie Wiesel (which I have wanted to read for a while. We both agreed that the lessons I would teach this semester would be over that book. We discussed the Holocaust, Wiesel's beautiful words and writing, and of course- the life of a teacher. She told me how stressful it can be, yet how rewarding. I was deeply encouraged by everything she told me.
As we sat and talked in her overly crowded (by desks) classroom, I felt like everything I have been preparing for is so right. I'm going to be honest and tell you that I have questioned the career I have chosen. But I know that I sought the Lord in prayer about this very intently, and I know that He has a plan. As I walked through the highschool hallways today, I knew that what I was doing was exactly where I needed to be. While many of the students I saw today were taller than me, I still felt older than them. I know that sounds crazy, but I have feared that I would not be confident walking through the hallways of a highschool as a teacher, but today God brought that peace.
After hearing about some of these student's lives, my heart went out to them. Our world is full of so much that we choose to overlook. There are 15 year old students that see school as their only safe haven. I am excited for what is to come. I know it will be rough, but I am so ready to see what God has planned.
I start in the classrooms next week. Before, my biggest fear was feeling confident, but now- my worry is, "What will I wear?!" (That's right, I STILL have not deveoped my teaching wardrobe...)
6/20/2007
Hawaii, Pageant, House, and High School! :)
Well I'm awake at 11:28 at night and I'm writing on my blog. For some reason, I haven't had any desire to blog lately, so this post may be a little random.
Tonight we had Hawaii night at work, and I got to dress in something besides my uniform :) I wore a purple Orchid in my hair, and it was very fun! We even had Hawaiian dancers perform for all the old people. Some of the old people even got up with them and learned a little dance. It was very cute and fun to see them in a different setting! However, the Hawaiian theme really made me want to get away and have a vacation. I'm not even that busy! I have a feeling that adjusting to college life will be a little hard for me when I go back...
I'm still excited about going to MHB. Lauren and I got into our house that we wanted, and we are very excited! My mom gave me a couch that is quite comfy if I do say so myself. We have everything we need for the house except for a dining table, which is especially important because we have a nook, and every nook needs a dining table. Well, I need a dining table, too, but a nook is all the more reason to have a dining table. :) Here are some sneak peeks of our house that is just waiting for us to move in:
Now how cool is that? We have a loft and a fireplace. I'm just so excited!
About next year, I have a wonderful feeling about it. I know this is probably natural since I have so many things to look forward to (like my dad being back!), but I really do have a good feeling. I know God has big plans and that a lot of growth is in store. I'm very excited!
Lets see.. what else? Pageant planning is making me a little nervous. My mom and I are supposed to go look for dresses soon.. I have one in mind, but I want to look at all of them. I'm also still trying to find the perfect skit for my talent. Who knew that I'd ever be a part of this? I'm excited, but very, very NERVOUS! :)
This probably should have been one post in itself, but I am definitely teaching high school English now! How exciting! Everything fit perfectly on my schedule, which is very important since I'm trying to fit in my last year. I always hear that it's hard to do. In a year from now I will be preparing to student teach, which is just a tad bit crazy! This upcoming semester I will be taking:
-World Literature
-Shakespeare
-Advanced Composition
-American Literature to 1890
-Students and Learning
It is going to be quite the busy semester, but after that, I only have to take 12 hours in the Spring! I'm excited about that break! I will have to be diligent with my schedule this fall. I will have to say no to things when I need to, and stay on top of my studies. I mean, look at those classes! As intriguing as they sound, they will require a lot of time and studying. I think I am most excited about World Literature. :) We shall see!
Not much else is on my mind :) I've just been doing summer school and work lately! :) I hope you're all doing well. If you read through all of this, you are awesome!!
Tonight we had Hawaii night at work, and I got to dress in something besides my uniform :) I wore a purple Orchid in my hair, and it was very fun! We even had Hawaiian dancers perform for all the old people. Some of the old people even got up with them and learned a little dance. It was very cute and fun to see them in a different setting! However, the Hawaiian theme really made me want to get away and have a vacation. I'm not even that busy! I have a feeling that adjusting to college life will be a little hard for me when I go back...
I'm still excited about going to MHB. Lauren and I got into our house that we wanted, and we are very excited! My mom gave me a couch that is quite comfy if I do say so myself. We have everything we need for the house except for a dining table, which is especially important because we have a nook, and every nook needs a dining table. Well, I need a dining table, too, but a nook is all the more reason to have a dining table. :) Here are some sneak peeks of our house that is just waiting for us to move in:
Now how cool is that? We have a loft and a fireplace. I'm just so excited!
About next year, I have a wonderful feeling about it. I know this is probably natural since I have so many things to look forward to (like my dad being back!), but I really do have a good feeling. I know God has big plans and that a lot of growth is in store. I'm very excited!
Lets see.. what else? Pageant planning is making me a little nervous. My mom and I are supposed to go look for dresses soon.. I have one in mind, but I want to look at all of them. I'm also still trying to find the perfect skit for my talent. Who knew that I'd ever be a part of this? I'm excited, but very, very NERVOUS! :)
This probably should have been one post in itself, but I am definitely teaching high school English now! How exciting! Everything fit perfectly on my schedule, which is very important since I'm trying to fit in my last year. I always hear that it's hard to do. In a year from now I will be preparing to student teach, which is just a tad bit crazy! This upcoming semester I will be taking:
-World Literature
-Shakespeare
-Advanced Composition
-American Literature to 1890
-Students and Learning
It is going to be quite the busy semester, but after that, I only have to take 12 hours in the Spring! I'm excited about that break! I will have to be diligent with my schedule this fall. I will have to say no to things when I need to, and stay on top of my studies. I mean, look at those classes! As intriguing as they sound, they will require a lot of time and studying. I think I am most excited about World Literature. :) We shall see!
Not much else is on my mind :) I've just been doing summer school and work lately! :) I hope you're all doing well. If you read through all of this, you are awesome!!
6/15/2007
Decisions, decisions...
So, I haven't told any of you, but I'm thinking of certifying for English 8-12, instead of 4th-8th. I know I sound crazy, but lately I have been thinking of how much I'd rather teach more in depth literature, rather than the difference between a noun and an adjective. I have e-mailed my English Advisor, and we are talking about possibilities right now. I'm also still in the process of praying about this big decision, especially since I was so set on teaching middle school. I haven't fully made up my mind, but here is my reasoning so far:
- High School students are like mini-adults. A friend pointed out to me that many of them are taking their first big steps into the "real world". What a wonderful time to help guide them and encourage them!
-The type of Literature I would be teaching is more the the kind that I love. Stories full of symbolism, biblical references, and different interpretations. Wouldn't it be awesome to have a class where you discuss each other's perspectives on a character in a novel? These were the classes I enjoyed most in my schooling, how great it would be to teach them.
-The kids are more mature! This would especially be the case if I taught Advance Placement.
Please pray for me as I make this decision! Also, if you have any advice, just let me know. Yes, I know that most of the students would think I'm in high school, but I'm not going to look this young forever! :)
- High School students are like mini-adults. A friend pointed out to me that many of them are taking their first big steps into the "real world". What a wonderful time to help guide them and encourage them!
-The type of Literature I would be teaching is more the the kind that I love. Stories full of symbolism, biblical references, and different interpretations. Wouldn't it be awesome to have a class where you discuss each other's perspectives on a character in a novel? These were the classes I enjoyed most in my schooling, how great it would be to teach them.
-The kids are more mature! This would especially be the case if I taught Advance Placement.
Please pray for me as I make this decision! Also, if you have any advice, just let me know. Yes, I know that most of the students would think I'm in high school, but I'm not going to look this young forever! :)
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