If you missed part I of finding work in education after student teaching, you can find that post here. Part II: Look good on paper. I was in the throws of my graduate program: drowning in reading assignments, neck-deep in papers to grade, and attempting to write my own papers. I was really looking forward to a day of meeting professionals in the field. My graduate program had arranged for Continue Reading
Oh, hey Friday! (10 things for teen girls review and giveaway)
"So, how was your week?" Steven and I were about four weeks into pre-marital counseling. Things had been going pretty well. We scored off-the-charts on our compatibility assessment; our counselor was incredibly encouraging when he reviewed our communication styles, 'people like you two should be getting married,' he would always say. It felt nice to know we had support from a Continue Reading
Post-grammatic stress disorder (Finding work in education after student-teaching) (TTT)
So, you've just been placed in your fall internship. If you're like me, you're hovering somewhere between excitement and "oh-my-gosh-what-did-I-get-myself-into?" I remember walking into McNair High School that September morning, my stomach vibrating with nerves. I saw some students walking swiftly through the hallway to class and I marched right into the front office. I smiled at them Continue Reading
I stared at some OJ this morning because it said ‘concentrate’
One day when I was a good bit younger, I went out shopping with my mom and my oldest sister. It should be noted that I love my sister very much, but, like me, she has a tough time concentrating on the task at hand. We went into Old Navy for a pair of pants and about an hour and a half later, we somehow managed to find our way into the kids section...and this was pre-kids for both of Continue Reading
Book it to the library…
"I didn't teach my kids how to read. I figured that was the school's job!" She was serious. She didn't flinch when she said it. Normally, I make it a habit not to judge parenting decisions. This particular choice was a little tougher to silence that overwhelming disapproval I felt in my heart. My senses were on hyper-drive. It took every bit of willpower for me to keep my cynicism to Continue Reading
Teachers don’t want your baked goods.
As a new member of the "mommy blogosphere," I've seen a lot of chatter about what teachers may like as a "back to school" gift. The threads go something like this: "Anyone have any ideas about what would be a good "back to school" gift for Johnny/Susie's teacher? -Last year, I made cookies! -what kind? -chocolate chip! She loved them!" Just this morning, I noticed a thread in one Continue Reading
So Not Okay (Mean Girl Makeover): Review and Giveaway
The moment I walked into Clarkston High School, my department head had me pegged. I don't blame her. I am a 5'7" blonde with blue eyes that have a tendency to release more tears than most. I have a permanent grin plastered on my face (especially when I am at work). Phee, in So Not Okay would suggest I "sorta brought it on myself." Why wouldn't she assume that I am wholly incompetent and Continue Reading
Mommy Planner
My morning alarm sounded the beginning of a new school year for me. Only, this year, I won't be sitting through hours of meetings today. I won't be hanging posters in my room tomorrow. I won't be printing out my lesson plans or crafting a "welcome to Mrs. Carrington's class" e-mail to my parents. No; this morning, I began by reading a few chapters of an illustrated version of treasure Continue Reading
3 student-centered activities for the first day of school (TTT)
Monday, many teachers will be rubbing their eyes and taking a deep breath before reluctantly rolling out of bed. Their stomachs will be filled with nerves, both good and bad. Each teacher's mind will be occupied with thoughts of their new crop of students: will this year be a good year? Will I like my students? Will they learn from my teaching style? What type of parents will I have this year? Continue Reading
Teacher Time Savers (For Men) (TTT)
So...I got a lot of great feedback from teachers and other professionals on my "Teacher Time-Savers" post. Many women were thankful for the idea of pre-made salads and easy hair tutorials. Then, it occurred to me, through a friendly comment from a male colleague, that I also have a male readership as well. In fact, I have been fascinated by the amount of men who actually take the time to read Continue Reading