Survival Mode

Here it goes, my first try at blogging.

I read so many teaching blogs EVERY week, and I decided that I wanted to try it out. We'll see how this goes.

Let's start by reflecting on this past school year:

I survived.

I can walk away from this year, my first year teaching fourth grade, with my head held high.

Honestly, my dream has always been to teach this grade, as my student teaching experience under an incredible mentor taught me so much. I left a position that I really loved last year, and took a giant leap of faith. Terrified, I went in to the first day of the 2012-2013 school year with the belief that if one student walked out of my classroom more confident than before, I would have done my job correctly.

This brings me to Thursday. The last day, and my moment to reflect on all I have learned this year.

1. Some days I will go home and feel like a failure as a teacher, but I always get another day to redeem that.

2. A silent classroom does not mean a productive classroom.

3. Support makes all the difference.

4. Teaching students to value what they create can truly change the way they see the world.

5. I do not have to "dislike" a misbehaving student. Some of my wildest students this year were students I enjoyed the most, because I learned to appreciate them as people.

I have so many more thoughts and ideas pouring through my head, but I know I can step away from my first year teaching fourth grade feeling inspired. I feel stronger than before. I feel secure in what I do, and in my ability to bring about student success.

Starting Monday, I will be teaching summer school for three weeks. I will be reflecting/sharing what I learn through the experience.

The Survivor Lady,
Mrs. C