MY NEW JOB & A Bittersweet Week

This week, I learned I got a teaching job - 5th grade at Royston Elementary!  If you are confused, Jonathan & I moved to Franklin County 2 1/2 years ago.  First, I was a part-time special education tutor.  My tutor position ended with the school year.  That summer, I interviewed for 4 positions - getting the paraprofessional job with Susan Knighton.  After teaching 3rd grade, getting a masters degree, I was working full-time as a teacher's assistent.  At first, it was a humbling experience - to not "make the calls," do the planning, attend the meetings on data (& yes - I'm a nerd & love studying data).  Yet - after 1 1/2 years, I was crying Tuesday morning as I walked out of my Kindergarten class.

What I learned as a parapro - teacher's assistents are just as important as teachers, copy machines are much harder to work than they look, cutting ketchup packets are tricky, parents - teach your child to tie his or her shoes before entering Kindergarten & to tear pancakes (believe me it's easier than cutting)...I could go on...

I worked with one of the most WONDERFUL woman that I have ever met - Susan Knighton.  She allowed me to teach.  She allowed me to run in late (oops...some days my run lasted longer than it should).  She allowed me to organize centers.  She allowed me to use my gifts.  She allowed me to share my heart with her, & her the same with me.  God used her in so many ways in my life...& I am forever grateful.

So, now I am putting back on my big girl shoes & working in my own classroom with the BIG 5th graders.  I can't be late.  I can't check on Nolan with the sitter.  I can't sit & talk with Susan.  But, God is good.  He blessed me with a different kind of teaching experience.  He blessed me with wonderful co-workers my first two years in a new town.  He gave me a stress-free job with 2 little boys.

Here are a couple pictures on my last day -

Susan K & Me

The precious Kindergarteners, Mrs. Knighton, Mrs. Brown, & Me 

On a side night - Nolan was 5 months on December 30th.  (Poor 2nd baby - his update is almost a month late!)  He has cut his first tooth, he doesn't like rice cereal or oatmeal (yet!), he loves sleeping on his tummy (which worries his mama), he thinks his big brother is hilarious, & he's our cuddlier!  We love our "Goose!"

Nolan 5 months (Jan. 1, 2013)