How crazy is this blog thing? Writing is my least favorite subject to teach, but I'm going to try and embrace my daily thoughts and place them on this very confusing blog thing.

I've been teaching for 16 years. My classroom is located in an inner city school district in South Central Pennsylvania. My resume includes several grade levels.

I hesitantly started my teaching career in 8th grade and instantly put aside my desire to teach cute little kids in elementary. I had to go where there was an opening.  I fell in love with my feisty, rebellious, creative, and intelligent students. I also quickly learned that their lives were very different than mine. The homes where they resided were not safe and it seemed like they moved around the neighborhood every few months.  These kiddos had many more challenges than I would ever face in my lifetime.  Thankfully, they also had a will to do their best no matter the situation.  

Three years past and I took maternity leave which turned into two maternity leaves back to back.  As soon as I was able to return to teaching, I wiped the drool off of my shirt and went out the door. 

Due to new restrictions, I was no longer able to teach in 8th grade with my elementary certificate, so I happily filled in an opening in 6th grade math.  I love everything math! I enjoy structure and step by step problems. I enjoy multi step problems that take a while to solve. This was my oasis.  I loved being creative which isn't always welcome by other middle school teachers. They would snicker enviously at the student created math posters on my walls and the cute projects hanging from the ceiling. 

Several years in 6th grade math and my comfortable position would come to a scheming halt. We found out our 6th grade building was being shut down. They told my comrades and me that they would place us in other schools. I can't explain how sad it was to once again leave a great group of educates for some unknown future. 

Long story short, I was sprinkled into a third grade position in an amazing school with more new amazing teachers. It was a fresh start and a new beginning for my creative juices. Designing and decorating became my passion. I wanted every inch to be inviting but neat.  My tastes are clean and bright. My themes are usually more color based than animal or superhero.  I love teaching the younger children.  Every so often, someone will ask which grade I preferred teaching. I reply that they all have their pros and cons, but one major commonality is the desire to learn even when out side the classroom and school walls exists many life challenges. 

I hope you will follow me as I once again change grades. I will loop with my third graders to fourth. Hold on tight and get ready for another adventure in planning and decorating.