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Monday, August 22, 2011

Meet the Teacher Monday!

Tell us a little something about you...

My name is Laura and I am a (soon to be) 3rd grade teacher. I was told in May that I would be leaving the comfort of 2nd grade to travel up to the new world of 3rd grade. Fortunately, I was able to keep most of my kiddos, and I can’t wait to see them again!

 I am also a Pop Warner cheerleading coach of girls from 5th-8th grades. Games start in 2 weeks - I can’t wait!

I am new to the blogging world, having started my blog this summer when I got wrapped up in all the fun of checking out everyone’s wonderful ideas! I am still enjoying my summer, as I do not have to return to school until September 1st for a Superintendent’s Conference Day. I start with my kiddos the following Tuesday.

How long have you been teaching?

This will be my 6th official year of teaching. I graduated from college in May of 2006. I was able to get into my old school to substitute for the rest of that month and June. Over the summer I got a phone call from the principal asking me if I would be a long-term substitute for the AIs Math teacher. I jumped at the chance, especially since it was at a salary pay, not per diem! I worked for 5 months as the AIS Math teacher for grades 2-4. I also taught 2 sections of AIS Reading for 2nd grade. Long-term substitutes do not rely on the teacher to make the plans – you become the teacher and assume all responsibilities for planning and curriculum. After 5 months the teacher came back, and I became a regular per diem substitute again for the rest of the school year.

In may of 2007 the principal called me again, and offered me a job teaching. I wasn’t sure of the grade level until August. In September I started teaching 2nd grade, and I loved every minute of it. I spend 4 years in 2nd. As I stated before, this coming September I will be moving on to 3rd grade.

You might not know...

I hate being a student! I know, I know, what am I doing teaching, right?!?! I am not one of those people who loves to sit in a classroom everyday being talked to – I like to DO the talking! When I finished my Bachelor’s degree and started subbing, I took a year off of attending school. But, after that year I needed to start in on my Master’s degree which is mandated in New York State. Knowing I hate being a student, I gave online school a shot, and graduated from the University of Albany with a Masters in Childhood Education (Literacy 1-6) in 2010. Phew! I am sooooo happy that is over! 

What are you looking most forward to this school year?

I am new to looping, and I can’t wait to get to see my kids again! I am one of those teachers who gets sad at the end of the year thinking “What will I do without these guys?” I get so attached, and for once I get to keep my kids and build on our relationship! I am so excited because I truly had so much fun with them last year, and the possibilities are endless for us this year!

What do you need to improve?

I know absolutely nothing about 3rd grade. I have so much to learn about my curriculum, and then we have to add in the new national Core Curriculum that we are adopting (anyone else starting the core curriculum this year?) I am scared at the prospects, but I have a great grade level chair who I know will get me through it!

What teaching supplies can you *not* live without?

1.       My SMART Board – I love this thing, and it is the best thing invented! My kids can never get enough, and it really brings our lessons to life – let’s just say watching a live Venus fly trap eat its lunch on the big screen got us hooked last year!

2.       Our laminator – I am lucky that our school has one for everyone to use. I laminate everything – not only does everything become shiny and beautiful, but it lasts so much longer! I am a laminating queen – one of my colleagues last year joked at a faculty meeting that some of us would probably laminate the children if we were able to – sometimes guys just don’t get it!

3.       Post-its – I use these so much during the day! On any given day you can look at the calendar on my desk and see 5-10 post-its listing my things to remember!

4.       A candy supply - sometimes you need a pick-me-up to keep you going! Last year my class aide (who I had for about 45 min a day) would have days when we would just about empty the jar!

So there it is, a little bit about me. Want to join in on the fun? Click the picture below to get Blog Hoppin’!

+ Laura +

5 comments:

  1. This is going to be my first year in third grade after many years of upper elementary. Many years. So I am freaked out a bit trying to learn the new curriculum. We are not going to Common Core Curriculum until next year. So I will have to relearn a new curriculum next year. At least I will have a handle on what a third grader is by then.

    Good luck this year!

    http://thirdgradesacharm.blogspot.com/

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  2. I'm a third grade teacher with experience in the common core! We adopted it last year, and I got trained as a "trainer" for the language arts section. My co-worker looped from 2nd to 3rd last year and loved it! She said that she enjoyed the third grade content SO much more, so hopefully you feel the same! Comment on my blog if you have any questions, I might be able to help! =) ~meg

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  3. You'll love 3rd grade! It's such an amazing grade to teach.

    ❤Jodi from...
    ★★The Clutter-Free Classroom★★
    Helping Teachers Get Organized

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  4. I am right there with you on not knowing anything about 3rd grade. I am fortunate to have a great team to work with. I hope we both have a wonderful first year in 3rd!

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  5. I am not one of those people who loves to sit in a classroom everyday being talked to – I like to DO the talking! When I finished my Bachelor’s degree and started subbing, I took a year off of attending school. It's my short experience and now i want to do master degree and then i permanently join grade level schools. I have a website for students who weak in math subjects, those students come my website and starting learning free of cost. I hope it's will helpful for you.
    Math Solutions

    ReplyDelete