So I finally did it... I got a job for next year. I feel like I should be ending that previous sentence with an exclamation mark, but I didn't. Not because I'm not excited, I totally am...I'm just getting used to the decision I just made, and it's a little scary to be totally honest.
I got offered my old job back, and normally if you know me at all, this is unlike me to chose the road unfamiliar. I find comfort in routines and I like waking up knowing what to expect with all aspects of my life. I don't find it fun to think about the unknown or the inexperienced. I do with certain things, when I think about traveling...that is something I want to do, but not really live in different places. I like being comfortable with my surroundings. On top of that switching grade levels is going to be more work! I have all my third grade lessons done, and look ahead- next year would be about making me a better teacher. Looking at the things that worked and focusing on making the things that could have went a little better, get better. But now I chose the opposite road, the one to new adventures, and I know second grade isn't that different from third, but it is a whole new set of lesson plans and a whole new school to be apart of. Actually though, that's sort of why I'm excited about it (oddly enough). I liked TR, I liked the school and the familiar faces...but the down side to that was I didn't really agree with a lot of the politics. I didn't like the other half of the administration and the first half that I did sort of like is leaving year after next. On top of that they're so by the book over there, I feel like you can't really enjoy getting to know everyone because it's all business. Not that I don't agree- the school is meant to be a place of learning, and not just learning about anything-about standards and development. But there has to be some collaboration and excitement in what you're doing and who you're working for.
Tres Rios just did not have a very good atmosphere and I feel that's probably one the of biggest reasons I chose not to come back. I don't want to stay there after Tracy leaves, and I don't really want to work that closely with those two other girls that I don't really see eye to eye with. I know second grade is going to be more work for me, but I'm hoping I will be able to take some of the things I learned in third grade and apply them to my classroom in second grade. I definitely don't feel as lost as I did when I was first starting out. Looking at the standards for second grade I have a lot of the actives we do in third that could be modified. A lot of things are the same, they just don't go into as much detail as we did in third grade. I also don't have to worry about AIMS testing which again will be nice. I'm hoping I get along with my team and that we will be able to plan together. That would make my life a lot easier, but if noting else I do find comfort in knowing the general schedule of the school and the expectations as far as what teachers in this district are upheld to. I just hope I landed a job with a supportive team who doesn't mind explaining some things for someone who has a few questions- and I really hope they team plan together.
I am excited to move to second grade, and I really do feel this is what is best for me in the long run. Having experience in multiple grade levels will only make myself more marketable. And who knows maybe I'll end up liking second grade better than third. :)
