On Wednesday, January 5, I accepted a position as a 2nd grade teacher. Several years ago, I graduated from UF completely unsure of what I would do with my degree. After 2 years of searching and thinking, I observed in a 2nd grade classroom and decided right then and there that I was called to be a teacher. It took much struggling and many tearful and stressed out moments to get me to this point. I never dreamed of getting a job immediately after graduation, especially not in the grade I had always wanted to teach.
In order to get officially certified as a teacher, I had to forge past a couple of small mountains. It seems that not changing my name officially and having graduated too recently was causing problems. I have been praying for nothing but strength and patience. A moment before losing hope and patience, I realized something. I was wearing the same shirt on the day I observed years ago that I wore at my interview and was offered the position. This was completely unintentional, but it taught me something very deep inside. Aside from the fact that I obviously don't update my wardrobe very often, I realized that my prayers had come full circle. God had shown me that I truly was meant for this position and that I only needed to follow the path He laid out for me. So what if my transcripts didn't come through right away or that my name change slowed the process considerably? Who cares that I had to get hired as a sub for a day before I could be hired as an official teacher? Did it make a difference at all that I wanted these things to happen faster? In the end, God knew it would work out and He knew that I would need to learn patience and perseverance in order to become a truly good teacher.
Monday of this past week was my first day of school as a second grade teacher. It took everything I had to make it through this week! The first 4 days, I counted my blessings that even though we didn't get through all of the lesson plans and I only remembered to check their homework folders once, at least there was no blood or broken bones. Then Friday comes around. Just when I thought I was going to make it through the week, a bloody-mouthed child walked up to me near to tears. He had slipped in the bathroom and hit his already loose front tooth. His mouth was bloody and his eyes were teary. Fortunately, we were in mid-transition and all the other students were on their way out the door to other classrooms. I was able to walk him up to the capable and experienced hands of the angels in the front office.
In all other ways, my first week as a teacher was a complete success. Every day got better and better. The students are still testing the waters to see what they can get past the young, new teacher, but all-in-all we are all making the best of the transition. One dad said to another teacher, " I heard my kid's new teacher is hot, where is she?" =) I guess I'm in with the parents already!
I told Ryan that it was part of his husbandly duties to help his wife set up her very first classroom. I explained that it was part of the contract and it was signed, sealed and delivered when he said, "I do" and kissed my face. Unfortunately, he was incredibly sick that weekend and could barely bring himself out of bed. He was so sick, in fact, that he took his first sick day in about 3 years. I excused him from his duties and took the rain check for the weekend before my second week of school. Just as good I suppose. I promise to take pictures and share my new classroom once it is truly set up.
I must say that being a teacher is incredibly rewarding and apparently incredibly exhausting. I have been going to bed anywhere between 7:30 and 9:30 every night. Last night I had to work my second job and I could barely stay on my feet until closing. My very kind boss has offered to allow me to stay active on payroll by scheduling me one day per pay period. I only have to work 2 nights a month, get to keep my discount and have a back-up plan in case I don't get picked up right away for the following school year. She literally said the words, "We'd do anything to keep you. Any one of the other managers would hate to see you go." I was completely flattered and my job satisfaction climbed to new heights.
Things are working out better than I ever imagined. I am truly blessed and thankful.
