Sorry for the delay.....

I must first apologize for the lack of posts on my blog. In my first two months of being a new special education teacher, I just haven't found the time to blog. But tonight is the night that I decided that I HAD to write. I had my AH-HA moment. I teach 5th grade so my students are required to take the 5th grade writing test. However,there are no accommodations or modifications for my group so they are required to write the 5 paragraphs. Like any normal person, I was shaking in my boots. How in the world was I going to get my students to write 5 paragraphs when they had issues getting just ONE thought on paper? Like any good teacher, I attend a lot of professional development workshops. Last week, I attended a writing workshop. The presenters taught us a technique called "The Power of Three". First the student draws a triangle and writes a one word topic in the middle. Then the student writes one detail on each side. Next, the student writes a conclusion below the triangle. The items on the triangle are then transported to regular lined paper and wah-lah, a complete paragraph! Today, I started a new writing activity after having so many other false starts. Today, ALL of my students were able to write a complete and concise 5 sentence paragraph about their favorite thing to do on the weekend. That was my AH-HA moment. I presented the idea of writing a paragraph as a shape rather than lines of words. As my assistant and I walked around monitoring and helping the kids, I thought to myself, 'I can't believe that I am a real life teacher.' I felt so fuzzy and warm inside. My kids were so excited that they had written complete paragraphs. I then preceded to cheer with my students because we would soon write multiple paragraph papers. Me: Next we'll write 2 paragraphs Kids: THEN THREE! THEN FOUR! THEN FIVE! The little scuff with a parent from the day before meant absolutely nothing. Any negative energy I receive while I'm in this position means nothing. I'm sitting here in tears because I know that God placed me on this Earth just for this. God is sooooo good and it's only through Him that I am where I am today and where I will be in the future. Until next time, I will "Keep Calm and Teach On." <3

Today is the day. All of the preparations that I've made over the past 5 years have finally paid off. I signed my temporary contract in April, passed the last two certification tests, and graduated with my Bachelor's. The local school district called and gave me an OFFICIAL contract offer. Without hesitation, I accepted. Next week will be a time for signing my contract and other legal documents.I won't know which school I will be at or what grade I will teach but I am grateful to know that it's official. What's funny is that I've been collecting things for my "teacher closet" for the past few months. My mentor teacher got a promotion and will no longer need some of her things so lo and behold she gave them to me! I honestly cannot wait to have my own classroom and be able to pass my knowledge onto my students! Some people have asked me why I chose to pursue special education. Some have even called me crazy for doing such a thing. Here's what I tell them, "It's in my heart." My oldest nephew has Asperger's syndrome and my niece is autistic. Before my nephew was diagnosed, I did not understand what was "wrong" with him. I was a little girl who watched a little boy listen to the vacuum cleaner run. But this same little boy covered his ears every time we played outside and our voices were just too loud. This same little boy could also name the model, make,and year of any car just by looking at it. Did I mention that he was only 2 years old at the time? I did not understand his behavior but I loved him for who he was. As I got older, I realized that there were other people just like my nephew. They need people in their loves who will love them and take the time to plant seeds and nurture them. I believe I accepted the challenge the day that I switched my major from Sociology to Elementary Education: Special Education. I have boxing gloves on and I'm ready for round one: 2012-2013 <3 Much Love, Princess Ali