Following My Heart...

I have pretty much known ever since I was a 3rd grader that I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. Luckily, that dream was able to come true. I think part of the reason that I wanted to become a teacher was because of the amazing teachers that I had while I was growing up. I actually have loved my teachers so much that I am pretty sure that I could name a few of my favorites from every year. I too hope that I can be that teacher in the eyes of at least some of my students. 

While I was in high school, I was blessed with the opportunity to be an elementary teacher aide. By that time, I already knew I wanted to be a teacher. I was blessed enough to be placed with my high school volleyball coach's wife and loved every minute of it. I actually loved it so much that I took the class twice and was with her again my Senior Year of high school. Up until this point, I was really thinking that I possibly wanted to teach at the high school level and coach. However, I remember this moment so well. It was the second semester of my senior year, and I was working with a guided reading group. I just remember getting this overwhelming feeling that I was supposed to be an elementary teacher. I knew then that I had to make my concentration Early Childhood-6th Grade once I got to college. 

While I was in college I was lucky enough to continue to volunteer in this same classroom as well as sub in PK-8th grade classrooms within the district. I loved the opportunity to work in many different classrooms and to observe children of all different ages. To this day, I still believe that subbing while I was in college was one of the best things that I could have done. 

When I student taught I ended up in a 4th grade classroom and loved it! It was such a pleasant surprise because I was not sure how it would be. You see, I had always pictured myself in a 1st or 2nd grade classroom. I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed about being in 4th. I do think it was a total God thing though because it ended up being amazing. I was a little shocked though when the middle school principal called the elementary school and asked if I could take over a 6th grade class in the middle of my student teaching. After some thinking, I decided to do it. I was the person that said I would never teach middle school, and there I was doing it. That experience ended up getting me my first job teaching 6th grade Language Arts. I am currently finishing my 2nd year teaching 6th grade. 

Now you see, my dream has always been to teach at the elementary level, but 6th grade is what fell into my lap. During my first two years I have learned so much! I would not trade this experience for anything. However, it is time to follow my heart and my lifelong dream. 

I am so excited because I am going to be teaching 1st Grade in the fall! That's right...1st grade!!! I have known for a week now, but it still has not set it because I cannot believe that it is really happening! My heart is just so happy and I cannot wait for the fall to get here! 

You are probably wondering what is going to happen to this little 'ole blog. Well, I am happy to say that it is going nowhere! It will have a new name and a new look, but all of the content is staying! Hopefully some of you all will join me as I begin a new adventure with a class full of firsties!