About 3 weeks ago I submitted my resume to a bunch of schools around here thinking that I could potentially work as an aide, teach english, PE - or something along those lines. Last Thursday I got a call at 11am from Santa Monica asking if I would be interesting in coming in at 2pm that day for an interview. Without hesitation, I agreed. The interview went well and at 4:45pm I was offered the job. Now you're probably wondering how in the world this is all happening.
No, I do not have an education degree - but apparently you don't need one here. I do have a bachelor's degree and a whole lot of experience in (tennis) lesson planning, preparing activities, communicating with children and their parents, etc...however, NOT an education background. After accepting the position I wondered what I got myself into! More importantly, what I got the kids into!!!
Here are my REAL thoughts about it all. I am excited for the challenge, but I have great feelings about our system back in the states. As I know I will do a fine job, it's also a fact that I would NEVER get this job back in the states without the required degree. Rightfully so - and all more confidence I and you, the reader, should have in our education back home. Thinking about this for the entire weekend I started to doubt myself...but realized that if my kids had a teacher with the energy and love I have for kids and education of all sorts, I would be confident he/she would be in good hands.
That being said, I feel great being a teacher. I love kids, I love when I can "see" the lightbulb go off whether that's on the tennis court - and now, in the classroom. I am an organized person and enjoy the good feeling I have when leaving work knowing I did the best I could.. because that's all I have.
Today was my first day and it went very well. I think I set the tone that I can be fun and very serious all in the same day. I hope I captured their respect from the get-go! There was a whole lot of nose blowing, water spilling (we eat lunch in the classroom - no cafeteria).. tattling, some crying, same questions asked by the same person about 12 times in 2 minutes, "Samantha, pay attention" about a million times, "Saburo, what is rule #1 on the board!!! FOLLOW DIRECTIONS QUICKLY!!!" about 50 times today... the list goes on and on :) oh - and the first thing I did when I got home tonight? Washed my hands and took a shower :)
Tony is very excited that I am staying busy these days ;).. not too fun going to work while I'm sitting at home all day, I'm sure! I know he felt bad, but now we are both so busy and I foresee our weeknights ending a bit earlier than before - and reeeeally looking forward to the weekend :) He has been absolutely amazing with the support he's shown for the overwhelming feelings I've been having over the last week. Another reminder as to why I married this guy.
That is all for now. I'm sure I will be venting about the rugrats every now and then on the blog :0)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLnkBejl278&list=HL1379414430&feature=mh_lolz
not sure if this will work - but it's a short video clip of some of the kids dancing in the classroom after school today! (might need to copy and paste the link above - haven't figured all this out yet...)
the pretty cute view I have from my desk!!!
Oh my God, Tara!!! How insane, awesome, understandably emotional, perfect, overwhelming and amazing is this?! We all know how much you love kids and how great you are with them. I suppose it is only right that our family share that with the rest of the world:) You are completely right, as a parent, I want someone who has love and energy for my child, the rest will fall into place.
ReplyDeleteYup, I'm thinking time is going to start to fly now! Good thing you guys finally have each other (and an island!) for the weekends:) Wishing you all the best on this new adventure and sending you all our love!
That video is adorable, by the way.
So proud of you Tara, I know those kids will love you!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Your children are lucky to have you as their teacher.
ReplyDeleteLinda
Tara, You are a great teacher! Don't sell yourself short!
ReplyDeleteLove this blog! I think you should write at least a monthly blog about how things are going at school because like I said...in 10 years when we are having a beer (wherever you live) and look back and say "remember that year you taught kindergarten??" we can at least have some documentation to look back on:) Love ya!
ReplyDeleteWOW... Tara a teacher? LOVE IT! You go girl... don't let those 5 year olds out do you!!! Take Care and keep writing... fun to see what your adventures are (-: Never a dull moment in your life is there???
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