For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
This has been my mantra this summer. It has taken me a while to figure out exactly how I wanted to create this post. It still isn't in its entirety by any means-- but I figure it's a start.
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| My study partner was vigilant and stuck by my side ALL summer. |
Jeremiah 29:11 has been my foundation of all things new this summer. I had the privilege of being a part of a Master Reading Teacher program this summer. My school district offered 10 teachers to go through this and paying their tuition of $1000. This is something I had always thought about doing-- since the overwhelming cost of my first college experience will plague me until I retire... I knew a master's degree wouldn't be something feasible in my future. I replied the moment I saw the email about it, and was put "on the list." Then I had to go to a meeting, fill out an extensive application with LOTS of essays, get 3 letters of recommendation, and take a pre-test. My pre-test wasn't the best, but I made it in! I have spent this summer learning so much about myself as a student (and I am not a good one when I have to be a mommy too... :( ), and I have learned a lot about how to help other teachers and students. It has definitely been the hardest and most rewarding thing I have done for myself in a long time.
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| Ice cream breaks were essential for Jax/Mommy time in the evenings. |
I could blame not having the "home support" I envisioned in my head for the study time I didn't do, or the overwhelming amount of dishes, laundry or clutter that piled up because I simply did not have time to attack it myself. Over all, it was a big adjustment for everyone around here-- and I think we came out ok in the end... although I still am swimming in mess from my toes to my eyeballs and may NEVER get caught up! I think the one that had it the hardest this summer though, is Jax. He has had be from day one for every second he is at home, and this summer... I simply just couldn't drop everything and play. I quickly learned how enchanting a highlighter and a tack of index cards would be for him and together we would do "our homework". I know how to teach writing really, really, really well. I learned this summer though, that I can not write technically well--- at. all.
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| I did it! A 4! |
Everything I do is narrative or fictional in nature. This was something that I fought tooth and nail, and had to throw out everything in my head and adapt to something new and weird and totally uncomfortable... formula writing! It paid off in the end-- I finally snagged a 4! It's the highest you can get on your TeXMat (Texas assessment of master teachers something or other... I hate test acronyms...). I have to take it at the end of September... I just hope I can replicate the magic.
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| Reading is good for the soul. |
This year I will be treading into a new territory. I am going to be starting a new job as the Literacy coach on my campus. Today I will be going to my first "big girl" meeting at our central office with my new principal. I am a little nervous! I just have to remember that there is a plan... and a plan that is greater in me which is in place. I know I will be successful in what I do, because it is all I know how to do. I even get a swanky new office! That is the weirdest part for me... having an office. No more classroom... no more kids desks... no crayons, smelly boys, gum on the floor, paper wads to police... it will be different. In both a refreshing and bittersweet way. I am excited to get to make an impact on my campus as a whole and my prayer is that I get to touch the lives of students and the teachers in a big big way.
So here I am, Lord! Use me this year to make great changes and to make great things happen. I am ready. I just need to get out my game face... er, I mean make up.
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| I guess it'll be swanky once they move the carts... right? |
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| A swanky wreath for a swanky office! |
