5 more months.

It's been awhile since I've written. Mainly due to the overwhelming nature of the end-of-the-semester. But it's over and now it's only 5 more months. Am I excited? Ohhh yes. Not just for the final of all college experiences, not just for final certifications... but also because my Dad is getting me a KitchenAid Stand Mixer. :) Trust me, it's something to be excited about in my head. It's a wonderful motivation.

I registered for MTEL #2-- Foundations of Reading. Not sure when I'll start studying for that one since that's the big one. The most difficult. The one with a higher percentage of failure. Eek. I won't think about it yet! No no.

As I write this, I'm on a plane back to Boston. I start my student teaching next Tuesday (Jan. 16th), and I honestly don't know what to expect or do! I don't have a full prac meeting until the end of next week. Maybe I'll email the full prac woman... I also emailed Ms. DT about what they're doing in the classroom now, but no response yet.

Over vacation, I'm understanding a few things. One, the nation is crying out for good, passionate public school teachers, and I know they're out there; I see them everyday. They're the people you see always wandering around Staples, hoping to find scratch-n-smell stickers for their students. They're the people scrunched up on tiny little stools in the children's section at Barnes and Noble, reading through different books that would be appropriate for a struggling reader. They're the people who struggle themselves but love children's books so much that they help another struggling becoming-teacher build their classroom library. (Lots of love, EB :) ) Why don't people recognize these people? It is encouraging to hear every time I've mentioned I'm becoming a teacher that everyone has responded with, "This country needs good teachers!" It's funny that everyone KNOWS this, but why do our salaries still equal that of blue collar worker (maybe sometimes a bit higher)? At least the profession is really well-respected than it used to be. That's a step up. :)

Two, people who have nothing to do with education sure have a lot to say about education. At times, these are parents. Other times, these are politicians. Even business people. It's kind of tiring! It's like telling a surgeon how to perform open heart surgery when you're the CEO of a fast-food restaurant chain. It just doesn't work.

Three, every time I'm out of the classroom, I get anxious and wonder if this is what I'm supposed to be doing... and if I misheard my calling. I LOVE the classroom, but why can't I see my standing in front of a classroom, conducting a gaggle of students? Friends know I really want to become a mom (which I can't even see right now either!)... and I would love to take culinary classes, too (but the thought of more "school" makes me wince). The weird thing is that once I'm IN the classroom, this anxiety isn't there. I'm comfortable and in my element. I think I'm just letting little mind demons eat my rationality. :P

On a side note, I wrote up a letter to give to the kids' parents. It's just a little introduction of who I am and what I'll be doing in the classroom this semester. A lot of them haven't met me yet... so I thought this would be a good initiative.

Also, I've built a classroom website to be put into my electronic portfolio that I've give to potential employers. I thought that would show some good initiative, too!

Well, here's to a semester of classroom 5 day a week, comprehensive exam (aka huge ole thesis project), 2 more MTELs, and more kid cuteness.

- Miss Chelsea :)