Just Right

Alright, time to finally blog about my new job. If' I've already mentioned it another one, forgive me for my mushy brain as it's been a long week and I'm too tired to check through the archives. You may notice that my blogs will occur with less frequency now that the school year has begun, however I aspire to stay on top of it! Anyhoo, I am two weeks into my new position as an English Specialist for a private international school that offers full immersion in Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese language tracks. I basically teach four classes a day (1st-4th grades). There are three full time teachers and one half time. The school actually offers PreK-5th grade, but English is only taught for 1st-5th graders.

So far I truly love this job...I honestly do. I was uncertain at first whether or not I should take this job as private schools lack many of the fringe benefits that come with public schools (better pay, better benefits, resources available). It really does lack in many of the little things I took for granted last year. I had no idea how many little issues would arise in the first weeks. Even simple things like paper clips, files, and no access to a laminating machine (a must-have for teachers!) are hard to come by. To make print or make copies, each teacher has to bring their paper to the machine to use (the school's way of limiting huge quantities paper waste per department). We have a certain supply and once it's gone, it's gone...so we have to be mindful of that.

There isn't much curriculum to use. I am online constantly looking for ideas and freebies as well as digging through my own stash of curriculum books. It's my goal to convince the English dept. to purchase a 1st grade reading curriculum. The school has experienced major growing pains in recent years, but it has all been for the better. The school is under construction that has taken twice as long as originally predicted due to fire marshal issues and other snags. Our dept. was temporarily displaced from our classrooms (small as they may be at least they were ours). We are traveling teachers, complete with roller suitcases for our stuff. As we walk around the school we look like flight attendants in the airport with their little roller luggage. We're quite a sight.

Parking is horrendous for staff and parents as it's mostly city parking that requires a zone permit. Staff have a rotation for a zone pass. I use the transit system to get home at night, but hubby and I carpool in the morning to save on gas. The funny thing is that even with all of these negatives, I am still thrilled to be at this school. Though I still long for more resources and can't wait to get into my own desk and cozy little classroom, I look forward to each day. My students are awesome and eager to learn. My 1st and 2nd graders are squirrelly, but adorable. My 3rd graders are a bit more challenging, but will get there. My 4th graders are a dream class thus far.

I am working my little tail feathers off to get organized and whatnot, but am loving the creativity and autonomy this school offers. It has made me so mindful of what I need teach and focus on. It's normal for public schools to teach a 90 minute literacy block or more. We get 1 hour a day 5 days a week to cover all areas of language arts. It's a tight fit, but I'm figuring out how to make it work. I am so grateful for my literacy coach from my last school, for she taught me so much about reading instruction. She mentored me on so many things that I am now implementing far better than before.

It's true that your first year is crazy and nerve-wracking. You spend most of it trying to figure everything out. Now I feel more prepared and am more capable than last fall by a mile. My teaching team are wonderful to work with and I couldn't ask for better environment in which to flourish as a teacher. As a specialist, I have many kids to get to know and grade levels to consider. It's strange not having the same kids all day, but also great for variety. I love all the different cultures and countries represented on our faculty. It is truly international in everyway. The staff potluck lunches are famous for the delicious diversity.

Needless to say, I am happy that I took this job. We've made some personal sacrifices to enable me to work at this school, but I feel it is worth it in the long run. You know how in some jobs you dread going into work and others you look forward to it? This is one of those that just give me a good feeling in my soul, ya know? My loved ones assured me it was this opportunity was so me and they were so right! For now, I am home.