Thursday, July 18, 2013

Under Construction

"Your teaching assignment for next year is 4th grade at Martin."

Those words have echoed in my brain since April 19th. My jaw literally dropped that day when my principal shared the news with me. Due to lower enrollment at our building, three sections of first grade were being cut. My principal explained that I was "chosen" to make the move because I am a strong teacher with experience in using the Daily 5 and technology, both of which are being used at my new building..

I'm not going to lie. I cried. A lot. I spent a weekend feeling like it was time to update my resume and move on. I got angry. I was bitter. I just couldn't understand why. Why didn't he move her? She causes all of the drama. Why didn't he move that one? She is on her phone all day long. Why not her? I've been here way longer than her.

And then I stopped.

I had no choice in the matter. Strike that. I do have a choice. I can choose how I react to this unexpected change. And I CHOOSE to step up and rock this!  

In retrospect, I am feeling like this is a blessing in disguise. I'm already finding that my new teammates are challenging my thinking and pushing me to grow. While I enjoyed my first grade teammates, we were at very different places in our educational philosophy and practices. Maybe I do belong in this new place after all.

I have a lot to learn. 1:1 Kuno tablets. New technology. New curriculum. New team. New possibilities for books to read. 

And I know I'll fail. That's ok. I expect to make mistakes alongside my 4th grade learners. I expect them to make mistakes, too.

Like my new learning space, my teaching is still under construction... as it should be.



15 comments:

  1. Laura,

    I love that you "choose to step up and rock this". That is just the type of person you are. I admire how you have handled yourself through all of this. You will be a great 4th grade teacher.

    I have to admit that when I see your posts about books you are reading and gathering for your new classroom library that I feel a bit jealous. I loved teaching 4th grade and I think you will, too. Have a great year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jill! So many people have told me how much they love/loved 4th grade, so I'm hopeful that I'll love it, too. The books are making me super excited!! :)

      Delete
  2. I am so excited that we connected on twitter since we are both moving to fourth. I have spent so much time reading and sorting books this summer that all of a sudden I realized I better start paying attention to social studies and math! I have to brush up on the decimal system...not gonna lie, I have no idea how to teach that! I'm not quite sure I know it myself! We start in just about three weeks and I need another three months to prepare. But like you I am excited for the new start and looking forward to teaching with a strong team of excellent teachers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Um, 4th grade math is freaking me out!!! We'll get through it together!

      Delete
  3. Ok, so I might have similar story. A first grade wAs cut from my building and since I was the newcomer I stepped up and volunteered to transfer-hard part is I don't know the grade level or building yet...heard staffing transfers are taking place this week so we'll see. I could still have first grade but I might not...
    I know you will rock the new position because you're so savy, talented and motivated to do what's best for kids!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Amy. I'll be thinking of you and hoping for good news!

      Delete
  4. Great post, except the "fail" part. I think you are being too hard on yourself and your future students. You will not fail (and neither will they), but you may not be ready for everything all at once, or at the time you want to be. It is not failing to try out new things and reflect on how you would do things differently, that is the path to learning. I look forward to continuing to learn with you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Poor choice of words, I guess! I expect that we'll make mistakes and learn through them together. You're right... it is the path of learning! Thanks for the reminder. :)

      Delete
  5. Laura,
    You are going to "rock this!" In our district you are a technology mentor and we are proud if you! Kunos have nothing on you! I cannot wait to learn, see, and hear about all your successes in 4th grade!
    Carrie Hernandez
    K-Leggee

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, thanks Carrie!! It still humbles me to know I'm thought of in that way in our district. I'm definitely excited to share my journey!

      Delete
  6. Great post! We could see so many teachers, teams and schools in your story. You will learn, grow and teach everyone in the process of your journey. Your honesty and reflection is refreshing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you!! I think it's important for people to share honestly and let others know we all have fears. I'm sure I'm not the only one going through a huge adjustment, so hopefully my words will inspire someone out there!

      Delete
  7. I think that any student who enters your room is very lucky, regardless of grade level. They can't ask for a teacher with a better attitude! Plus, good teaching is good teaching, no matter when or where, right?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Laura, I think anyone of us would stop in our tracks and question the decision making, but your principal is right. I know it was hard for you to hear those words at first, but I love how you have reflected upon them and decided to press on! You will be an awesome 4th grade teacher -- with everyone learning and growing together. It's such a blessing for you and for the kiddos! I'm also super excited that your teammates are pushing your thinking and I know you will share your great thinking as well. Plus you have LOTS of friends online to offer you support, answer questions, give advice . . .

    Go on and ROCK this! Can't wait to hear about your journey -- ups and downs. It's all about learning and growing!

    Thought of you when I saw this: http://pinterest.com/pin/276901077062360969/

    Because I agree, we all will make mistakes, but then we know we are learning! :)
    Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  9. I have a feeling that you will discover yet another niche - 4th. grade. Because great teachers can shift, adjust, learn and continue to foster a love of learning in their students - no matter what grade. And...lucky fourth graders!

    ReplyDelete