Do What You Can.... A Rollercoaster of Emotions

Well, Summer is dwindling to its end. New beginnings, new goals, new pencils, new books...... A new start to a whole new year.

Yesterday I got word that after 7 years of teaching, and some reorganization in June, that there are no System Positions available this school year. Heartbreaking, to say the least. I was asked to take a long term occasional position, instead. With a VERY LONG day spent at our board office, I decided to accept a long term position until December in a grade 7/8 classroom. I will be covering the maternity leave of a VERY dear friend of mine. It has been a very emotionally exhausting 2 days.......BUT I do know that I chose this career because I was called to it. And I love my job because I LOVE what I do-- I love teaching kids and making learning fun (not for the money and the benefits). I also realize that I am in a better position than other colleagues and friends, who have also been laid off and have not been called back yet.....and I don't take that for granted for one second.

 What would I do without my friends? Last night 2 friends stopped by my house to reassure me that everything was going to be ok and brought resources along to help me. Today I ventured to my new school (which I taught at 7 years ago) and two of my good friends immediately came to my rescue and assisted me right away (one being the teacher I am covering for and the other, an amazing friend that will drop everything to help--always)! 

I decided to make a few changes to the room and the teacher I am in for gave me the green light and said "It's your room now, you do what you want. Change it up!" Fortunately she is Type A and is very organized and neat. We revamped her room, changed boards and colours and reorganized some of her materials-- which is not a normal scenario, but SO AWESOME! The planning and organization will continue throughout the upcoming week, but my nerves and emotions are slowly beginning to calm.

Here are a couple before and after pictures of a few boards in her room. I will share the rest of our 9 hour venture when I wrap my head completely around this new move and new path.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

The awesome part is I get to run my ideas by the fabulous teacher I am covering, and she is so open to anything. I am going to work my butt off making sure she comes back from Mat Leave with ease.

I do believe things happen for a reason....I am sure I will discover the reason all in time...

Stay Tuned... 

~Kaitlin~