Dreams do Come True!

It has been a few weeks since I have blogged about my teaching journey... It does not mean it has been uneventful... It actually has been FULL of many things...

Since the end of the last post, I finished my Work Sample, went to the ALL-District Track Meet to support my kiddos, I had my 6th Formal Observation, I accepted the Global Teaching Fellow job at TIUA, I was called for another teaching job position and had to decline, I went to the Oregon Coast for a friend's Bridal/ Bachelorette Party, my boyfriend Graduated with his MBA, I completed my last Methods course, I found a roommate for August, and I am packing for my trip to Cabo San Lucas for my friend's wedding!!!

Many, many great things are happening, and more will be happening as well... Last night I took a moment to think about my journey thus far, and I have accomplished a lot for my 25 years on the earth.  Sometimes I think I should be doing more!!! I guess that is my spirit of adventure talking... since I have already traveled to 18 countries, accepted a job right after Graduate School, and I will be going to live in Japan for 2 years starting March 2013.  oh my...

I am continually humbled by the graciousness of the path that has led me through all the ups and downs,  and twists and turns. I am ready to continue this journey of life full of passion and desire to be a better teacher, be the best human being possible, and to be a content, grateful, strong woman full of peace and love.

Last Day of 5th Quarter!

Today was the last day of the 5th 6 weeks of the school year.  Tomorrow is grading day/ professional development day.  We had a "Carnival" today for the students.  They had a choice of attending different activities throughout the school... except the students who had to attend study hall because of their grades.  It was a bit chaotic having students run around the school with no accountability of being anywhere.  I roamed around the school a little to see the activities in action.  It seemed like majority of the students were in the gym for the dance, and I did not want to go in there so I walked by it. haha... I had to break up one couple sucking each other faces during 4th period in the hall. haha.  It was quite awkward, and please don't do that in school!!! Especially in the halls... so awkward to see middle schoolers making out... O_O"    I was shocked... It looked so weird. I yelled, "Stop it, [student's name] Go to class!!!" Yes, I knew the boy kissing the girl. hahaha. 

Anyhoo.... on another note!  Teaching has been going well.  I am going to have new seats starting next week, and will use a new system for students participating during the Warm-Up.  I have everything ready today for Monday, which is nice not to worry about during the weekend.  50 more days until Graduation!!! Just keep swimming...

School/Facility Visit!!!

This morning I went to visit MacLaren in Woodburn.  It is a correctional facility for youth, and I went to visit because I applied for a math position at the school in the facility.  It was quite the experience.  I worked in a correctional facility before, but this was different.  The were younger, and held here for hard crimes from all over Oregon.  I met with the Principal, and he showed me around the grounds and we chatted about the "students."  It was interesting... They application process ends this Friday, and then they will hold interviews the first week of May... I think it was interesting to see how the education is handled in the facility for the youth to attain their high school diplomas and some their college degrees.

interview. :O'

Yesterday evening I had my interview for being a Global Teaching Fellow in Tokyo, Japan.  I was very nervous.  I had 6 people interview me!  It was a round table interview, and they all asked me one question. It was a bit intimidating, but I think I did okay...  They said they will contact those who interviewed in about two weeks to inform us of the school's decision.  They will pass on the recommended candidates to Tokyo International University, and hopefully will hear back soon!  After hearing more about the program, and what I will do... I was getting more excited about this opportunity.  Before I was thinking if it is a good idea to stay in the U.S. and get my teaching experience built up here.... NOW I am all on board to go on this next adventure...

Finding beauty in the storm...

Yesterday was a furlough day, which is a cut day because of the budget cuts. Today we went back to doing our teaching, and it is crazy to think there are only 8 weeks left! Some students said 7, but I am pretty sure 8 including this week. That means there are...

-8 weeks until Graduation
-7 weeks until my oldest sister graduates from Pharmacy School
-5 weeks until Ashley's Wedding in Cabo
-5 weeks until my Prospectus Research paper is due
-4 weeks until Saud graduates from Willamette's MBA program
-3 weeks until my Work Sample is due

There is a lot to accomplish in the next two months, and it is crucial to take the time to acknowledge the good things about the things we do day in and day out.

+Today, one student who usually is off-task and is gone for ten or more minutes during class came back on-time and was doing his work!!! I acknowledged his timely manner and work effort in class. :)

friday----

What a week!

I am glad it is Friday and nervous about the work I need to get done this weekend. I plan for it to be a productive weekend full of yoga, good food, sleep, work sample, homework, job applications, and teacher research. Woohoo!!!

(:

Observation #4

My advisor came to observe me in my fifth period math class. It was weird to be observed after being gone for two days. There are always things to improve on, and I am a fixer... He asked what i did well... and I always struggle with answering that question!!!

Overall, it went well today.... Two more formal observations to go. Hopefully i can get some administrators to observe me as well. And the instructional coaches too.... That means I need to spend more time on my lessons, which would be a good thing. :)

I applied to the Lincoln County math position and the Willamette ESD math position today. Applications are a lot of work! More job apps to fill out... Never ending work to do... Gotta keep my mantra to get things done. :)

I can do it.
:D