After finishing a long term sub job in Davenport at Wilson Elementary (where I learned A LOT) I searched all summer for teaching jobs online. I had to a few interviews for some Davenport jobs but never got contacted. As a result, I applied for a special ed job at Neil Armstrong Elementary in Parkview, Iowa. I got a call from their principal to come in for an interview. I was very nervous since I had heard such great things about the North Scott School District. That night after my interview the principal, Curt, called me back and said he thought I would be a good fit for the open 6th grade position. He proceeded to ask me if I could come in for an interview the next day. After working around my schedule I made it to the interview where I met Keith the 5th grade teacher and Dion the 6th grade teacher. After my interview, Curt called me and offered me the job. WOW, I can't describe the feelings I had. I was beyond excited to get my FIRST REAL job offer but deep down I was torn for the fact it was a 6th grade position. (I NEVER THOUGHT IN MY WILDEST DREAMS I WOULD TEACH SIXTH GRADE! NEVER!) After thinking and praying about it, I felt like I had to take a leap of faith and accept this opportunity at a great school. Well, after I accepted the job, I was nervous beyond belief. I didn't even know how to prepare for 6th graders. All my student teaching experience was with K-2. Thank goodness for great support from my mom who was a middle school teacher. She helped calm me down after several sleepless nights worrying about the year ahead.
Fast forward- I put in MANY hours at the school and MANY hours of work at home. However, the good news is...................I survived! Did I LOVE my year??? Not really, only because it was not my desired level and our district has no reading curriculum. But the thing that helped me get through the year was the fact that I had the BEST teaching partner. Dion was a great partner to work with. He was laid back and was willing to put up with my OCD, overplanning, workaholic self. Dion definiely helped make the year great!
Thank you to my mom and Sara for helping me get my room ready :)
The boys
Dion and myself
My first class
Their future looks bright!
The girls
Highlights from my year:
1. LOTS of field trips
2. Got to learn about the Holocaust (and went to Holocaust Museum in Chicago where we listened to a Holocaust survivor)
3. Beefed up on my math skills (crazy how much you from get since 6th grade)
4. I had an AMAZING class. They were a great bunch!
5. Great teaching partner and coworkers :)
*I will always remember my first year teaching!
Thank you to everyone who helped me get through my first year!
Sabrina
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