I’m returning to my 3rd year of slicing. I took last year off. Our principal was in a crash and burn after
several long years of tormenting our staff.
I had a challenging class and felt like the things I was thinking
probably should not be blogged.
This year our conference schedule has been changed, and so
has the principal. I just finished my
report cards last Friday and The Class is much more entertaining
now that they’re down the hall.
I teach Young 5’s. I found
myself in the primary grades by surprise and a bad Michigan economy. I got my first teaching job as an elementary Library
Media specialist. Perfect job! I got to read books to kids spend someone
else’s money to buy books, and then entice kids to read! My job gave me the
perfect reason to ignore housework and read!
In the mid 90’s Michigan education revenues were
shrinking. When our school system had to
make many cuts I landed up teaching Third Grade, for a year. Then I was laid off. I worked for a (long) year in the High
School. I then landed up in kindergarten.
After three years in K, I taught a split class for one year, half time
kindergarten, and half time Young 5’s.
Tough, but still easier than the first year I taught kindergarten, where
I split my week between two building with very different clientele and
supplies.
This is my fourth year in Young 5’s. I hope to retire in this position. I’m the mom of two grown children. Our son and his wife have made us
grandparents of three.
I first chose to Slice because I had never seen myself as a
writer. It’s humbling to read the many
wonderful writers who Slice each year. I
know this experience helps me be a better teacher of writers.
"Our principal was in a crash and burn after several long years of tormenting our staff. I had a challenging class and felt like the things I was thinking probably should not be blogged.
ReplyDeleteThis year our conference schedule has been changed, and so has the principal."
As I read this section, I was thinking.
"Oh my WORD! Other than the fact that I did participate last year, I could have written this because it describes my year to a T!"
Things are different this year for me as well this year.
Have a great month. Glad you are slicing.
I am so happy to see you back! I enjoy your writing. I really relate to your phrase - "felt like the things I was thinking probably should not be blogged." There is a behind the scenes tension to this Slice of Life, isn't there? I have an on-going list of things I wish I had the courage to write about. Welcome back, Lori!
ReplyDeleteI had a horrific principal for 12 long years, but I'm tenacious and refused to succumb to defeat from one of the worst "educators" I've known. Now I have a great admin; it sure makes a world of difference in one's job satisfaction level. I got a kick out of the idea of enjoying a class more once they move down the hall. :-)
ReplyDeleteWow. It sounds like you've been through a lot, but I hear the resiliency and perseverance behind the obstacles. I hope the rest of this year continues to be a good one for you as well.
ReplyDeleteMy class last year sounds a lot like yours and I do like them a lot more now that they're on the other side of the building. ;)
I love the beginning of this post. I, too, completely relate to your feelings. This year is better for me also.
ReplyDeleteAfter all that changing of levels, I hope you get to stay a young 5 for a long time.