I spent the next five years of my teaching career at the same middle school. I gained respect from my peers, students, and parents during this time. It was an enjoyable experience that continues to be a big part of who I am as an educator today.

I had the opportunity to teach sixth and seventh grade Math during the course of my time. There were several teachers that helped me along the way. Their willingness to share information with me and their belief in my skill set helped me to be successful.

I went on to become a grade level team leader which was an awesome experience. Being able to effectively lead a grade level of students and teachers gave me a huge sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. I was also chosen to be part of a team to help write the sixth grade Math curriculum for the district.

I had the naïve notion that I would never leave this school. The school served the population of students that I loved working with and provided an environment for me to flourish. I was deeply entrenched and content.

A lot of uncertainty entered my world at the end of the school year in 2011. There were widespread talks of teachers being laid off. I was still a relatively new teacher having six years of experience. There were a few weeks that were filled with some anxious moments. Towards the middle of June I learned my fate……

My first teaching assignment was as an Accelerated Math Teacher. I had two sections of sixth grade Math, two sections of seventh grade Math, and one section of eighth grade Math. All of the students I taught either did not pass the TAKS test or they barely passed. I definitely had my work cut out for me.

I did not receive much help that year. I was assigned a mentor who was an experienced Math teacher, but I only had one conversation, if you could call it that, with her the entire school year. I dedicated a lot of my time to finding engaging lessons and projects for my students. I did not have the best classroom management at the time, but my students definitely learned what they needed to.

With the help of my class and the help of their core Math teachers, many of my students passed the TAKS Math assessment that year. I sometimes run into my former students from my first year. All of them tell me how much they enjoyed my class and that I was their favorite teacher. I guess I did something right.

I completed coursework for my alternative certification in one year. During this time I worked part time at Foley’s and spent the rest of my time substitute teaching. I substituted on campuses at every level in Denton ISD. I particularly enjoyed working with middle school students.

I really enjoyed working at one middle school campus. I felt a connection with the students and teachers there. Anytime a chance to substitute at the school came up, I jumped at the opportunity.

I passed my certification tests during that year and began my quest to obtain a teaching position. I interviewed at one middle school campus for an English teacher position. The committee decided to go with a candidate that had more experience. They did give me some positive feedback, which I appreciated.

One day during the summer, after working until 4AM helping with a floor move, I decided to go to the middle school campus where i substituted often to speak with the Principal about possible positions on the campus. When I arrived I was greeted by the Principal who had returned early from his vacation because one of his teachers had resigned. I spoke with him about the reason for my visit. He offered me an opportunity to interview for an Accelerated Math position.

Hello all. This is my first voyage into blogging. I will share my thoughts about my journey in education thus far. Hopefully anyone that chooses to read will gain some insight and possibly do some self reflection.

I graduated college with a degree in Electronics Engineering Technology in 2002. I had an inkling that I wanted to become a teacher in the fall of my Junior year. My classmates and I had several difficult classes in our coursework which required several hours of study. We would often get together to study in groups. This is where I first received feedback on my ability to communicate to help others better understand content. I began to think about seriously pursuing teaching, but I had no desire to switch my major and spend more time in undergrad. After graduating I moved to Texas to live with my Uncle. I began working at a company that repaired cellphones and pagers. I enrolled in classes at Texas Woman’s University to begin my quest in education. One day I visited the administration office of Denton Independent School District to inquire about substitute teaching. While there one of the ladies shared with me information about alternative certification. I was elated! I could complete a one year program as opposed to completing coursework for a second bachelors. This is where my journey truly began.