Let Me Introduce Myself

I am a recovering, stressed-out third grade teacher in Seattle, Washington. I say recovering, not because I have quit teaching, but because I am on summer vacation right now. I'm slowing beginning to forget about the million little things that make teaching a less rewarding job than I thought it would be...the nasty parent notes, the endless forms from the principal, the time consuming assessments we are required to give, the tense staff meetings, the endless correcting of assignments, etc.

I have been teaching for about eight years now; seven years as a classroom teacher and about a year as a substitute. I have worked mainly in public schools, but I did have the opportunity to work in a small private school for a few months. Most of my time has been spent with second and third grade students, but I have experience with preschool through high school aged kids. In addition to being a classroom teacher, I have also taught art and enrichment (a catchall term that meant I had to run around and be a flexible, jack-of-all-trades...an art, drama, movement, creative writing, recess duty, reading specialist, please cover my class at the last minute, sort of position).

So why am I starting this blog? Here are the basic reasons:

1. To share with others the highs and lows of teaching.

2. To have fun and try something new.

3. To practice my writing skills. (Because one day, when I grow up, I want to write children's books!)

I hope you check my blog often. I plan on posting almost daily, to share with you fun stories, random insights, and other interesting bits of information.

Thanks,

Pigtailed Teacher