May 14-21 : A new job opportunity for me :)

Well, I didn't want to announce it until it was official, but now it is so......
Next year I will be the new 9th grade honors English teacher at SRMS!!!!

I am really excited ... and really nervous. It is flattering that the current 9th grade honors teacher personally suggested that I take his spot. That in and of itself is quite a compliment. After thinking about it and discussing it with Andrew and other trusted family and friends, I decided to accept the offer.  It will definitely be a change, but I think I'm ready for a change.

8th grade has been wonderful these past 3 years. I feel like I have been a positive influence on the 8th grade Language Arts team, and they have definitely taught me as well. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to grow close to some amazing educators and friends because of this job. Now in 9th grade, I will be able to extend my circle of friends at Sunset Ridge Middle School even more. 

One of the big factors that helped me choose to accept the 9th grade position was the prospect of having new creative opportunities in mapping out my curriculum for next year. This will definitely help me keep sane during the summer months while Andrew still has to work and study.  I am excited to try and implement new teaching strategies and more rigorous material to challenge these honors students.

​By far, the best reaction I've seen about this announcement has been from my own students. I know that many of them were sad to find out that the current honors teacher would be leaving for an administrative position at a different middle school. However, when they heard that I might be taking his spot, their reactions were so positive and full of excitement. It really made me feel good to know that they enjoy learning from me.  What a blessing these students have been in my life.

* PS: If you know of any honors Language Arts teachers who are generous with their curriculum maps, rubrics, essays and assignments, book units, and any other ideas, please send me their contact information. I will be desperately taking resources from every website, teacher, and friend I know throughout the summer. Thanks! :)