First Year

My first year of teaching was, um, let's call it "slightly chaotic." The first day of school my principal came in to do a head count, which was quite a joke. I had 15- 1st graders and 12- 2nd graders. When we asked all the second graders to stand up, many of the first graders stood up as well. I lost track of how many times we tried to count them. I distinctly remember one little guy saying, "I don't know what grade I'm in..." I was sooo impressive that first day! Let me tell you!

In my defense I didn't know I was teaching the 1/2 multi-age class until 4:00pm the day before.

I was originally hired as a part-time kindergarten teacher and was thrilled to get a job! I was just out of college, the district realized it was in a millions of dollars debt hole and cutting back in a massive way. I "wasn't supposed" to get a job right out of school. Most people in this district substitute at least a year to "get in." On top of all that I was hired at a very prestigious school. I was very blessed.

There was talk of another possible opening (the 1/2 multi-age) and was encouraged to give it a shot. This was a full time big girl job. I interviewed and found out the day before school I was hired. That night was a blur. One of my staff members ordered pizza and many stayed and offered their services in getting the room ready. One teacher handled books, another bulletin boards, one helped make the "check-in" chart as shown below... etc.

We all left exhausted but satisfied.

I was very intimidated by the parents and experience of my fellow staff. I was and am the "baby" of the group by several years. (A role I have come to love!)

The school year continued on with the normal bumps and bruises but never a day passed as chaotic as the first. I had a few kiddos who were a handful (what's a class without those?!) but I quickly fell in love with them. (I also grew to love Chadd during this period of my life. I developed some anxiety problems for a few months and he would always read me to sleep.)

My kids continued to grow and develop as learners in a happy and caring classroom community.

I cannot however, take credit for all their success.

I had a para educator who was in my classroom most of the day, specifically for 3 of my special needs kiddos.

Her name is Mrs. M.

She was my right hand gal. She was my sounding board, keeper of the peace, and most importantly my friend. It sounds silly, but I couldn't have done it without her! (And until you encounter the title of teacher in a multi-age class with 27 (and soon 29) kids... you don't know the full truth of that statement!)

In early spring she informed me she had a doctor's appointment. She had found a lump in her breast. She wasn't worried. She was only 42 and joked that her "size" would make it impossible for anything to really be hiding in there."

Mrs. M was wrong.

Tests were taken, surgery performed, a breast removed, chemo started, and one very sick lady left behind.

My classroom wasn't the same without her. We all missed her. Some of us showed it more than others.

I remember going to visit her from time to time. Taking her "Get Well" cards, keeping her company, and wondering why/ how Heavenly Father could do this to a righteous, Temple attending member.

Over time Mrs. M slowly but surly gained her strength back.

Have you ever been asked who you look up to?

I have. And do you know who comes to mind?

This lady.

She always maintained her positive attitude. Never once blaming Deity for this horrible disease that all but sucked the life out of her. She never once complained. She took the chance to search for family members and do her genealogy.

Yes readers, this lady is my hero.

She no longer works at our school. I miss seeing her and haven't taken the opportunity to visit her much anymore. She made a full recovery and is taking steps back to "normalcy".

I've been thinking about Mrs. M a lot the last week. Facebook has been doing a "Breast Cancer Awareness" thing where ladies have been posting their bra color. Many have wrote how stupid and worthless it was. "Shouldn't we spend our energies elsewhere? Like collecting money?" Although I didn't participate (Chadd just didn't think it'd look right since we have a joint account.) I don't think it was a completely stupid idea. Why? It got me thinking of Mrs. M and how even at 42 breast cancer is a threat. It's a reality. It reminded me that I need to be diligent in checking and making my health a priority.

If nothing else, people posting their bra colors got me thinking. Isn't that in itself worth it?