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I was a terrible student...until college.

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I was a terrible student...until college.

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I was not a good student. I started skipping school (feigning illness) in 1st grade. I may have been the only high school student to fail home economics and make A's in science. I was always in trouble. I had more teachers than not, tell me (some in so many words, and some directly) that college was probably not for me.  And then...I dropped out. I got my GED with the idea I would never set foot in another learning institution. I don't remember why I ended up taking college courses...maybe for a job? College was so different from high school...and I figured out that I was actually smart. Who knew?
I ended up graduating magna cum laude. Weird

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I actually hate it when someone says, after asking what I do, "wow! you must have the patience of a saint...it takes a special person to do what you do."
I really don't have a lot of patience. And I'm definitely no angel. I can be short tempered. I'm so unorganized. And unfit for society until I've had coffee. And you know what's super cool about the kids I work with? They know it. And they love me anyway.

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When I told my mom I was going to be a teacher she said I was insane. Mind you, I used to work with animals that could kill you, catch rattlesnakes for fun, hitch-hiked across the country and she never batted an eye...

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When I told my mom I was going to be a teacher she said I was insane. Mind you, I used to work with animals that could kill you, catch rattlesnakes for fun, hitch-hiked across the country and she never batted an eye...

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I don't think I can put into words why I love teaching. Do I like kids? Sure. Do I feel like I'm "making a difference?" Sometimes.
Summers off? We all know that's a crock. I'm good at it? Most days.
It just feels like what I should be doing...and one of the most dangerous. And that's what I like

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I know I'll never be teacher of the year.

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I know I'll never be teacher of the year.

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My goals as a teacher are not to be the best, or teacher of the year, or even the teacher that all the students love and hope they're in my class. My students already know I can be grufff, a hard ass, and relentless when it comes to pushing them harder and harder. What I do want them to know, (and I think they do) is that I believe in them. I know who they are and what they can do. I will be the first one to call them out on bad behavior but fight for them with everything I've got. I will support them. I will tough love them to death. I may be scatter -brained and unorganized but I will not forget their birthdays or to check their homework. I will use every tool I have and everything I learn in the future to help them succeed.

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When one of my students mumbles something under their breath...

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I am learning more and more how to use technology, how it benefits my students (and me). But I'll admit, I am being dragged, kicking and screaming into the world of digital literacy.
This board is a start.

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And it was a long and winding road to get here....
waitress, landscaper, I sold sunglasses on the beach, went to school here and there and everywhere, was a vet tech, worked at a primate sanctuary, got a degree in anthropology, worked as a nanny, sold dog and cat food, painted houses, ran a convenience store, got a degree in primatology, cleaned houses, lived out of garbage cans and the kindness of others, drove a bus, and delivered pizzas.
Somewhere along the way, in all those experiences, I found out I was a good teacher. Particularly with special needs kids.
And so, I will add special ed teacher to the list.

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something I like to remind my students of...

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My most favorite spot on Earth

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Where I'm from and where I've lived and why it matters

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Where I'm from and where I've lived and why it matters

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I am from the south. I've lived many places, but I'm from the south. I am from the mountains of North Carolina, the coal mines of eastern Kentucky, the beaches of Florida, the tobacco farms of central North Carolina, and the backwoods of North Georgia.

I've lived in North Carolina, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Long Island, Washington, and Minnesota.

I've lived in houses, gorgeous condos on the beach, barns, mansions in the mountains, trailers, abandoned houses, tents, hammocks draped with mosquito netting, tree houses, and a Nissan Centra.
It matters because I can relate to any living situation. I know what its like to be homeless. I know what its like to live in a mansion and be terribly lonely. I want any students, no matter where they come from, to know I can relate. And that anyone, from anywhere, can do anything.

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I ask myself this at least 10 times a day....

teacher

girlfriend? fiancee? partner? all of the above?
bonus mom

crazy cat lady
crazy critter lady
former vet tech

student

walking dead fan(atic)

country girl
beach girl
not actually a girl anymore

and so much more to come...