Tuesday, November 6, 2012

2 day kinder

The truth of the matter is I go through withdrawals when I am away from kindergarten for too long. Today and yesterday my friend was sick so I got to sub for her kiddos. I love going back and seeing students that I have worked with in the past. It was a fun but tiring two days and I am super exhausted.

The only downside to today was that I had to call the vice principal in for help for the first time EVER. I had a student who wouldn't follow directions, continuously crawled and hit the floor, and kept touching other students. Finally I had enough and couldn't figure out how to get this student to cooperate on my own so Letty went and got me a little help. I thought I was going to cry with frustration, but I kept my cool.

Overall it was a good two days with a couple bumps in the road.

Quote of the Days:

1.
Boy: Ms. Hobbs, did you know that Michael Jackson is dead?!?
Me: Yes, I did.
Boy: Yeah, do you know why?
Me: I think so.
Boy: Yeah, he did so many drugs and his pasty skin made him crazy!

Sunday, November 4, 2012

UCLAAAA

Matt and I went on a field trip with his students last night. We went to a UCLA game and they killlled AZ. It was cool for the kids to see all of the hype, and to be honest I really enjoyed it as well. I loved being able to go to school at La Verne, but I think I would have also liked all of the hype of having a big football game. It was a wild and crazy time.

All of the kids knew that I was Matt's girlfriend but they still called me Mrs. Izaguirre. I loved the sound of that. Can't wait to get hitched to him one day.

Here is a picture of us before the game.


Thursday, November 1, 2012

Payback

Last night I got a call to sub for today at around 10:00. I was totally excited because this week I haven't been scheduled to work until the morning of which worries me. I need to work every day and not knowing whether or not that will happen messes with my mind. This morning at exactly 5:00 I received a phone call telling me that my assignment was cancelled! I was so upset. I spent the rest of the morning attempting to fall asleep but couldn't because I was so angry. Luckily, I did get called for a half day. Even though it wasn't a full day like I had hoped, some is better than nothing, so I will take it!

I subbed for a middle school class. As soon as I walked in the door I noticed that the teacher looked really familiar. I couldn't quite pinpoint it, but I knew that I had met her before. I could instantly tell that the students and her had a great relationship. Once she left I kept thinking about where I knew her from and then it clicked: she was my sister, Marissa's first grade teacher! I text my sister and asked her if she had a teacher by that name and sure enough, that was her! Very cool.

The fact that I have graduated college with a Master's in Education should mean that I also have a full time job by now, but I do not and I need to start paying my loans off soon. In order to do that, I need to find another way to make more money, so I have decided to open a store on Etsy with crafts that I have made. I will mainly be selling tu-tus and decorations for the home, but once I get the store up and running I will let you all know. Help a sista' out if you like some of the items. =)

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

High School Halloween

Well, I spent Halloween at my high school alma mater. I don't remember seeing my high school teachers dress up, but this year was no joke. I think there were more teachers dressed up than there were students. I remember my senior English teacher was totally into the Renaissance and after seeing his costume this year, he is still quite interested in that era. Other exciting costumes from the staff included: a jar of pringles, Super Subfinder Girl, Flo from Progressive, a witch, and many many more!

Students also dressed up. There was a student who showed up in a full on Belle Princess costume. I know it is kind of mean of me, but I totally started cracking up when I saw the costume. Really? You're in 11th grade and you look like a cheese ball. More power to her for dressing up.

I wish I would have known that the staff dresses up. I have been trying to dress up as Big Bird for years now but haven't really had a chance to wear a costume. This year could have been my chance! Arghhh.


Happy Halloween!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Observations

As a sub, I always have to stay on my toes. You never know who is going to walk in the room and observe you.

I knew that a sixth grade teacher I had was now a principal, but last I heard he was at another school. I was wrong. In the middle of me teaching a math lesson to third graders, he walked in and both of us were surprised to see each other. He said hello and gave me a smile and I reciprocated the gesture then got back to teaching assuming he was going to leave. I was wrong again. He took an empty desk and observed me for the remainder of the lesson.

My reading teacher in the credential program always told us that during our first few years as a teacher, we are going to sweat whenever we were observed. During my student teaching I didn't really get nervous while being observed because Judy and Carol were so awesome, but today was an entirely different story. I could feel his eyes watching me and students as I taught the lesson on rounding. Thank goodness I turned the air conditioning on (even though it was like 62 degrees outside) because I started to sweat like a sicko! So disgusting, I know. My reading teacher sure knew what she was talking about.

Monday, October 29, 2012

The List

Bullying. Everyone has heard of the word, and everyone knows that it is becoming a popular topic in schools. The question is: WHY is bullying becoming more common now than ever? Or was it just swept under the rug before?

Today at school a boy wrote a list with another kid's name on it. He is a sweet kid, and I have worked with him several times this year, but apparently another kid keeps threatening to throw dodge-balls at his head. My student took out his anger by writing the other student's name over and over again on a piece of paper. What would have happened next if the paper hadn't been found and the problem hadn't been addressed right away?

It saddens me to think that bullying is becoming so popular.

I wish I could make his pain go away.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Tips of the Trade

I met with the principal from the school I had my interview with today. She is one of the nicest administrators I have ever met. I think that given different circumstances, we would become close friends. She told me that she has no doubt in my ability to be able to teach students, be likeable, and to connect with students, but she gave me additional tips to help me in an interview in the future. The things she had to say to me were so kind that I wanted to crawl on the floor and cry because I haven't heard such kind words in a really long time. I decided against the crying because that would be weird... and I don't want to be weird in front of a stranger. She could tell that I was a new teacher and gave me a lot of advice to help me in future interviews. She also told me that I was chosen out of 169 people for an interview, which is a feat within itself. Although I wasn't a good fit for the position I applied for, she said that she would keep her ears open and would recommend me for positions that she came across in the future. It was really reassuring to receive such positive feedback from a person I have only met twice. I sent her an email thanking her for offering me her time and for helping me in more ways than one but I don't think words could describe the gratitude I feel towards her. People like that don't come around often. She deserves a prize.

After my meeting I went to work for a half day. I subbed for a class that was quite rambunctious. There is a student who is super allergic to certain things, and if it touches him, he will die within minutes if he isn't treated properly. I was kind of worried about it when I got there but everything ended up working out just fine. No deaths occurred on my watch today, which makes for a successful day in my book.

It was also Red Ribbon Week this week. Today was the last day and the school dressed up in orange and black. Katie found some pretty amazing bows to put in our hair. I felt like Minnie Mouse with curly hair and a cute bow. I just love being twinisies with her.