Movin' On Up

Today I officially accepted the Honors Math position at the middle school. I will be teaching pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry, to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. These students are all very bright and advanced in math.

When I interviewed I was unsure of my qualifications, and if I would be considered "highly qualified" to take this position. In order to be highly qualified I need 24 hours of MATH courses, and my masters only has 12 credit hours of MATH. As it turns out, I also have 15 MATH credits from my bachelors degree that are considered. So I guess I am highly qualified! I will probably take some classes that pertain to teaching Gifted and Talented students to boost my effectiveness at teaching these students.

I am looking forward to the change and the challenge of teaching new curriculum and students.

I am a bit nervous, I am leaving EVERYTHING that I know and EVERYONE that I know from teaching; but it is also a fresh start. I know this position will challenge me to grow in many ways, which is good.

I am excited for the change of scenery, and the opportunity to teach what I love, and what is my strength.

It also is a bit of a sad time as I consider all I have been through, learned, accomplished, and survived at TME. I still need to go through my stuff and decide what I am taking home and what is staying for the person that takes my place. That is going to be one BIG job, and it needs to be done before July!

I am anxious to get started looking at the curriculum, and at least having a game plan for next year. I will contact my new principal and get some resources this week. Because these students receive high school credit for these courses, I think it is important to at least visit with the feeder HS, and ensure that there is a similar level of rigor in the classes that I will be teaching.

I feel a bit of relief now that the decision has been made and is a "done deal"; I hate being in a state of limbo, and not knowing what is going to happen.

Learned? Taking a risk and forcing yourself to go through change brings a wide range of emotions, many of which were unexpected.