Progressing as a teacher.

The journey to become a teacher has been an amazing learning experience for me. When I graduated from college I didn't jump right into my ideal working situation. I taught preschool Special Education which was very challenging for me. The children I worked with had severe behavior needs and I felt like I was constantly being challenged to the full extent each and everyday. Work took a huge toll on me physically and emotionally. This experience made me realize I wanted to work with older students.
While looking for a job, a boyfriend of 6 years got a job as a police officer in the town he lived. I decided to move to his home town of Winchester to support him while he was in the police academy. This was possibly one of the best decisions I have ever made. I began working at a school as a permanent substitute. I was so grateful for this position because I was able to test the waters! One day I would be teaching fifth grade regular education and the next I would be in an integrated special education classroom. It was a wonderful experience and I found the exact age group I felt most comfortable teaching.
Halfway through the year I was asked to be a one-on-one instructor for a fourth grade student with significant special needs. Although this was challenging, I loved what I did. Her regular education teacher commended me on the amount of progress the student began making. The following school year I was asked back to teach Special Ed. for multiple students. I had a great year teaching to third, fourth and fifth grade students but something was missing. I missed the whole class instruction piece of teaching. I also missed creating lesson plans from scratch and witnessing those lessons play out. At the end of the school year I applied for a fourth grade regular education position. Hundreds of people applied but I got the job! I feel like I was chosen because I really proved myself to the principal and other teachers at the school.
I am so excited to teach in the fall! The best thing I took away from this continuous journey is this: if you work hard and give it all you've got..you will be rewarded in the end, not becasue of luck...but becasue you deserve it.