It's been a week . . . and a great start!

Well it's been a week since I had first taken on the role as Kindergarten teacher to 27 students in Canal Fulton, Ohio! While I know I am in for much more work, I feel far more comfortable in my position after a week of learning the basic routines and expectations of the school. The high number of students does make my job challenging but I am up for it! The students seem to be functioning as if they were still new to the school year and without the full knowledge of what it means to be a kindergartener. Again, I see this as a challenge and hope to quickly teach them the basic structure and routines of the school day. My major concern is providing each student with the proper education that he/she needs to advance on and be successful throughout their future education. I remind myself constantly that I need to stay consistent in my discipline, yet fun and friendly in my approach. I want my students to enjoy the school day and look forward to seeing me each morning as I do them. I don't ever want to get to a point where I find myself wishing one of the students was absent (as the teacher holding this position prior to me did quite often). Each one of these children deserves to be accepted, regardless of their behavior or educational proficiency. I've always enjoyed being around children, and I hope that my 27 students are able to see that! I am fortunate enough to have an aide with me for five hours out of the school day. This allows me to feel more confident in providing the individualized instruction so necessary in today's classrooms. Ashley, my aide, is a licensed teacher as well. While her licensure is middle childhood, fourth grade through ninth, her ability as an educator comes out quite often and helps our communication process. She seems to be right at the same level with me and understand what I am attempting to do and get at when it comes to the organization and structure of the school day.

After all of that searching, all of that frustration, all of those interviews, I feel more confident then ever that I am in the school that will work best for me! I am in a comfortable, friendly, open environment where I can continue to grow as an educator and further the career I had attempted to begin so long ago!!! Wish me luck and keep the prayers said that I don't encounter too many struggles. God never gives more than one can handle! From this point on, that is my daily mantra!