Leap of Faith

Happy Tuesday readers!

I hope you are doing well...I feel really detached from the blog world lately. At the beginning of the summer I needed so badly to decompress from what was my toughest year of teaching, that I became a bit withdrawn. Now that I've had that time to decompress, my life seems to have kicked into overdrive and I rarely have time to sit at the computer for pleasure. I did want to acknowledge, however, that I have read each and every one of your comments, despite not responding to them all. Your support as I have opened up about this new phase of my life have meant more than you know!

All that being said, it's time for a big update on this next life adventure. I titled this post "Leap of Faith" because I have just taken what might be the biggest leap of faith in my life so far. I'll explain...

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As you all know, I've questioned my teaching path a lot over the past two years. I first opened up in this post. Rather than repeat all the reasons I've been unhappy with teaching, I'll direct you to some great articles I've read over the last year that acknowledge many of my struggles:

"What It Really Means to Be a Public School Educator Today"

"‘You have made us the enemy. This is personal.’ — 7 N.Y. Teachers of the Year blast Cuomo"

"Schools face new challenges as poverty grows in inner suburbs"

"Report: Requiring kindergartners to read — as Common Core does — may harm some"

In grad school, you hear about all of these issues, and teacher turnover rates, but you often think "That won't be me" or "That's only in the really bad schools." For a long time, the perfectionist in me, didn't want to leave the profession, because I saw it as quitting or a failure. I didn't want to add to the statistic. What I have realized over the last several months, however, is that leaving teaching isn't quitting: It's taking a stand for me. 

After that realization, the next big question for me was: "If not teaching, then what?" I've always been someone that has been interested in so many different things; so narrowing down a path has been tough. I would call my dad in an emotional tizzy every semester when it came time to register for classes. My choice to pursue a Masters of Teaching was questioned by many, including myself, over the years. I could see myself being happy in several different careers. 

Almost two years ago, when I first became unhappy, I began looking at job postings to try and answer that question. I never had any intention of applying for jobs during the school year, rather, I hoped that after reading enough descriptions I could narrow down a field or some career areas that seemed like a fit. In college, I also had been interested in the "business" side of nonprofits: marketing, PR, fundraising, strategy, etc so I spent a lot of my time looking at job options on a website called ConnectVA. This website, run by the Partnership for Nonprofit Excellence, is a place where local nonprofits can post job opportunities. I found that many of the job listings I was interested in fell under the "Development" realm. 

As luck would have it, this past fall I would connect with Ronald McDonald House of Richmond's Director of Development through my blog. You may remember I posted about their partnership with Dillard's to raise money through the sale of the Southern Living Cookbook here. When I first met Allison, the Director of Development, I immediately liked her. She is young and cute, and I left the house feeling so inspired. I also left thinking "I want her job." I reached out, asking to become more involved with the House, wanting to help an amazing cause, but also to gain some experience in the nonprofit field. Allison added me to their Red Shoe Crew which helps to plan and implement fundraising events for RMH. 

Now let's fast forward several months to this past April. I was having brunch with some book club friends and talking to them about my experience with Ronald McDonald. One of the girls shared that her husband was looking to hire a person in that exact field.  The position was "Program Manager" and would mostly entail event planning for a local non-profit. She put me in touch with her husband and the ball got rolling. From May to July, I was in the application process for this job. It ultimately didn't work out (I was the only candidate in the final 4 without experience), however, I am still so happy that I applied. Not only did it give me some valuable interview experience in the field, but it also gave me a tangible option outside of teaching. Getting so far in the interview process, gave me hope that I could (and will) find a fit.

After finding out I didn't get that job, I was at the point where I had to make a decision. It was mid-July and I knew that the likelihood I would find a job in the remaining weeks before school started was low. I also knew that if I did ultimately leave teaching, I wanted to do it the right way and not give my notice at the last minute. Finally, I realized, that if I went back to school, I was stuck for another 9 months and would be putting myself in the same position as this summer, only having 2 months to find a job, which isn't really a realistic time frame. My heart was telling me that I needed to resign, even without a new job lined up. Before making my decision final, though, I spent the next several days talking it over with Bryce and my parents. They could not have been more supportive and all agreed that I was 100% making the right decision. My mom said "Every time you talk about going back to school, there's a quiver in your voice and you can't live like that."

So here I am, unemployed. My emotions waiver from day to day, some days I feel excited and empowered and other days, I feel nervous and scared. I've applied for 10 jobs in the last few weeks, and have a few more on my list for this week. I have run into roadblocks a few places regarding my experience. It's that Catch 22 of "You can't get hired without experience, and you can't get experience without getting hired." I do feel confident that something will work out though. I am spending weekly time at Ronald McDonald House, volunteering my time to gain as much experience as I can at the volunteer level. They have been very supportive and have provided me with as many opportunities to learn about the field and network, as possible. I've also began to embrace telling people about my job search. I've found that when I share my experience, people want to help, and a few people have even approached me with jobs.

In the meantime, I will be coaching volleyball and subbing at a local private school, and will get an "in-between" job if need be. I also am fortunate to have one more paycheck coming in at the end of the month, from fulfilling my contract last year, which gives me some wiggle room.  And last, but certainly not least, I feel beyond fortunate to have such a supportive group of friends and family backing me up. Bryce, especially, has been my biggest cheerleader and without his support, I probably wouldn't have been brave enough to take this leap of faith.

And now (I hope I haven't bored you, yet), for those of you that commented or emailed asking for advice, I can share my tactics thus far. I don't have a job yet, but I do think my strategy will lead to success.  My first tactic, has been to reach out to anyone and everyone I know in the field. Being that I am trying to completely change careers without experience, I'll need all the help and connections I can get. The second, has been to work as hard as I can to gain valuable experience, through my time at Ronald McDonald. I also am planning to sign up for some workshops through the Partnership for Nonprofit Excellence, and may see if I can get involved volunteering at a second nonprofit to give my experience more breadth. Lastly, I have been applying to each and every job that sounds the least bit interesting, both jobs that I may be over-qualified for, or, under-qualified for.  Allison, from Ronald McDonald, shared an awesome point, that you never know when someone may pass your resume along to somebody else, or to a different position within the organization. I realize that this first job, is likely to just be a stepping stone, so I'm willing to consider positions that may be outside of the development or nonprofit realm. Fingers crossed this strategy will pay off!

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Have any of you readers taken a similar leap of faith in your life?

Any advice for me as I navigate this new adventure?

Have a great day!

May!

Happy Friday chickadees and...Happy May!

I am beyond pleased that May is finally here. The end of the school year is in sight and (just 6 more weeks to go) and summer can't come soon enough!

I hit a low in blogging during April, only posting 4 times. I have constantly been inspired to post and have a growing list of ideas, but honestly, I just haven't had it in me.

Allergies are majorly kicking my butt this spring, and because of them, I can't remember the last time I had a good night's sleep. I feel like I've been living life in an exhausted fog.

Additionally, as the school year comes closer to an end, big life decisions are weighing heavily on me. I've shared my teaching frustrations on the blog and after 3 years, I'm leaning more and more toward a career switch each day. I have a passion for kids and teaching, however, that passion is squashed by the state of education and teaching as a profession today (at least where I am). Last year, I was questioning things big time, but still felt a strong pull to teaching. These days, all of my gripes about teaching seem to overshadow that pull. I'm at a point where the thought of exploring new (and totally different) options is exciting, but also really scary. Stay tuned...

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All that being said, I've been physically and emotionally exhausted. When I've made it home these last several weeks, I've just wanted to unplug and zone out. I'm hoping, however, that May, and all its springtime glory, will reenergize me and help me to find my blogging groove again.

Thanks for sticking by me and still reading despite my absence.

Have a great weekend!

Sick Day Essentials

Happy Monday readers!

Good weekend?

Mine was okay...we had lots of fun activities planned, but unfortunately the kindergarten germs got me already! A cold came on Friday night.  We had plans both Friday night and Saturday, which didn't allow me the time to rest I needed. That being said, the cold really took away from the fun of the weekend and put me on the couch pretty much all day yesterday.

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I modeled and gave lessons on both hand washing and nose blowing last week, but clearly the kids still need a little practice...

Those of you that have taught before, know taking a sick day is really tough.  When the fact that it is just the 5th day of kindergarten is added to the equation, taking the day is pretty much impossible, so I'm toughing it out. Here's what I'd really like to be doing though:

I'd like to be curled up on the couch wearing this:

J. Crew Factory Pajama Shirt

and these:

Ugg Coquette Slipper

Curled up under this:

Aqua Herringbone Pom Pom Throw

Spending my time reading this:

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

and watching this:

The Other Woman

And finally, drinking some Vitamin C-filled, get well smoothie from this:

Ban.do Frills Tumbler

What are your sick day essentials?

How do you stay healthy during cold and flu season?

Have a great day!

Back to School Playlist

Happy Thursday friends!

Man!  I am EXHAUSTED!

The first week of school is kicking my butt and I've been pretty much brain dead every night.

The mornings aren't much better:  Being at school by 7:15 is no fun.

I have, however, come up with a fun playlist for my car rides in the  morning in an effort to pump me up for the day and I thought I would share it!

And for your listening pleasure:

What have you been listening to lately?

What do you do to help get pumped up?

Have a great day!

Character, Not Color

I am very happy to be off school today for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

I had originally planned to do a weekend recap today with snapshots from the weekend, but as I've been thinking about today's significance I thought a more thoughtful post was in order...

As you might expect, we have been teaching the kids about Martin Luther King Jr. in the last week.  Explaining a situation like segregation to five year olds is tough.

Furthermore, most of my students are black or multiracial, making my job even bigger.  Learning about a man that fought so much for their futures is of utmost importance.  Without launching a discussion about today's social issues or race, I'd like to also point out that many of my students' don't have the most positive role models in their homes.  Personally, as a teacher, I sometimes wonder how far my impact will extend throughout their lives.  Will these children that I try to love, uplift, and educate rise above social barriers or simply continue the cycle of poverty that they've experienced?

I have two favorite activities that I do with my kindergartners when teaching about MLK.  The first is that I absolutely love the book My Brother Martin.  It may be slightly advanced for kindergartners, but it is one that is easy to bring down to their level.  The book is written by Christine King Farris, the sister of Martin Luther King Jr.  I like it so much, because it tells the story of Martin as a child.  It references him by his nickname M.L. and shares stories of pranks that he did as a child.  I think that so often historical figures are put up on this pedestal to children.  They have such a grand persona that it makes it difficult for children to relate.  By laughing over the story of Martin and his siblings playing jokes on unsuspecting neighbors, students are able to think "he was just like me."

After reading the book this week, the students, unprompted by me, began a discussion of their racial backgrounds.  When I gave examples of his impact today, students jumped at the fact that blacks and whites can marry.  My students all raised their hands proudly stating whether they were "black" "white" or "mixed" (a term I totally wasn't expecting to come out of their mouths) and even going so far as to explain "light skinned" or "dark skinned."  I did not actively participate, rather just sat back and let them proudly share who they are from a racial standpoint.  I want my students to see their race as something to be proud of and to see positive roles models, like Martin Luther King Jr.  

Finally, the other activity I love is to actually show students a clip of the "I Have a Dream" speech.  Not only can they see what an impact he was by seeing the large crowd, but they can also see him "alive" and hear the passion in his voice.  Over and over I repeat my favorite quote of his to them:  

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

I want them to know that character is what counts most, more than any physical feature that can be seen from the outside.

What do you find to be the greatest words or contributions of Martin Luther King Jr.?

If you are a parent, or fellow teacher, how do you explain "grown up" topics like segregation to young kids?

Come back Wednesday for a delicious Southern recipe:  Pimiento Cheese Ham Biscuits!

Have a great day!

Let's Talk Teaching...

Monday...here again!

Why is it that the weekends always seem to fly by in the blink of an eye?

I'm getting personal and real on the blog today.  If you're looking for my usual cheery, picture filled post, come back later this week.  Today I'm opening up about school and sharing the challenges I've been facing.

As I've mentioned, school has been off to a rough start this year.

I'm tired, stressed, spread thin, frustrated, and unhappy.

I'm feeling lost and disconnected.

Let me explain a bit more...

I work in a Title One school.  For those of you, unfamiliar with the term, Title One is a federal program in which schools with high populations of low income students receive additional funding and support staff.  Approximately 60% of our students qualify for free and reduced lunch and we receive Title One services for both reading and math.

Many of our students come from homes without many resources and we don't have a lot of parent support.  Our kids face great challenges.  For example, each of us have had kindergartners starting school who can't sing their ABCs, don't recognize their name, and know 0 letters.  We have a big job.  In a lot of ways I feel like I was meant to teach these kids.  Every day I know I make a huge impact on them.

And now for the BUT (there's always a but, isn't there?).

BUT, our kids don't perform as well as students in higher income parts of the county.  There is only so much we can achieve from 7:00-2:00 each day.  Our kids show HUGE growth, but they don't always make it to the "end goal" according to state standardized tests.

Because of this, our school has tremendous pressure.  We are state accredited, but just barely and so this year lots of changes have been implemented to try and improve our scores.

The problem is, these changes are tanking morale and quite honestly they're too much.

On any day, we may have not one, but sometimes two administrators popping into our room in addition to new weekly visits from the Title 1 math and reading teachers.  I don't mind having an administrative presence in the classroom.  Quite honestly, I think it's important.  But multiple visits, multiple times a week are too much.  We all compare notes at lunch about whose come into our classrooms.  It throws the kids off and also leaves teachers feeling nervous.  What if the kids are having an off moment when an administrator pops in, what if your plans for the day aren't quite working...

Our lesson planning expectations have also changed.  In the past, when we met weekly, we would discuss the standards for the following week and share ideas.  From there, it was up to each individual teacher to decide how to teach the standard and what was best for their students.  This year, we are expected to have nearly identical plans across the grade level.  I don't feel like it's fair.  We all have different teaching styles and students.  Just because I love one lesson doesn't mean the rest of the team should have to do it and vice versa.  As long as our kids are learning the standard, that is what matters.  Our meetings are taking double the time they used to take and by the end we all feel brain dead.  I feel like there is no trust in the teachers to do their job right.  I also feel that my creativity is stifled and certain plans are not as engaging for the kids.  On top of that, with the new lesson plan changes, it seems like as soon as we have everything figured out we learn about a new change to the requirements or an added requirement.  Another teammate and I discussed that we feel like the planning expectations have become so high that we feel like we plan more to please administration than to focus on actual instruction.

Finally, the last big difference is that the county has shifted the focus to kindergarten this year.  I was initially very excited about this.  Focusing on the primary grades is important because if students are provided with a great foundation, many of the issues in the upper grades can be alleviated.  I also have really benefited from many of the professional development workshops I've attended so I was looking forward to more opportunities for these.  Well, since the year has started, we have realized what a focus on kindergarten means:  Quantity over quality and added rigor and expectations which are often not developmentally appropriate for 5 year olds, especially our 5 year olds who have not had much, if any prior school experience.

So this is where we are.  All of us are stressed.  Morale is low.  I'm questioning whether I even want to continue to teach (a question I never even considered during my first year of teaching).

I love teaching, but this year I dread going to school.  I'm at school nearly 12 hours every day and bring work home.  School is constantly in my thoughts and I don't feel fully present in the other aspects of my life.

I have been trying to make "me" more of a priority, leaving earlier some days, but then I'm left with stress, guilt, and a fear that I may not have every i dotted and t crossed for administration.

I've been doing lots of soul searching.

• Do I want to keep teaching next year?
• Should I try to apply to some private schools where teachers are given more freedom? 
• If I do switch to private school am I abandoning kids, who really need me?  I feel like I've been called to teach, but I also feel like it can't consume me and cause the other aspects of my life to suffer...
• Do I want to pursue a new career, completely?
• If so, what would I want to pursue and am I qualified for the other careers that I would be interested in?

I don't know what to do.

So, if you've been wondering why I've been so absent in the blog world and not always the best at responding to blog emails...that's why.

What are your thoughts?

Any advice for me?

Have you ever been in a similar spot?

Hope you're off to a good start to your week!

Loving...Inspirational Quotes Edition

Friday!  Friday!  Friday!

This might be the happiest I've ever been for Friday!

Not only has this been an exhausting week, but also an emotional one.  Those of you that follow me on Instagram, know I've been having a tough time at school.  Quite honestly it's been taking a toll on me.  I'm in the process of writing a post about everything I've been dealing with, but for today, I thought I would share some inspirational quotes that have been particularly helpful in the last few days.

I've got nothing else to say...these words sum it up!

Have a great weekend!

Loving...

As always TGIF...AND...what a week!

Yesterday I was at school almost 14 hours!  Immediately after dismissal we had interviews for 3 hours (one of our teachers has decided to resign so we're in the process of finding a new K teacher) and then that was followed by back to school night.  I am wiped out...probably will be asleep by 8:00 pm tonight!

That being said, I am really hoping you have had a better week than me!

On a happy note, here are some things I have been loving lately...

C. Wonder Piggy Bank

C. Wonder is a frequent flyer in these "Loving..." posts...pretty much everything they sell is just fabulous and I have to admit, I'm a little more than a bit obsessed with this piggy bank!

Ralph Lauren Jenny Riding Boots

In this past post I mentioned Tory Burch boots.  Well friends, I tried them on recently and while they're gorgeous, I really prefer more of a tan color than dark brown.  Since Katie, of In the Pink posted these on Instagram, I have been smitten!  These are the replacement boots I have been searching for!  AND...on top of that, they are half the price of the TB pair, meaning I can buy them AND something else new for Fall without feeling guilty!

J. Crew Colorblock Socks

The fact that it's boot weather, also means it's sock weather!  Y'all...if you haven't bought a pair of J. Crew socks, you should!  They are the best...so comfy! These are just plain precious!

Tory Burch eau de Parfum

Bryce's mom brought a sample of this back from a recent trip to NY and it smells heavenly!  Bryce even exclaimed "What is that wonderful smell?" after coming upstairs when I first put it on!  It's available for pre-sale now and you are going to want to snag it up!

Anthropologie Trumpeter Buttondown

I love this buttondown!  The mix of classic blouse with fun cuffs and collar is right on the mark!

And finally, I'm going to diverge from my usual e-Card closer.  I'm going to be honest with you...it's been a really rough start to this school year.  I may go into it more in a personal post soon, but, things have been crazy, frustrating, and overwhelming to say the least.  I'm trying to stay positive and am really loving this quote as a reminder of why I teach.

What are you currently loving?

Have a great weekend!

Loving...

TGIF!!!

I am so glad Friday is here and can't wait to put on my PJs early tonight and just relax!  I am worn out from the first week of school!  I like my class so far this year, but am really missing all my babies from last year.  Every time I see one of them in the hall, I feel a tug at my heartstrings!  On top of that, the first few weeks of kindergarten are always the toughest.  Training the kiddos on classroom routines and structure takes lots of time and *patience*!

That being said the first thing I am loving right now is that the weekend is here!

And now for some other things I'm loving...

Essie "Going Incognito"

I think a Target trip is in order for this weekend to get this..perfect for the transition into fall!

C. Wonder Dancing Zebra Silk Shirt

How fun is this?

Hattan Home Papaya Whip Moroccan Pouf

I am a little late to jump on this trend...BUT...I'm dying to get one of these for our sunroom!

Scout Pocket Rocket

If you teach...GO AND GET THIS BAG!

I've had mine since last year, but didn't start using it for teaching until this year...I will never switch back to another bag!  All the outside pockets are ahh-mazing and the bag is sturdy enough it doesn't tip!

And finally, in honor of getting through the first week of school, I'm loving this e-card:

Anything you especially love this week?

Have a GREAT weekend!

Tiny Prints

Happy Friday readers!

Is it just me or was this a really long week?

All day yesterday I kept thinking it was Friday...only to realize I still had another whole day before the weekend, ugh!

I am at least happy to report that I am feeling better each day.  I still have a bit of a cough and stuffy nose, but I am so much better than I was a few days ago!

I am also happy to report that I am leaving after school today to head up to Northern Virginia and visit AMF.  I was supposed to visit her about a month ago, but had to reschedule my trip because of snow. I am so ready for a great weekend with my best friend!

Today, I wanted to share a new discovery with you:  Tiny Prints.

I recently saw the most beautiful bridal shower invitation and it was from Tiny Prints.  Having never heard of Tiny Prints before, I quickly scoped out the website and knew y'all would love it! 

So without further adieu, here's a look at some of the products Tiny Prints has to offer!

Stationery:

I'm a bit of a stationery junkie and wouldn't this be perfect to write Thank Yous to my students?

Tiny Prints has the most adorable collection of Thank You notes for every occasion and personality!

I am also pretty obsessed with this personalized stationery and think it needs to be mine!

iPhone Cases:

I currently have two iPhone cases and really enjoy switching them out according to the occasion or mood.

I LOVED playing with the settings to make this custom one and just might have to order it!

I think a personalized case with a family photo on it would be the perfect gift for a mama or grandma!

Isn't this one fabulous?

Acryllic Trays:

I'm all about trays for entertaining and decorating.  I love how a pretty tray on a table can be a nice catch-all and make your "junk" (aka everyday necessities) look nice!

This one melts my heart!

Custom Stamps & Embossers:

Isn't this lovely?  A custom embosser with return address takes snail mail up a notch, don't ya think?

I'm also all about this stamp!

So what do you think?

Have you shopped Tiny Prints before?

Any fun weekend plans?

Have a good one!

Let's Make Some Valentines!

Happy Friday readers!

Have y'all had a good week?

Mine was great..I am finally getting my groove back and am over the New Year (i.e. end of Christmas vacation) slump!

This weekend, I am excited for a little project:  Making Valentine's for all the little cuties in my class!

I've been searching Pinterest like a nut for ideas and thought I'd share some of the favorites I've found:

Isn't this ADORABLE?

I don't know if it's in the budget to buy $18 shovels, but I might have to make one of these for Bryce!

I have a feeling making all those little baggies would get frustrating, BUT, I absolutely LOVE this LOVEbug idea!

These butterflies would be adorable for the girls in my class!

And this would be perfect for the boys...

I WHEELIE like you!  SO clever!

This could be a good contender for snack time on V-Day!

I like this idea!

I would probably put "Give Me 5, Valentine!" on it!

Again, this isn't in the budget, but I may have to put it together for the B man!

"I've got a CRUSH on you!"

And last, but not least, this is what I've decided on:

I'm excited to look for some cute Valentine's pencils at the Dollar Store this weekend!

I also think I am going to have the kids make these for their parents this week!

My kids have been all about Valentine's Day!  We have been doing all sorts of fun activities:

My students made these lovebugs in a center and then wrote about them!

I hung hearts from the ceiling.

Wouldn't it be nice if hearts really did fall from the sky?

We made these heart men for the hallway!

Again, wouldn't it be nice if hearts really grew on trees?

The kids love "reading" this Valentine's poem!

We've also done some fun shared writing activities where we've changed the third verse so the poem says silly things like "Skunks are smelly, And so are you!"

Are any of you mamas doing any cute Valentine's things with your kiddos?

Are you a fan of Valentine's Day!

Still need to brainstorm what special thing I'm going to do for Bryce this year.  Having a hard time thinking of something to top my "52 Things I Love About You" from last year!  Any good ideas?

See full post here!

Have a great weekend!!!