We're on vacation visiting home, but I don't want to miss a day. So while I have time and the hubby entertains K, I figured I'd share the 22nd thing that I am thankful for this Thanksgiving. Today I am thankful for my teaching experience.
Before moving to Florida and staying home with K, I was a second grade teacher and I LOVED it. I'm very proud to say that I have five years of teaching experience under my belt, and I feel that I'm a better mom and person for it. I taught Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade all within those five years. You leave college thinking you're completely ready for your first class of 25 kids and then they get there the first day.... and yea, it's a learning experience that I don't think you're ever ready for. However, through the years I learned so much about child development, how you learn to read, and how to build positive relationships with even the most challenging student. It's funny to step back and think that while you were teaching kids all they needed to know, they were teaching you just as much! I'm so thankful for that!
Right now, I am REALLY enjoying my time as a Stay at Home Mom and I plan to do it as long as I can, so long as it works for our family. I do, eventually, plan to get my teaching certificate in Florida and return to the classroom in some form. I'd also like to keep my Maryland certificate in good standing as well (you never know...). But for right now, I'm going to keep all those lessons I learned tucked away in the back of my mind, using them when appropriate with my kids, and living in the moment. All the while I know that once you're a teacher, you're always a teacher. And, that my friends, I'm extremely thankful for.
One last final thought: Not only am I thankful for my teaching experience, but I am also thankful for all the other teachers that have made a difference in my life. I'm talking about my former coworkers (who are still some of my close friends), college professors, and all my teachers from when I was kid trying to find my way. If it wasn't for each of them, I wouldn't be the person I am today!
I'm thankful for the teachers like you, who love their jobs and make learning experiences great.
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