I was named Teacher of the Year at my school.
I am completely in shock that I get to represent my school which is full of the most amazing teachers ever. A little celebration was held after school for the Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year. I consider myself a very outgoing person but when all eyes are on me, I get really shy. It was and will continue to be a humbling experience for the year ahead.
 |
| Mr. Finch received Support Staff Member of the Year |
 |
| Me with the current Teacher of the Year, Ms. Wiggins |
I've wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. When I got my first real job in 2009 I was thrown into a crazy situation. I'll spare all the details but I almost quit teaching for good.
Instead I found myself in graduate school getting my MLS degree in public and school libraries. Right before I graduated, I got a job as an elementary school media specialist. I was more than ready to step into this new career with full force which still included teaching. My first year was hard. Looking back I clearly see why. I cared so much. I know that may sound like a great thing but I was also neglecting my own health because I cared so much. If a lesson plan went sour, I stayed super late to make it perfect. I would lay awake at night worrying about my students and trying to figure out all the best methods for success with them.
None of that is bad and I still do that every now and then but I eventually learned how to balance the demands of teaching differently. Mostly I learned to just take some pressure off myself. Things are going to go wrong and that is okay. It is how I react that matters. I've learned that every child needs encouragement and love above all else. If I ever lose the desire to care, encourage or love, then I will know something is very wrong.
Now…just for fun here is a little backstory leading up to today.
I actually found out a few weeks ago that I was nominated and this is the (blurry) picture I sent Todd after school that day.
That is my "isn't this news crazy yet awesome" face. I was just so honored to be nominated. Complete shock. That night we went out to celebrate by getting milkshakes.
-Sara