This week started off my marathon of Professional Development workshops. I literally have something to do/somewhere to be every day before school starts. I know a lot of y'all are in the same boat. I am absolutely thrilled to be given so many opportunities to advance my knowledge in a variety of areas before I even step foot into my first day of teaching!!

Right now, I'm in a two week MSP Project workshop that focuses on 8th grade math activities that correspond with the CCSSs we will be implementing. I have to admit, it was pretty surprising to see the variety of knowledge the teachers have in terms of technology. I understand now how blessed I am to be a young teacher who grew up in a school district that incorporated technology when it became available as well as attending a university that put a high focus on technology integration in all aspects of life. 

On a side note, our school times have been changed: we start at 7:10 and end at 2:50. This is going to take A LOT of getting used to. And working a part time job for at least the first 1.5 months (5-9 pm) is not going to make it any easier. If I can do this though, I believe that the rest of the year will seem like nothing!

Started moving some things into my classroom yesterday. More like dump and run it seemed lol. Actually got my new (to me) podium in the room today thanks to my amazing parents and it looks GREAT! Before and after pics below:

BEFORE

 AFTER 

I am a HUGE fan of free things and I think this podium is one of the best pieces I've ever been given!!!!!! So excited about it and the bright colors I'm using all over my room!

The 10 drawer rolling cart was bought at Office Depot and is where students will turn in their assignments for me to grade (tests, activities, etc.). Each class will have a designated drawer that will be labeled (whenever I have the time).

Well, it's bedtime for this girl! Up and at 'em bright and early tomorrow.

Y'all Enjoy!

So, living in a college town post-graduation has it's ups and downs. Right now, the number of people I know in town is slightly limited due to everyone being at home/internships during the summer. I am so ready for the university to start classes again in the fall so some of my good friends who are a year behind me, and graduate in May, will be back.

On a side note, I will not sign my new hire paperwork until August and this kinda bothers me. I know I have the position but it doesn't seem set in stone yet. I am a worry wart and things like this keep me up at night because I always think of the worst case scenario...each and every time. Anyone else do that?

One thing, and the only thing so far, that I am looking forward to this summer is a workshop in late July/early August. It's given by the Summer Institute and will focus on 8th grade math Common Core activities. I am so excited to learn things that I can implement in my lessons! Another plus is that it will be led by one of my old college math professors! Super exciting!!

Does anyone else feel like they are not getting anywhere with planning for the upcoming year. I look around at all these blogs that I follow and see so many things being decorated/made/decided on. I feel like I am stuck in a rut with no ideas. It would probably help to have an actual curriculum...but that hasn't happened yet. Tips please!!!!

What all do I need to figure out? What should I be making? What should I be focusing on? Can you tell I am a little stressed about this?!?

I know that things will fall together but I am trying to limit the amount of stress I'll be experiencing when school starts because, get this, I'll still have to be working at least 1 part time job for the first couple months. Joy!

Y'all Enjoy!

Ms. McCown