Milestones

It’s 7^th period on a testing day. For you normal citizens who don’t spend your days with pre-teens, that’s code talk for “I’ve been sitting at my desk all day grading papers, checking emails, writing lesson plans, and keeping an eye on students that are high-risk snoozers and I’m bored out of my mind because I’ve run out of things I need to do.” This is precisely why I’m writing a blog during the school day rather than filling young minds to the brim with knowledge (or something like that). So don’t think I’m slacking off here. I need to do something to keep my sanity intact.

Anyways, there have been several milestones in my blossoming career over the past week. Oh, you want to hear all about them? I’m so glad you asked.

Extra Nugget #5

Rap music is always cool.

On Friday my students did a test review using QR codes and iPads. (If you don’t know what a QR code is, check this out. If you don’t know what an iPad is, it’s time to move off the farm.) It turned out to be a pretty cool activity. I made a bunch of QR codes that the kids could scan with an iPad and it would show a question for them to work out or a video to watch. This was my first venture into using interactive technology with my kiddos, which is something that’s becoming more commonplace in the classroom and is a valuable skill to acquire. One of the codes was linked to this video: (Please notice that someone decided to make the Order of Operations mascot a floating Afro-Space Man in a pink speedo. Thank you, graphic designer.)

It was a big hit. My favorite response came from one of my girls with plenty of swag: “Dang Miss B., this song go hard.” Word.

Extra Nugget #6

It’s the thought that counts.

I received my very first “I think you’re an awesome teacher” gift from a student! One of my girls walked up to me and said, “I need your wrist.” Sounded shady to me, especially since this sweet darling in particular has a pretty volatile temper and seems to hold grudges. Had I made her mad recently? Probably. Did she seem to like me? She always says I’m her favorite. I took the risk and stuck my hand out. She proceeded to put a silver A&M bracelet on my arm. “Oh wow, thanks! Did you buy this for me?” She shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe not.” My mentor teacher and I aren’t entirely convinced it’s not stolen. Either way, I’m touched.

Extra Nugget #7

God provides. Always.

I’ve known this to be true most of my life, but every time the Lord blindsides me with unwarranted blessings I’m absolutely astounded.  Most of you know I’m graduating in December with a degree and desire to be a teacher. What you may not have considered is the difficulty of getting a teaching job when the school year is one semester underway. This is something I’ve been nervous/concerned about ever since I realized I would be graduating a semester late (one of the many perks of adding a minor to my degree), and I’ve been praying that the Lord would make it abundantly clear where I’m supposed to go after graduation. I assumed I would end up subbing for the spring semester and then get a full-time job next fall. When I heard about a long-term sub position opening up in a nearby town I was intrigued. When I sought more details and discovered it would last most of next semester and was a 6^th & 7^th grade math class I was hopeful. And when I landed an interview I was ecstatic. I was humbled by God’s provision and excited about the opportunity.

I didn’t get the job. I know, total buzz-kill. But here’s where my Jesus gets crazy: the very same day I found out I didn’t get that position another one of the math teachers where I’m student teaching informed me that she had recommended me for a 5^th grade science position.  SCIENCE, PEOPLE. If you weren’t aware, I love science. LOVE. IT. Probably because my favorite educator ever is a science teacher (I’m sure you’ve heard of Miss Frizzle… you know, from The Magic School Bus). I interviewed the next day and found out I got the job the day after that! You know what’s even crazier? It’s not a long-term sub position. Nope, my God delights in blessing me as a daddy delights in buying his little girl jewelry just to see her smile, so He took it a step further. I now have a full-time teaching job lined up to begin as soon as I finish student teaching in two weeks!

I cannot begin to express how overwhelmed with gratitude and joy I am at this moment. Yes, I have a real-life job waiting for me on the other side of Thanksgiving. And yes, my Jesus knew this is exactly where I needed to be. I don’t know what the rest of the year holds, but I do know who is holding it.  I can’t wait to meet you, sweet 5^th graders. He has amazing plans for us, my darlings.