Wrapping up 2015

Can it really be the end of the year? How is that even possible? It seems like just the other day I was getting my classroom ready and now we are almost half way through the year. You can't see my face but it constantly changing from shock, to disbelief, to a smile of happiness. While I can't believe this year is almost over I can say that it is ending well. I have a great group of kids who I can't wait to get back to and we've been able to accomplish some amazing things. So as I think about what happened in 2015 and what is yet to come in 2016 I thought I'd share some final thoughts and do a wrap-up blog style!

Earlier in the year I heard of a fabulous opportunity from A+ Images, Inc. They were giving teacher bloggers the opportunity to design and receive a FREE t-shirt to promote their blog. I couldn't pass up this opportunity. I originally planned to wear this shirt each time the class was going to have a blog day but due to some dress code changes at my school that will no longer be possible. insert major sad face and dramatic fake crying I haven't yet come up with a solution to this problem but I am working on it. I will, however, get to wear it at our district's tech fest in February where I'll be presenting on classroom blogs. So there's a win!

Back to the shirt. I go to design it exactly how I wanted. It arrived pretty quickly. While it was exactly how I wanted (color, design, size of logo, etc) there were a couple negatives (terrible vinegar smell, two stains/discolorations). I found out that the smell was normal and once I washed it, the shirt was fine. There is still a slight discoloration in the middle but the shirt is other wise perfect. I would definitely recommend using A+ Images. They are very teacher friendly and when I had questions and concerns they were helpful and extremely responsive. Here's to finding more ways to wear this shirt!

I've made it through another semester! I repeat, I'VE MADE IT THROUGH ANOTHER SEMESTER! That means one more year of required course work and then I'll compile my portfolio. This wasn't an exceptionally challenging semester but it did contain a few curve balls. Projects are kind of hard to complete when your students don't remain consistent. My professors, however, were exceptional. I've joked about the College of Education buildings that K-State has. It's not new news that teacher's don't make a ton of money so when it comes to donations back to the university, well, I know they aren't raking in millions. While the building might not have the highest tech it does have some of the highest quality professors. My professors this semester were involved and interesting. They kept me engaged and I learned a ridiculous amount. Here's to the next year being just as engaging and educational!

Usually the second semester marks a time of change in classrooms. This year, however, I think we are pretty set. There isn't a ton I want to change routine/procedure wise. Groups will remain the same as we changed before break. We were in the middle of units so there won't be any big changes there either. So why did I even make this a section on the blog today? Because the changes I'm really going to focus on when we return are the ones in my students. I of course want them to keep learning but I don't want it all to be academic. I want to give them more opportunities to explore. I want them to grow as individuals. I want them to be comfortable with themselves and see their possibility. This isn't anything new to my class. It's more of an intentional focus now. A little change never hurt, for long, right?

This year, this semester especially, I really grew as a teacher. I learned that I'm a little fiester than I thought I was. I learned that everyone needs guidance and some times I needed it more than I liked to admit. I encountered situations both with parents, adminstrators, and colleagues that I didn't forsee. Each of these situations pushed me as an individual but more importantly as an educator. I really came to understand myself and my teaching. I became more confident in my ways but also more reflective. I truly do this because I love teaching students while pushing them to be the best well-rounded individual students they can. I can only hope the next year will bring as much growth in myself as I expect to see in my students.

So let's finish the year on a strong note. Not only is the year winding down but so is my Winter Break and for maybe the first year ever, I'm not sad about it. I can't wait to see my students, get back in our groove and make some amazing memories.

Here's to a blessed ending to your 2015 and an amazing start to your 2016