Teacher Orientation Week

This past week, I went back to work for Teacher Orientation Week. If you don't know, I teach Fifth Grade at a private school that I absolutely LOVE! The administration, faculty, and staff as a whole are the nicest, most caring, and most supportive group of people that I have ever had the pleasure of working with in a school setting.

Throughout the week, I worked in my classroom and got things ready for last Friday's Orientation and next Tuesday, which is the first day of school. Over the summer, I worked in my classroom a lot, so my copies, laminating, bulletin boards, lesson plans for the first week, etc. were already finished. (I can't help it... I'm anal, and I like to get things done before the last minute.) So... Last week, I did some "little" stuff like fill out my gradebook, write my students' names on things, etc.

When I wasn't working in my classroom, I was helping my fellow co-workers with various tasks. I love being able to help with whatever I can, no matter what it may entail. (This is the main reason why I'm so glad that I finished the bulk of everything that I needed to do over the summer. I was being pulled all over that campus all week long, so nothing would've gotten done. HaHa!)

On Friday of last week, there was an Orientation for new and returning families to our school. Around 10:00 AM, the teachers opened their classrooms and welcomed in students and their parents to introduce themselves, show off their classrooms, and chit-chat about their curriculum and the upcoming school year. I had quite a crowd come to my classroom, and I loved visiting with each and every student and parent. I'm really looking forward to working together with the parents this year to make sure that their child has a successful year in Fifth Grade.

The highlight of Friday, I must say, was seeing some of my former students and parents. (It's so weird to think that I already have former students... I can't believe that I have one year of teaching under my belt.) The fact that they took the time out of their Orientation to visit me meant a lot. I was blessed to have such an amazing "first class" last year; I will miss each and every student and parent so much. In the same breath, I think that this year's class of students and their parents will be fantastic, as well. The ones who I spoke with and got to know seem wonderful. (Luckily, by working at a private school, I knew all of my students from seeing them around campus last year. I also know most of the parents from interacting with them at school functions.)

All in all, it was a wonderful week! I feel 100% prepared for the first day of my second year of teaching on Tuesday. I have many goals set for the year, including:

• To learn and grow as a teacher.
• Be a great role model to my students.
• Show my students that I enjoy teaching and enjoy being with them everyday.
• Ensure that my students know that I will not tolerate inappropriate or negative behavior.
• Communicate effectively with the parents.
• Be a team player with my co-workers.
  

I will, of course, write many blog entries about my job as a Fifth Grade teacher. There are certainly ups and downs, as in any profession, but teaching truly is a rewarding line of work. I absolutely love going to work everyday, and I can't wait for Tuesday!