Changes

Lots has changed since I sat down to write here. While I still love this, my teacher voice has wavered a bit.

You see, I began the school year without a classroom. For the first time in over a decade, I did not have a class. If any of you have experienced this before, you know, the emptiness one feels. The first day of school was one of the most emotionally draining days of my career. I was now, a Teacher on Special Assignment. 

Happy First Day of School. Today is a bittersweet day. I have a classroom ready but waiting. Waiting for enrollment to increase. So, today I'm reminding myself that everything is going to be ok.

A post shared by Mrs.Parker (@learningwithmrsparker) on Aug 29, 2017 at 6:30am PDT

Unbeknownst to me, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise. At home, my father-in-law was gravely ill. As a family, we spent the next six of weeks traveling to and from work, home and the hospital. 

In October, I took over a fifth grade class while a teacher was on maternity leave. Unexpectedly, the teacher did not return. All of a sudden, I became a teacher of BIG KIDS. 

What I've come to find out is that changing grade levels does not define who I am as a teacher. Rather, it has affirmed my teaching philosophy. Now, more than ever, I see how students need engagement, novelty, play, and choice in their learning regardless of grade levels. That's what I've tried to bring into the classroom. While not always perfect, I am learning. 

Each day, I enter my classroom knowing that it is a blessing that I am their teacher. Perhaps, this was where I was meant to be all along; with them. 

I hope that you'll join me in my journey as I share what I've learned as a fifth grade teacher this school year. 

I don't know what the future holds. But, I do know that I can be the teacher kids need if I am willing to accept the challenge.

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My #EduStory

Recently, I came across the hashtag - #EduStory on Twitter which challenges participants to reflect on a variety of topics.  

I've decided to share my #EduStory.  

This blog is my way to record my reflections as a teacher.  Teaching is a difficult job.  There are ups and downs.  But along the way, there are many awe inspiring moments.  It is in those moments that I understand why I became a teacher.  

As a child, school was my safe haven. It was a place where I escaped my difficult childhood. It was the connections that I made with my teachers that made me yearn to be like them.  

I am a firm believer that education is a gift that lasts a lifetime; it's the tagline of my blog.  I have been blessed with an education through school but also the lifelong lessons that I have encountered over the years as a child, student, wife, teacher and now, mother.  

I have always taught at schools with a diverse student population with limited or low income including many second language learners.  I do not see this as a challenge but as a blessing.  

Source

My hope is that I touch the life of one child or perhaps, many, who will believe in themselves and to know that hard work does matter.  It may not be easy but it is worth it.  In the meantime, I will keep on teaching, reflecting, and refining my teaching practices.  Along the way, I hope to record my journey for myself but also with you.  

What's your #EduStory? Share your story.

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My Mentors, My Teachers

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, I thought I'd share a bit about the people who influenced my life and helped me become a better teacher.

My Mom
My mother has to be the biggest influence in my life.  Like many moms, she would do anything for her children.  She sacrificed so much of her life for my sister and I.  But there was one thing that was different from my mom than some of the other moms.  She could not read well.  You see, my mom was a migrant worker during the days of segregation.  School to her was not a welcoming place.  Despite that, my mom was always an advocate for education.  She saw its value.  She taught me that perseverance and hard work can make dreams come true.

Mrs. Albertson
Mrs. Albertson was my first grade teacher.  It was 1979 and my family had just moved to California.  I remember that she told my mom that she would take good care of me.  And, she did.  My fondest memory is of Mrs. Albertson sharing her sandwich with me on a school field trip.  I didn't have one because my mom had said that I could not go because she was afraid of me riding the bus.  Mrs. Albertson called my mom and changed her mind.  That act of kindness changed my whole life. I knew I wanted to be just like her; a teacher.

The Homestead
As a senior in high school, I decided to volunteer at a museum to beef up my resume before college.  I volunteered throughout college and later worked in the Public Programs department.  While there, I learned about public speaking and interacting with people of all ages.  The Homestead taught me about computers, design, how to coordinate events, set up and clean up events, and more.  I still use many of these same skills today as a teacher.   It was also here that I made lifetime girlfriends and said my I dos on my wedding day.

The Office of Admissions
As a first generation college student, leaving home and going away to college was huge.  My University's Office of Admissions took care of me not only as a prospective student but more importantly afterwards.  The Office of Admissions became my home away from home.  I would volunteer as an Admissions Host and later, work as Admissions Intern.  The Office of Admissions taught be real world skills such as etiquette and discourse.

Mr. R
Mr. R was my first principal.  He took a chance on me.  He saw my potential even when I may have not seen it in myself.  He allowed his teachers to take risks as learners and to make mistakes.  He also believed in his staff.  During my first year teaching, he told me that he believed that I had ganas or the desire to be a good teacher.  At the time, I didn't really understand what it meant.  But over time, I have learned that it does take ganas to make it as a teacher.  Without it, it just becomes a job.


I am so thankful to the mentors and teachers I have had in my life. I am a teacher because of them.

I've learned that teaching isn't about reading the scripted lesson.

Kudos to teachers!  You do make a difference!

Happy Teaching!

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The Joy of Teaching

What keeps you passionate about teaching?  This thought has been on my mind a lot lately.  I love teaching. Yet, with 5 more weeks to go, I can think of nothing better than summer vacation.

And, then, this happens.  

Those little moments in the classroom when you know, this is why you go in early and plan for hours on the weekend.

Playing School

Three of my kiddos had pulled up their chairs and selected a "just right" Bob Book to read.  I was so proud of them because learning how to read has been a challenge for them.  Yet, they did not give up.  They rose to the challenge.

Go here for more inspiration.

What keeps you going?

From my classroom to yours,

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My Hopes and Dreams

I've never made resolutions.   But I do believe in this.

Click image for your copy.

As I return to the classroom, I want to remind myself why I teach.  I teach to touch the hearts', minds' and souls' of children.  I can make a lasting impact in their lives. I know because teachers made a lasting impact in my life.

Cheers to the new year!

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