The End of an Era

The time has come, the end of an era.  I have been a stay at home mom for the last 7 1/2 years, but my time as a full time mom is almost over.  It has been a good run, one that I would not have given up for a million dollars.  The things I have learned from my children in the last 7 1/2 years is staggering.  Parenting has prepared me, I am ready, let's make the change!

Before having my own children, I thought I had it all covered.  The teaching profession was a great place to be.  I got to spend my days with wonderful colleagues, great kids, and let's not even get started on the summer vacation!  (Which I always spent teaching summer school!)  I was a sold out teacher and loved every moment of my job including the endless paper grading. 

Since becoming a parent of my own children, I have discovered that teaching really isn't as much of a profession as it is a lifestyle.  I hear my teacher voice in my 7 year old daughter and wonder if one day she will follow me into the teaching world.  I see that moment in my son's eyes when he recognizes his name on a personalized Christmas ornament.  I find myself explaining the intricacies of the English language and racing cars off a ramp to test which one will achieve the greatest distance and why.  Teaching is a lifestyle for me.  I love every minute of it!

Next fall, when I walk through the doors of the school I am teaching in, I will do it with mixed emotions.  Sad to leave those frequent "mom moments" for my children to other capable teachers.  Nervous and excited to meet my new crop of students.  Ready to dig in and devote myself to the children I have been entrusted with.  I am confident that my stint as a stay at home mom of two children has refined my teaching skills and I am ready to put them to use with students. 

Journey with me on this new adventure as I return to the teaching world.  I will share, my experiences, a bit about me, portfolio examples, and reflections as I return to school.
 

"...Education is not something which the teacher does, but that it is a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being." 

Maria Montessori