So, I've been away...

The end is here.  The end of my student teaching, that is.  Not the end, end.  Cause that would be so sad.  I made it, folks.  I made it.

In 2004, I started out this dream of mine to become a teacher.  Not a day care teacher, like I had already accomplished....but a real, state-certified teacher.  In 2004, the light at the end of the tunnel was basically non-existent.  Today, I am wearing my shades.

Today, I walked onto campus with tears running down my cheeks.  I knew that this last meeting would be my last time on campus before I go to get my cap and gown.  And we celebrated the end of the student teaching semester with a wonderful dinner and ceremony.  I am so proud of myself.

It doesn't happen often that I can honestly feel such pride in myself.  But I felt it tonight. 

I felt it even more because I was the only student teacher in that room with a job.

Despite the terrible outlook on teaching jobs in today's market, I have a job.

My cooperating teacher is leaving on December 16 for her maternity leave and I have been hired as a contracted teacher--not just a sub--to take on her classroom until the end of the year.  This means a salary.  And full benefits.  And a real job.  And a good salary.  A very good salary.  About 13K more than I ever dreamed of starting at. 

Yes, I am so very proud.

So I come to this blog as a third grade teacher. 

Dang, that feels good.  It feels good to know that I was interviewed and selected for a job that 250 other teaching candidates applied for.  They chose me.  They love what I do.  All of my hard work, my dedication, my heart and soul that has been poured into this career choice....it paid off.

And the best part?  I get to come back to my blogging!