New Job

I wanted to wait at least 2 weeks to say/write this publicly (don't want to jinx it), but I love my new job (Media/Technology Specialist). In teaching, we're all usually too superstitious to say things are going well until the year is practically over, some are even too fearful of everything falling apart to even think things are going well until it's over. There are a lot of responsibilities, but the schedule is considerably more flexible than it was in the classroom, so I have a fair amount of time to get everything done. I felt perpetually out of time in the classroom. I get to see all the kids from Kindersteps (sort of like pre-K) to sixth grade. I actually enjoy all of the ages and it is a fun challenge to completely shift gears when I have Kinder and 6th back to back some days. I liken it to being a grandparent instead of a parent. I get to enjoy them for 30-45 minutes a week, then send them back to their classroom teacher (the parent in this analogy) who is with them all week. It is amazing how patient I can be knowing there is a 45 minute maximum with any group (K-3 get 30 mins. and 4-6 get 45 mins.) Plus all the kids love doing activities on the computers, so that really helps. The other big part of my job is helping all of the teachers by making sure all of their technology works (computers, projectors, document cameras, printers, email, passwords, etc.) The teachers I work with are wonderful, so that part of the job is enjoyable too. I also have cafeteria duty every other week with the K-2 kids, so I am in there when Shayne is eating with his class, which has been fun and insightful. One of the best parts of the whole thing is that there is so little stuff to keep track of and keep organized. More accurately, the stuff is mostly on the computer, and I have always been very organized on the computer so it plays to my strengths. In the classroom (and I did enjoy it most of the time) there are crayons, colored pencils, tissue paper, glitter, books, paper, pencil shavings, backpacks, jackets, lunch boxes, math manipulatives, student work and all kinds of other things to find places for. Some people do that naturally, but for me it was a constant struggle. Now, my desk is cleaned off every day and I actually know where everything is in the lab. I am realizing that when I only have to keep track of my own stuff, I am pretty good at it. I even felt a little guilty during the first few days during the times I didn't have classes and everything was clean and quiet. Now I just enjoy it and get an impressive amount of work done without the distractions. Having that quiet time every day has really helped me to be more happy, patient and clear-minded. My goal is to find small ways to spread that serenity to the classroom teachers, who are the ones that really need it. Anyway, I won't go on any longer, but so far, I am very happy with the change.