House Update

Well, we had our first advertised open house and it was GREAT. We had 6 people come through and one who was very interested in buying it, but that has not happened. We are hoping to sell it so we can move out in June. We are not in a huge hurry but the sooner the better. As far as our next house, we are looking in downtown Tinley Park and that area in general. Joe's job is in that area and there is enough highway access for any job that I might get. I have started to broaden my search outside of education to consulting firms.

Well, that is our update...alot can happen and alot of change will happen in the next couple months!

Streamlined Education

Since I have been in multiple districts I believe I have discovered something profound. This is the first district that after I was hired was sent a day by day plan of what is taught in each subject. When I arrived at the school I was shown where all the materials are - huh? You mean I do not have to create my own curriculum? Which I have done in 2 other districts, all together making 8-9 different curriculums from scratch. Insane? I agree. I have come to believe that EVERY subject should have a day by day plan created, that has associated standards and can be repeated every semester/year. That being said, once it is set up then the educator can update a unit each semester - which is much more manageable then an entire curriculum. SO, when new teachers come in they are not overwhelmed with creating a curriculum or what has been done in the past - all they have to do is get through their first year in a new district. Aside from teaching a new teacher has to worry about so many other administrative things let along just learning people's names and understanding the culture.

Now, there are teachers out there that would think I am insane and others that would agree. I have experienced both sides and since I am working with a standard curriculum I am able to contact parents, do more differentiated learning, deal with discipline issues better and the list goes on.

NewJob: The Faculty Lounge

I have to say that this is the first district I have been in that the faculty lounge actually is a de-stressor. I walk out of there feeling like I just sat down with my friends and "kicked it" for a little bit. I am thoroughly enjoying it, too bad I will be leaving at the end of the school year because I am now moving. It is a good move, but I actually think this district would have asked me back.

Snow GO AWAY

Ok, I am in WI and I am REALLY sick of the snow!! It is the second day of Spring and we have 10-14" out there! Seriously?

Full Circle

Ok, so it has been awhile and lot is going on. We have completely fixed up the house and it looks great! On the inside... and we have it on the market to sell so we can move back to IL. We are looking to purchase in downtown Tinley Park this year sometime. We are not in a huge hurry to sell the house, all though it would be nice.

So this is what July looks like
July 11 - final presentation for Masters
July 12 - My brother gets married in IL
July 19 - Jimmy Buffet at Alpine, yes we got tickets by my parents did not :(
July24-27 - Morgan (BB) gets married in Door County

YIKES - tons of fun though!

New job...back to the weirdos

Ok - So I have started in a new district, lots of meetings - some with only 4 days notice. This is my 3rd district, sounds kinda bad huh? Well - it is all due to budget cuts and priorities. I mean, I just teach students life skills - nothing that important. I guess some do not realize that "Home Ec" has graduated to a new level "Family and Consumer Education", why? Because we teach more then sewing and cooking. ANYWHO - new district new observations... so stay tuned.

Long time no post

Well, it has been awhile but that is what happens in the beginning of the school year for teachers. I am starting again in a new school district, Menomonee Falls, teaching at the middle school and the Junior High School. I am excited because the curriculum has been created and standardized. Most of the districts I have been in I have had to re-create the wheel. This year I finally feel like I have a life outside of school - it's a MIRRICAL!

Check out the school I teach for: This is the Junior High