I had decided spend a year subbing while I completed the Region 10 Alternative Teacher Certification coursework. After a half day in an elemetary school, one full day in a middle school (shivers) and a couple of days at the other high schools, I finally got an assignments at Boyd. I loved it. Eventually, I told the Substitute Coordinator, the wonderful Barb Minei, to put me in any open spot she had. Within just a few weeks, I had a long-term assignment as a sub for a teacher's aide covering math and science classes. I worked in that position for six or eight weeks, then took over for a math teacher who was out on maternity leave. That's right! I taught Pre-AP Algebra II to sophomores for six weeks! It was quite an education for me. I went to tutoring every day with Keith Kniffen. Sometimes, I had to switch classes with him, monitoring his classes while he answered questions I simply could not field. I remain so grateful for the math and science teachers who reignited an interest in those areas of study, which I had long neglected. My experiences in those classrooms, informed my teaching in the social studies department. I would never say to any student, "You don't need math anyway." I found that I really enjoyed working the part of my brain that dealt with numbers and that I truly did love Algebra.
I subbed at Boyd for the rest of the year, knowing that I wanted to be a part of the Boyd family. I wanted to teach there. In the spring, I began to make connections in the social studies department, getting to know some of the teachers there and how they operated. It was a fun place. When I got hired at the end of that school year, I felt so grateful. For those of you who have never been a substitute teacher, let me tell you that it is not a bed of roses. I gained some valuable classroom skills, began to understand the cultural dynamics of the school, and learned not to show fear.
My last day as a teacher for Boyd was yesterday. I found myself not-too-nostalgic, but full of gratitude for my experience there. It's where I found my place as a teacher, where I met my best friend, where I founda cadre of teachers that were smart, funny, caring, dynamic, sarcastic, witty, fun-loving, sometimes offensive. This list could go on for pages. These people became so much more than co-workers or team members. Our stories will live on in my memories and I will treasure them always.
If you, dear reader, are one of those fine people who helped me on my way, Let me thank you here. My words can never equal the love and gratitude I have for you. If you are one of my students, thank you for teaching me how to be a better teacher.
I can't wait to see what happens next!