Friday.

In my classroom above my desk I have the saying "Remember each one of them is Jesus in disguise" by Mother Teresa. That quote has always meant something to me, but I don't know if I really ever believed it. Then Friday happened. As I sat in the teacher's lounge at the elementary school I work for, my heart sank. As I watched the news coverage this weekend on it and I watched the faces of those children and those brave teachers and adults at that school, my heart sank even more.

I had a million thoughts running through my head. What would I do? How fast could I act? The biggest  question I asked myself though was, would I be willing to do it. That hit me smack in the face like a ton of bricks. I love my kids, I love my coworkers, I love my work, but would I die for them? The more I thought about it, the more tears came to my eyes. The selfish side of you wants to say you would protect yourself for your family, your children, your husband. Then the part of you, that's deep down in your soul, the part of you that made you want to be a teacher speaks up. I would. I would do whatever it took to protect those precious 18 children in my room. I would hope that I would be something like the teacher who told her students she loved them over and over, and held their faces tight as they were scared and cried. I would hope that I would be something like Ms. Soto, who shielded her students and took the bullets as they ran out of the room. I hope I would be something like the principal, assistant principal, and psychologist who ran into the line of fire. I want to make that my new prayer. To be a teacher that protects my students no matter what the cost.

Back to my saying above my desk. There has been so much talk about "why" this happened, and that if we had God in schools this wouldn't be taking place. To those of you who feel that way, I encourage you to read and reread that quote. Those tiny faces are reflections of Jesus. He is in us, around us, he works through us and for us. If you think we have taken God out of school, I am sad you have missed the blessing of seeing him everyday in those little lives. As for me, I am praying for everyone affected by this tragedy, for the school to somehow move forward, and for teachers across America to hug your students a little tighter. I pray that the Lord shows up with me everyday, because if I want him in my school and in my classroom, I better be willing to bring him with me. Amen.

Kate

What? It's been a year?

Okay so I almost made it a whole year without posting anything. I really thought I would be a better blogger. I have trouble sticking to anything though, so I am really not surprised. It is a goal for me to be better this year. To share my stories, my ideas, my awesome teams ideas, and hilarious things that happen throughout the school year.

Even though last year was my first year teaching, I never got to have a first day. I didn't get a class until a few weeks in. So needless to say this summer I have been prepping and preparing to have everything ready to go on my first FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! As soon as my husband teaches me how to upload pictures, I will have some of my room organization ideas up. Until then I will give you this advice, you can never be too prepared or organized for the teaching profession.

Some highlights from my first year:

*The best coworkers anyone could ask for. They are all great, but I have built some amazing relationships with some women that I can laugh with, cry with, play jokes on, and send them pictures of all my crafts I make and they just tell me how lame I am. I love them! The crazy thing is, only two of them actually teach the same grade as me. It's awesome having teachers who teach other grades to bounce ideas off of, and to tell you when you are being too dramatic. I love those crazy ladies!

*The best class EVER. I am pretty sure I had every scenario that could walk into a classroom in my room this year. And I would not change one minute of it. Those students taught me so much more than I taught them. (I promise because half the time I had no clue what was going on.) I can't wait to hug them next school year as they walk into 3rd grade!

*Some amazing parents. I had a few moms and dads that really helped me stay above water. They were so encouraging and loved me for exactly the kind of teacher I was last year. I can't wait to hug them either next year!

*Watching one of my sweet little girls go from being so over school because of being behind, to loving to read, wanting to read, and lighting up when she did. This one makes me tear up because we worked so hard together. Being present for their struggles does pay off :)

*My sweet inclusion kids. I didn't know I would have them at the beginning of the year, and they made me smile from ear to ear everyday! I can't wait to hug them next year. I like hugs.

*My teammates Teresa and Dawn. I would not have made it this year without them there to guide me. Teresa taught me to be organized, try my best, and never give up on any kid for any reason. She showed me what it looked like to be patient, to be loving, and to endure whatever life throws her way. Even though she had some curveballs thrown at her, she always made time to answer my thousand questions. I will always love and appreciate her for that. Dawn, who is my joke soul sister, taught me to laugh when the day is crazy, not to let the small things get me down, and to leave the day at the door when I went home. She showed a true love for her kids, an ear whenever I needed it, and a hilarious gossip buddy. I'm pretty sure we all laughed together at least five times a day! Love them

It was a great year! This is a long post. I'll see yall in a year. Just kidding. But maybe not.


Mrs. Brandt

First

I promised a few up and coming teacher friends that I would start this blog as an insight into what the first year is REALLY like. The one thing I remember my professor saying in college is, she could prepare me for the field of education, but nothing would teach me like the first year would. She was right. The first five weeks have been a roller coaster of emotion, trial, triumph, laughter, tears, joy, and friendships. I have met 100 "prospective" students and for a week did not know which lucky students I would get to call mine. I have been more tired, done more paperwork, and met my fair share of paper cuts in the last few weeks than ever before. I have made new friends, decorated a classroom, attempted to set up a great amount of technology and completely organized a classroom, all while trying to figure out what to TEACH my students! I hope this blog comes as a source of comfort for new teachers, and that you realize you are not alone in this!

I also teach 2nd grade and don't claim to have perfect grammar or spelling. :)

I hope to be posting frequently. To all my ABC education girls, you are ALMOST there!

Katelyn

(Mrs. Brandt, Mrs. Brand-it, Mrs. Uuuhhhh)