Honestly. This has been the busiest, most stressful school year ever. Implementing the new Florida standards has been a HUGE challenge in every way. Of course, this is the year that I am doing the unpopular, but necessary job of grade level chair. (In my grade level, it’s passed on to the next victim with a sigh of relief) The little stipend that you get does not entice anyone to do the job. In our school, the grade level chair makes all the copies and this takes 2 – 3 extra hours per week. Those are precious hours that could be used for more enjoyable activities, like having a life!
One of my goals this year was to create more products for my TPT store. Unfortunately, that has not happened due to the increased workload at school. But, I am hopeful that the new year will bring a bit of a break in the constant occurrence of 9 and 10 hour days at school. So, my goal for 2015 is to find the time to work on these projects and increase my product line. I truly believe in the idea of Teachers Pay Teachers and I am proud to be a store owner and a buyer.
With all the added responsibilities I acquired this year, one has been a blessing- starting this blog. I really thought long and hard about committing to writing a blog. I wasn’t sure that I wanted to add another thing to my to-do list. But it has been extremely rewarding both personally and professionally. I look forward to sitting down and writing about teaching, because it is still an extremely honorable profession (no matter what the critics say).
When school got out last Friday, I made a promise to myself to NOT do any school related activities until at least January 3rd. I am taking the time to relax, spend time with my family, read for pleasure, catch up on my sleep, and take a break. I hope you will take a much needed break too – relax and recharge – you deserve it.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Teaching in the Heart of Florida!
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