Running my teacher marathon

I've been a teacher for 5 weeks now and it feels like I've been running a 5 week marathon.

What an incredible month is has been!  I've never felt so much stress, anxiety, exhaustion and work with an equal amount of love, support, fun, and growth.  The "negative" feelings are less than the positive feelings, therefore I'm able to keep on running this marathon!  I've always heard what it was like to be a first year teacher and now I understand what everyone has been talking about.  But I'm not only "first year," I'm starting mid year which comes with the positives and negatives. 

My class is wonderful.  They have confirmed my love for children of all ages and abilities.  I have a diverse group (as does our whole school) and it makes day to day school life exciting, interesting and eye opening.  Each one of my kiddos has already taught me SO much after only 5 weeks, and I know by the last day of school my love for these sweet souls will have grown even more.  

The men and women I work with have been incredibly welcoming and helpful.  (No, I'm not just saying this because they might read this post, its true…you ALL are the best!!).  My first week I was flooded with support and continue to receive daily support in all fashions.  So, THANK YOU PE family, you've made this mid-year transition a great one.

Some funny moments so far:

• On day one I had a little lady rat on one of my boys and tell me that he wished he were older so that he could be my boyfriend.
• I've been called mom and grandma, yes grandma, about 100 times…which isn't unusual as a teacher, but after they asked if I was a teenager, I thought MOM wouldn't happen so soon let alone GRANDMA.  
• My students have an idea of how much time I've been spending in my classroom on the weekends and before school, they suggested I buy a small mattress to keep under my desk so I can just sleep there.
• …then they went on to discuss a good place for me to keep my clothes and food.  But then became really concerned when they realized I might not have a place to shower or wash my clothes.  I'm glad they care about hygiene!
• I gave them the "you don't want to see Grumpy Ms. Fanelli lecture," and then I was asked if I would turn into Grumpy Cat if I became Grumpy.
• My kiddos asked me about Nick one day and wanted to know what he looks like.  Then one kiddo admitted to knowing what he looks like.  I asked her how, and she said her mom looked me up on Facebook.  I guess I should have figured the FB snooping would start immediately. Yikes.

Kids say the darnedest things, and they make life so fun!  

It feels incredible to finally apply my studies and begin my career.  It's also so comforting to know that every day is a new day and every day is a learning experience not just for the kids, but for me too.  I love going in to school every day and I cherish my personal time more than ever.  I hope this mid year experience prepares me for an successful 2015-2016 school year.

Until next time… (which could be another 5 weeks, if I'm still running this marathon!)

-Ms. Fanelli ;o)