I think it wouold be neat to see where everyone is from and where they live, maybe we culd all say our names and where were from and maybe a bit about us like what we teach.... I'm Tara and I live in Indiana (anyone else live here?) and I teach a night time pre-school because I'm also still in highschool (I'm a senior) and I love being around kids...
I'm Kasey... I am originally from New Jersey but moved to Rhode Island around 2 years ago. I teach Kindergarten. I went into teaching because that is what I have wanted to do since I was in Kindergarten. And I had three extremely inspirational teachers who helped me realize I was making the right decision.
I'm Emily...born in Florida, grew up in Nashville, TN, now living in the Chicago suburbs... just graduated from college in Early Childhood (in IL, it's preK-3rd), searching for a job (anyone know of any in the Chicago area )... this summer, I'm an aide for the area's Special Ed. summer school... I credit my wanting to teach to an absolutely WONDERFUL 4th grade teacher, and my amazing mom... I see what she goes through each day, and it makes me want to be as good as she is.
I am Margo. Born and raised in MD. I taught first grade there for six years. I left MD and teaching for another six years but missed being a teacher desperately. Then I moved to Florida where there is such a teacher shortage and was hired immediately. I have been teaching Kindergarten here for three years.
I'm Lori from Alabama. I teach preschool special ed in our rural county. I'm the only teacher for that program. I just finished up my 5th year there (YES, I'm out of school!!!!! WOOHOO until Aug 4th when us teachers have to start back with inservice... yuck... toooooo soon). I have a brother with Downs, have always had an interest in sign language and have the job I always wanted. They call me the Links Lady on here because, if you need something, I can usually find it on here sooner or later. Let's see... I'm engaged & getting married May 30, 2004. By that date I should be skinny. I'm having gastric bypass this summer to help me with the weight loss. I know it is a drastic step, but it is something I need to do for myself to make be healthier. I'm just waiting on insurance approval now.
I'm Cindy, I live in Kansas. I'm a teacher looking for a job! This summer I will teach at a pre-school, I'm very excited to finally be able to put my teaching skills to work.
Hi! I am Brenda from Kansas. I have taught for two years in a Catholic school.- Combined class of first and second grade. I am moving to public school next year. I will teach kindergarten. I'm sooo excited. I am married and have three wonderful children. My husband is a farmer, so being out for the summer is important so I can help him. I am a teacherchat addict. I love to check in and see what is going on with everyone else.
Cindy- I'm from Southeast Kansas. We just survived a tornado two weeks ago. Very, very scary. Eight of my neighbors and close friends lost their homes. Where are you from? Brenda
I live in southwest Missouri. I'm glad you are okay, Brenda. I bet it was scary being so close to the action. We had the same round of tornadoes go through here. Luckily (for me), the tornado that was on track for my house lifted across town. We were really scared because we lost our electricity about 20 minutes before it was supposed to be over us, and we couldn't track the radar. There were nearly 300 homes destroyed in this area. Debris was strung everywhere. Pieces of insulation, plastic plumbing pipes, siding, shingles, papers... My brother had photos and receipts from more than 100 miles away. Anyway... I teach full-day kindergarten. I have also taught first grade. I'll be getting my Master's degree this summer... YAY!! I grew up on a dairy farm, but live in the city now.
Amanda, How cool to know you are so close. I am glad to know you're OK. I guess that's why we call it Tornado Alley. But I've never, ever taken a storm seriously before. I will now. Some of my relatives live in Southwest Mo. Hey, Amanda, When do I quit being a "new member" and get to be "old" - I mean veteran?
Hello! I'm Marlana and I also live in southwest Missouri. I quit teaching last year to stay home with my three year-old son. I work part-time for Parents as Teachers and do everything I can at the school to stay in the loop. I taught Title I Remedial Reading. It's so great to see a variety of people on here. It's even better to get so many great and diverse perspectives.
Annette in Alaska. Spent my youngest years in California in the farming communities and live in Alaska now. From rural to remote! Have lived all over the state from Anchorage to Barrow. I have taught preschool and kindergarten. Now homeschooling. Homeschooling is more work, new curriculum every year to prepare. Spouse was a teacher in receiving home situations (where child lives there).
In the pre-school that I teach at, there is a choice between morning or night pre-k. I have no choice but to pick night beacause I alos have school during the day. I get home at 4, study, eat supper and then I got to teaching at 6-8. It works out great in my schedule. Our school is the only one that offers nighttime pre-k but I only have about 10 students. Does that help?
Hello, I'm Andi from Indiana. I teach second grade at Cornerstone Christian Academy in Brazil. I have taught here for eight years. My husband and I have three children. We live in the country and have horses, chickens, two dogs, and two cats.
I'm Shawn, I've been married for what will be 6 years on May 30th. I live in NY with my hubby, 4 kids, and 2 dogs. I taught in the elementary school as a one on one aide for a few years until my student was sent to a residential home. I taught preschool for 7 years and had to leave my school in 2001 when I went on bedrest. I currently am teaching at Gymboree 2 days a week and am home with my 1 year old son the other days. I teach the regular play class, as well as music, and one day a week I teach a class that is preK. It's different, but still allows me to work with children and keeps me involved with teaching so I will not be shellshocked when I return to work full-time at some point.
HI I am Kim and I am from NJ. I went to college in RI but I like NJ so I moved back home after graduating. I have been teaching kindergarten for two years in a Catholic School. I am currently looking for a job in public school. I am attending graduate school at night for my masters in curriculum and instruction along with special education so I am busy. I love what I do but I will be looking forward to the summer in a few weeks.
AMK... What part of NJ are you from? I grew up there and went to school there... then moved to RI? Where did you go to school? Just curious.
I attended Salve Regina Univ in Newport I was an early childhood ed. major- I loved Newport but my family and friends are all here in NJ! I grew up and live in Northeast NJ - Essex County. Many people have awful things to say about NJ but I love it here.
I'm Sharlene from Central Florida. I am about to finish my 8th year teaching (only 4 more days with kids). I have my dream job--Pre-k teacher of special needs kids. I have 12 kids with a full time aide. I've lived in Florida all my life--but I'm not a beach person--I'd much prefer the mountains. I dislike palm trees, heat, and humidity. My family is here, so Florida is home.
missouri connection My sister is married to a missourian. (chesterfield) His parents are owners of mall kiosks called pretzel king and popcorn palace. What a small world!
Hyee... I'm Sheila... I live in the Great Lakes State. I have an elem. major and ZA (early childhood endors.). I'm going for an interview next week, so everyone say a little prayer and cross fingers, toes, and eyes!!!
Hi all... Nice to put "places" to the screen names I read so often. My name is Sherri and I'm from British Columbia, Canada. Haven't seen many fellow Canucks on the site, but there are always interesting and helpful advice and ideas!! I'm a student teacher and will be certified at this time next year...can't wait to have a class of my own!! Looking forward to reading more from you all. Anyone else from the "Great White North"?
Sharlene from Central Florida, where are you located? I'm in Central Florida too. We could be neighbors.
I must say hi from Newfoundland. My name is Dawn and I have taught Kindergarten full-time for the past 2 years and hopefully for many more. I've been teaching for 18 years- 1 at grade 2, 2 at grade 1, and 13 in Special Education from primary resource to grade 12 Basic English(That or be laid off!)and all the way in between. I'm married with a 10 year old and a 13 year old and a little one in Heaven. My husband, brothers, father, mother, uncle and aunt are all teachers(some retired now) so I guess you could say teaching is in my blood. I live on Fogo Island, a little island off the Northeast coast of the big island of Newfoundland(accessible only by ferry 5 times a day).I moved here to teach for one year in 1985 but met my husband and the rest is history. Fishing is our main industry although it is in some trouble right now with low cod stocks. We have warm summer weather(about 65-80 degrees F.), lots of icebergs, hiking trails and my husband loves to sea kayak. Last year we met a teacher from Vermont and she stayed with us while kayaking with my husband. I live in a 96 year old fish merchants house with 10 bedrooms and lots of dust!! I love this site because it's so nice to talk to other teachers( i'm the only K teacher in my school) and learn about other school and systems.
I'm Stephanie in Southern California. I'm a college student in an elementary education program and a preschool teacher. Next year will be my senior year and then after a semester of student teaching, I will be an elementary school teacher!! I'm curious ... I'm preparing to teach in a Lutheran School, are there any Lutheran School teachers on here?
We are neighbors!! I live in Davenport. I had a child this year transfer in from Lakeland - I think Lakeland Elementary???? Is there a school there by that name. What a small world it is. I go to Lakeland Mall so I don't have to tackle the Florida Mall. Haven't been to the new Millenia Mall yet. What a coinicidence (sp)
Margo--no I haven't been to the new mall and the school is North Lakeland Elementary. Cool to know we are so close. Sharlene
Hi, I'm Pam from southcentral Missouri. I have taught first grade for 10+ years, which I have loved almost every minute, and am getting ready to move to fourth. Any words of wisdom for me?