Educators with PRIDE Unite

[pinkajl]

Hi I'm Pink. I've drifted on and off this board (and the older b-f site) over the years. I know a few site members in real life. I work in education and thought I'd make a brief introduction.

I do educational testing with private clients and curriculum development. I also serve on the NAGC GLBTQ Special Interest Group and moderate an online support group for parents with gifted lgbtq kids who are in the midst of coming out. I live in Maryland.

I never knew this board existed in my previous romps through BFP, but I'm glad I found it today.

[bkisbutchenuff]

[bkisbutchenuff]

Originally Posted by pinkajl

Hi I'm Pink. I've drifted on and off this board (and the older b-f site) over the years. I know a few site members in real life. I work in education and thought I'd make a brief introduction.

I do educational testing with private clients and curriculum development. I also serve on the NAGC GLBTQ Special Interest Group and moderate an online support group for parents with gifted lgbtq kids who are in the midst of coming out. I live in Maryland.

I never knew this board existed in my previous romps through BFP, but I'm glad I found it today.

Welcome Pink. I love this thread...we have many wonderful/creative/supportive/knowledgable educators on the planet!
I have personally found encouragement and support here .... but especially this past year!
Again - welcome - share, ask, explore, laugh, cry....

[FemmeItalian]

[bkisbutchenuff]

[pinkajl]

Thank you for the kind welcome, BK.

I'll share a gripe, if you don't mind. I had a test client send an email today canceling her appointment for tomorrow morning. She did "research" on the GORT and CTOPP and decided they aren't "appropriate" to help determine if her almost 6yo may have a reading disability. Ummm, okay,

Self-employment makes me go "grrrrr" sometimes with what people say. But, then I remind myself that it's often better when something like this happens because clients like that are usually very demanding and are not happy unless you give the diagnosis that they are asking for.

Anyhow, I hope you and everyone else had a relaxing weekend.

[bkisbutchenuff]

[spritzerJ]

Originally Posted by pinkajl

Hi I'm Pink. I've drifted on and off this board (and the older b-f site) over the years. I know a few site members in real life. I work in education and thought I'd make a brief introduction.

I do educational testing with private clients and curriculum development. I also serve on the NAGC GLBTQ Special Interest Group and moderate an online support group for parents with gifted lgbtq kids who are in the midst of coming out. I live in Maryland.

I never knew this board existed in my previous romps through BFP, but I'm glad I found it today.

Good Morning! Welcome Pink! Sounds like you have an interesting job. This is a great thread for sharing triumphs and struggles.

I've taught for 14 years. All in elementary special education. Next year is a big transition for me. I'll be moving to 2nd grade. I am super excited and a wee bit scared. I've been a dual endorsed teacher all this time and finally I am making a break from special education. It was past time.

The last 2 years I've really enjoyed the students I am worked with but found the job of being a "case manager" and "special education team member" to be frustrating. This was compounded by working in a school with a wacky vice principal (who is the sped supervisor) and not real assertive principal. Turns out their leadership (lack of) was just the final straw to get me motivated to finally leave. I've been a bit crispy burnt out on sped for a while. I love to teach though. So the classroom is where I am headed.

The transition to 2nd grade is coupled with a big life move. My partner, daughter and I have settled in Maine together. This means a new district (big school in a small town in the "down east Acadia Region" of Maine), new grade, new everything. Luckily my partner is very supportive! My daughter is going into 2nd grade too so this is becoming quite the family bonding change.

I visited the state department of education last week to apply and learn about Maine licensure. I learned I need to retake my Praxis tests and a couple other odds and ends. So I'll be studying. I've also ordered a couple of books to refresh myself on the "general education" side of things. The specialist to classroom teacher perspective is going to be interesting and a ton of work.

I think I am ready!

[bkisbutchenuff]

Originally Posted by spritzerJ

Good Morning! Welcome Pink! Sounds like you have an interesting job. This is a great thread for sharing triumphs and struggles.

I've taught for 14 years. All in elementary special education. Next year is a big transition for me. I'll be moving to 2nd grade. I am super excited and a wee bit scared. I've been a dual endorsed teacher all this time and finally I am making a break from special education. It was past time.

The last 2 years I've really enjoyed the students I am worked with but found the job of being a "case manager" and "special education team member" to be frustrating. This was compounded by working in a school with a wacky vice principal (who is the sped supervisor) and not real assertive principal. Turns out their leadership (lack of) was just the final straw to get me motivated to finally leave. I've been a bit crispy burnt out on sped for a while. I love to teach though. So the classroom is where I am headed.

The transition to 2nd grade is coupled with a big life move. My partner, daughter and I have settled in Maine together. This means a new district (big school in a small town in the "down east Acadia Region" of Maine), new grade, new everything. Luckily my partner is very supportive! My daughter is going into 2nd grade too so this is becoming quite the family bonding change.

I visited the state department of education last week to apply and learn about Maine licensure. I learned I need to retake my Praxis tests and a couple other odds and ends. So I'll be studying. I've also ordered a couple of books to refresh myself on the "general education" side of things. The specialist to classroom teacher perspective is going to be interesting and a ton of work.

I think I am ready!

spritzerJ,
Allow me the opportunity to say how proud I am of you! As I write this, please don't think that I'm simplifying what has been life changing challenges and decisions for you on so many levels.
You are an educator through and through ... You go to work everyday to make a difference, to move children forward academically and personally. You don't waiver on your core beliefs as an educator...though you may often have to be compliant, you are not complacent. You are ready for second grade...you will seek guidance, use the resources available and will do everything possible as a child advocate to ensure every student in your class meets and exceeds...
You do have a loving and supportive partner. The three of you are starting a journey filled with adventure, challenges, love, sacrifices, teachable moments, personal and professional ... Enjoy and cherish each and every day.
Last year was horrific. You never ceased in finding words of encouragement...Not soon forgotten...
Thank you for being you....
Best wishes with your new life! You are ready!

[sis]

Originally Posted by bkisbutchenuff

compliant, you are not complacent.

I. LOVE. THIS!!

"Compliant, not Complacent!" This is such a great phrase to help me keep focused as I advocate for children in my school. Thanks, BK!

Deb

[bkisbutchenuff]

[bkisbutchenuff]

[bkisbutchenuff]

[bkisbutchenuff]

[pinkajl]

Thanks for the welcome, spritzer. I love the work that I do, but being self-employed the income is far from consistent.

Your change sounds very exciting. Not sure where you moved from, but I can imagine Maine is a bit of a culture shock. I lived an hour south of Augusta for the better part of 5 years in the 80s. I used to joke that the population of the city I moved from exceeded the population of the entire state of ME, at the time.

Pink

[spritzerJ]

Thank you Pink. I am laughing about culture shock. 2 years ago I moved from Portland Oregon to Portsmouth NH. Portsmouth being considered a "city" by the locals. At 22,000 I was in for a surprise on how small it was. I was working in even a smaller town. Oy that was surprising.

Now Bangor (where I live) and Ellsworth (where I will work) are bigger than I was before but still smaller than I am used to. I am actually going to the school board meeting tonight where they recommend my hiring. I've never done that before. 14 years later all sorts of firsts.

One of the things I love about this area of Maine is the friendly people who are sarcastic as all get out! It might be subtle but oohh it packs a punch. Love it!