Educators with PRIDE Unite

[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!