One Long Chapter Ends, A New Chapter Begins

In the Fall of 2000, I walked through the front doors of Dogwood Elementary, a naive pre-intern. I was so annoyed that the University was making me intern all the way across town. We were supposed to be assigned to our "base schools" according to our zip codes. Brickey was one of our program's schools, and it was literally one mile from my house, but here I was driving 20 minutes across town to work at this inner city school, not the nice suburban school, all because UT had not changed my address and my zip code when I had moved the winter before.

I remember being so overwhelmed my first week by what I saw. I came face to face with true poverty. I found my journal a while back and read what I had written. It was so interesting to see how much it had shocked me at first, because sadly, over the past eight years, I have grown accustomed to it. I am used to working with kids so in need that my heart just breaks all day for them. I quickly came to love Dogwood, and was so thankful that God had put me there. I ended up interning full-time there, and have taught third grade my entire teaching career there. I love that school, the staff, and those kids with all my heart, and it pains me to know that tomorrow I will pack up my classroom and begin a new job.

I have accepted a position as a Curriculum and Instructional Facilitator at Mooreland Heights Elementary, very close to Dogwood. It is a "promotion" and my job description is very lengthy, and hard to explain. Greg still doesn't get it. I will miss my third-grade team so much. They are not only amazing teachers, wonderful colleagues, but true friends. They have assured me that I will remain an "honorary third grade team member." I have made so many friendships, gone through some hard times, great times, a lot of stress, and had a lot of fun during my time there. I am excited about my new job, but scared of change. I prayed for God to put me where he wanted me, even if that meant staying in the classroom, so I know that this is what I am supposed to do.

Every day I was so thankful that God was going to give me the opportunity to minster to, love, and teach a group of kids each day that needed me so much. I think that will be the hardest thing for me to give up, the joy of teaching, and the joy of seeing kids loving learning. Thankfully, my new job still allows me to get into the classroom at times. I am so excited to do new and different things, and to see how God can use my talents and skills in new ways.

Here are some pictures of my awesome team at Dogwood who I will miss more than I can even express! I know that our friendship will still continue, but I will miss seeing them every day, laughing with them, and being able to hear how loud they are all the way down the hall from inside my classroom!! My intern from this past school year is moving into my classroom and taking my place (in the pictures below, she is the super cute brunette in the white shirt.....I hate standing next to her!) I love knowing exactly who is in my classroom and taking my place. She will do a fantastic job, and I know the team is so excited to keep her as a part of the third grade! Please pray for me as I begin this new chapter in my life.