What Cameron Taught Me

After finishing my fellows year in Chillicothe, I wasn't sure where I would end up. I interviewed at what seemed like a million places, and within 24 hours was offered positions at both Cameron and Smithville. I ended up choosing Cameron, even though it was SPED (I wasn't certified), and it was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. Regardless of the drive every day - last year, 50 minutes and this year 40 - I learned a lot and had the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.

When I left Chilli, I wasn't sure things could ever match up to my first year teaching and the craziness that ensued. Being an MU Fellow was the greatest thing I've ever done for my career, and on top of that, I built relationships with some of the best teachers and kids that I've ever met. [I reflected on my time in this post]. Now as my time in Cameron comes to an end, I felt it appropriate to reflect on what being a Dragon has taught me as well.

1. Sometimes, your work friends will become some of your best friends. Nobody else will understand what it is that you're going through on a daily basis, whether it be successes, failures, or screams of anguish. Over the past two years, my co-workers have seen me through family deaths, health struggles, professional obstacles, and more. Top notch friends.

 

2. Sometimes taking that extra duty contract might seem crazy. The extra hours running concession stands or facilitating meetings can seem overwhelming, but I've learned that the extra duty contracts are worth it. Being a prom sponsor in Cameron gave me the opportunity to meet and build relationships with so many students I may not have known otherwise. Plus, prom was the bomb this year.

 

3. Being a Special Education teacher is hard. As a SPED case manager, I was in charge of teaching classes, managing case files, and, in my opinion, taking care of my own. Whether this meant problems at home, babies, graduation credits... Those 20 kids on my caseload were mine to love, protect, and help through whatever might be thrown at them. It's taxing as a human being to feel such responsibility for situations that you can't control sometimes. Combine that with a responsibility to every. single. child. that you have in class... it can be exhausting.

4. In the end, the kids are everything. While some people feel the pull toward this career because they love the actual instruction part of the job, that's not it for me. Do I love light bulb moments? Sure. Do I love seeing kids grow their reading and writing? Absolutely. But the kids? Man. They're the reason I go to work every day - because they deserve it. They deserve love and devotion and a teacher who works hard to make things the best for them. They are smart, kind, creative, unique, and so much more. They are everything.

 

5. Truth time. Teachers say they don't have favorites. There are no favorite classes or favorite students. I call BS. Kids/classes that are willing to be open-minded and try new things are the best. Kids who will roll with you when you try a new lesson, kids who work with whatever student you partner them with, kids who work hard because they want to make you proud... those classes are the classes you look forward to. I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to teach this LA1 class with Missy this year because they were an entire class full of kids willing to try anything.

 

6. It never gets old watching kids you care about succeed. Whether it be scoring a goal, getting the lead in the musical, being accepted to college, or the biggest day of high school - graduation. Watching kids accomplish their goals is the best part of this gig.

7. Lastly, no matter how ready you think you are, it is hard to say goodbye when the chapter closes. As I've said many times before, the past two years have been a growing and learning experience for me. I dove into the world of Special Education blind. What I ended up finding was that at my core, I have a need to help those kids who are having a hard time, whether academically or personally. As I say goodbye to being a SPED teacher, I take with me a new appreciation for kids who have those extra obstacles to overcome and for those who help them to do so.

  

As I start a new chapter at Paul Kinder Middle School in Blue Springs next year, I feel confident that I can use the knowledge I've gained in Cameron to be a better teacher. I am excited to teach 8th grade and prep kiddos for the challenges and testing that they will face at the high school level. I know this is the right move for me at this point, but Cameron, MO will always hold a special place in my heart. Thanks for letting me be a Dragon!

Chillicothe Graduation

On Sunday, May 15th, I had the opportunity to venture back up to Chillicothe to watch the class of 2016 graduate. When I taught in Chillicothe for my fellows year, I taught mostly sophomores, meaning this was the year that I know most of the class and I couldn't miss them reaching this milestone!

As a whole, I really loved this group of kids. I was close to many and have kept up with them as time has gone on. I am so proud of this entire class and watching them walk was such a moment in my teaching career.

Here's a special shout out to the few that I feel a extra pull toward. I can't wait to see where you go from here!

  

  

Happy Birthday, Nessie!

Sunday was Venesia's 15th birthday, which means I got to experience my first teenage birthday party as the adult over the weekend. On Friday, Nessie invited a handful of girls over to the house for pizza and cookie cake before going skating for a few hours. She had a good turn out and they seemed like they had a lot of fun! On Saturday, she went with a couple friends to Worlds of Fun.

 

For her actual birthday on Sunday we went to Cascone's Italian restaurant in NKC. We had never been to the restaurant before, so we were excited to try something new! Here are a few snap shots of the meals:

 

 

Having Nessie around has changed my life. I have been forced to grow in ways that I wasn't prepared to grow in, but I'm doing it anyway. I'm not really sure if I'm doing things right every day, but we're trying our best together. Happy birthday, Venesia! Next year is the big one!!

Cameron, MO

I have been light on posting the past week or so purely because things have been so busy. Between birthday parties, graduation activities, meetings with people from my new district, and wrapping up things at school, I've been busy as all get out and honestly, trying to enjoy the moment.

I have known since I accepted my new position in Blue Springs that leaving Cameron was going to be really hard. Honestly, for me, this is a bitter sweet goodbye. I did NOT hate my time in Cameron; more than that, I actually fell in love with so many great kids and made wonderful friends in my co-workers. Friday at CHS was a testament to the love I have received there.

First, my LA1 class had been planning a surprise going away party for me for WEEKS! I had NO idea that it was going to happen. More literally, I was late for class/the party because I was with a crying student in my own room. When I got to the party I was showered with cards, gifts, treats, a sign with all of the students signatures, and a FULL binder of poems, notes, and pictures from the kids in the class. Teachers aren't supposed to have favorites, but this hour has been my favorite this year. These kids were always so willing to try anything Mrs. Harper and I wanted them to. They worked hard and I genuinely felt like we had that bond of community.

 

 

Friday afternoon was our Senior Awards banquet. At the awards banquet students are recognized for various scholarships, military enlistment, and academic achievement. I was able to announce winners for two different scholarships, which was neat! At the end of the awards banquet, seniors are asked to take two carnations from the provided displays - giving one to their parents and one to a teacher that has impacted them while they were in high school. To watch great teachers be presented with flowers acknowledging their drive and commitment is awesome. My co-teacher, Mrs. Harper, had a LINE of her drama kids. Many teachers received multiple flowers, and many of us received praise and thanks whether getting a flower from that student or not. Talk about a pay day as an educator.

 

I am not prepared to say goodbye to Cameron yet. I know that the time is coming and that it is inevitable, but I don't think I'm quite ready yet. I'm looking forward to spending these last few days with people I've come to care about quite a bit.

 

Justin turns 30

Wishing the happiest of birthdays to one of my fave members of the Chiefs family, Justin!

I hope you enjoy New Orleans and live up your dirty thirty BIG!

 

 

Master of Education

I met Shelby on the bus in August of 2000. We were 12 years old and starting 6th grade. Now, in May of 2016, we are in much different places. We are almost 28 years old and finishing our 3rd years of teaching.

Shelby is walking today for her Masters Degree at OU and I could not be more proud.

  

 

Congratulations, my friend. Thanks for loving me through this life. I cannot wait to see you to celebrate!

Mother's Day 2016

Normally on Mother's Day, I would spend my time coming up a list of things I'm thankful for that my mom has done. She always has my back, she advocates for me medically, she is a great judge of character, and much more. Or I would list things she was right about... Things like Christmas is the best holiday, you should never pass up a good sale, or sometimes you just have to lay in the pool for hours. All of these things are true, but they don't seem like ENOUGH.

 

It wasn't until this past year that I realized all that being a mom entails. While biologically I do not have a child, this past October, I gained a Venesia. Being thrown into the role of a teenager's "parent," there have been many times that I've laughed until it hurt, many times I've cried until I couldn't breathe, and a lot of other emotions in between.

I now understand how my mom could always tell when she met one of my new friends if they were a good egg or not. I now understand how my mom felt about my grades, my safety, and my hygiene. I understand why I couldn't always have that snack at the grocery store, and why it should have been a bigger deal to me when I did. I understand budgeting for things a child wants, how painful it can be to say no, and more than that, how painful it can be to want to say no, but knowing you need to say yes.

As an adult, I am blessed to have my mom as a friend and confidant. I know that I am able to call her and vent about anything that's on my mind. I know that she'll float me money for my Chiefs ticket until I can pay it (I promise it's coming!). I know that she will be by my side throughout anything. Most importantly, I know that she has the biggest heart of anyone I've ever met. Proven by the fact that she took Venesia out to buy ME presents for my first "Mother's Day," even though I'm not quite a mom.

 

 It is a blessing to be loved so fiercely by someone like you. Happy Mother's Day, mom! I love you!

H5F 05/06/2016

1. Last Saturday was my nephew's 1st birthday party. He's the best and the cutest so here are some pictures from the event:  
2. This week has been Teacher Appreciation Week. While I wish that notice was taken more often, don't mind if I do enjoy the goodies that I receive.
    
3. The past couple of weeks have been awesome in regard to seeing friends of mine from college doing HUGE things. Last week, Mike was on Wheel of Fortune and won over $117,000 in cash and prizes!! Wednesday night, Jaryd, who runs the social media accounts for the Atlanta Hawks had his own ESPN blast go out. It's really neat to see people who I think are so great doing SO WELL!
    
4. While not the "happiest" memory, May 5th marked the one-year anniversary since Steve Broughton's passing from cancer. I honored him by wearing my #BroughtonsBrawlers tee.
    
5. TODAY MARKS ONE DAY SINCE CLOSING ON MY HOUSE IN KCMO!