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!