The year finished off quickly and perhaps more smooth than it started. My students took home their art in art portfolios that they made just like they did before "Christmas" break. Little love letters and thank you notes accumulated the last few days, included a Starbucks gift card :) I started organizing and putting supplies away as much as possible during the last few weeks and much to my surprise I was ready to turn my keys in at the end of the last teacher day.
The last week was slightly hectic for not only me but all teachers, and as a result I saw the true colors of some of the catty teachers-eek! As I have traveled from school to school I have taken numerous learning opportunities away with me. Most significantly, I am shocked at how different policy and procedures are between elementary buildings in the same district! I try to ask questions to other specials teachers and principals when I feel it necessary. However, not to my surprise, I can't please everyone (even when I do what I was told happened in the past.)
It seems as though seniority correlates with getting what one wants. My skin has toughened; I have plans to avoid the "Debbie Downers" like the plague from the start next year! No, I'm not bitter at all! With that being said, several occasions occurred where it was confirmed that staff members were pulling things over on me because I am new and there isn't anything I can do. There has never been a concrete policy district wide thus if they want to get their way, now is there chance and there are a few that have throughly tried to take advantage. They say year one is the toughest and although I have had a handful of complaints, I felt quite confident and well prepared for having my own class!
"Where did the year go?!" On the other hand summer could not have gotten here soon enough!
YEAR ONE UNDER MY BELT!
