Introduction

First, I would like to say that starting this blog has made me realize I am much less technologically inclined than I thought I was.  Somewhat disheartening, but, something I clearly need to/ can work on.  Having said that, for those of you who haven't met me, I am currently a first year teacher.  I teacher biology (my passion) and chemistry (...a lesser passion?).  I had always wanted to be a teacher, but wanted to have experience in my field to back up my knowledge, ammunition if you will for the dreaded statement of "Why do I need to know this anyway?  *Slams book closed with a heavy sigh*  It's not like I'm ever going to use it."  

So, I got my degree in Biology and set out to get my experience.  I had the amazing privilege to work with the Forest Service in Carson City, NV, originally doing fisheries work...  Which turned into bird work.  Though when I started, I was absolutely terrified of birds (great combination), that fear slowly went away when I began to realize just how fascinating and beautiful they are.  When that internship came to an end, I moved back to NM and worked a series of odd jobs (lab tech at a milk plant, random manual labor short jobs, shift leader at a kennel). 

I finally landed a job in which I would be using my degree and gaining more experience in my field, when things didn't exactly pan out.  I decided God was sending me a pretty clear message to "stop procrastinating and take the leap."  I applied at the school I am currently employed at and was hired as I was walking out of the Admin Office doors (fate? Perhaps...).  I began my teaching position in October with a group of students who had already had ~6 different substitutes.  No classroom control had been established and I knew I had my work cut out for me when I had multiple students pull out needle-less syringes and proceed to have a mini "water gun fight" while the man who was currently the sub was taking attendance.  Things fell into place and I got the ball rolling best I could; hit many obstacles, but learned to think quickly on my toes.  

I love my job and wouldn't choose any differently.  I am constantly trying to figure out how to better differentiate, how to better plan, and how to be a better teacher overall, but I think that's what it's all about.  You're never the absolute perfect teacher because your kids are never the same.  Therefore, you are constantly adjusting your strategies and nerdy examples to better fit the class you are working with.