Meet the Teacher Monday!

I'm linking up today for the kick off of Teacher Week 2011.  Click the button above to join in on the fun!
 

Tell us a little something about you...

Last year's school picture :)

I'm Emily.  I'm 26.  I'm a wife, mother why did I write that?!  I'm only a mother to my furbabies, oops! Anyway, I'm a wife, sister, daughter, friend, teacher, etc.  Hubby and I have been married for a little over 3 years, but together almost 9.  Please don't call us newlyweds just because we don't have a baby yet!  I grew up in the 'burbs and still live in work in the 'burbs.  I love it and wouldn't have it any other way!  (Unless there was a beach nearby.......)  I teach because I wanted a get rich quick plan.  Joking (obviously).  I teach because it is my passion and I love having one of the most rewarding careers out there!  On my blog you'll find teaching ideas and pictures, day to day activities, crafts and DIY projects, food posts, and other randomness!

How long have you been teaching?

This is more complicated than it should be.  This is my third year teaching in a public school system, but the first year I was just a substitute.  Last year I worked as a Reading Specialist and this year I am doing that again as well as teaching Kindergarten Intervention.  I'm very excited to actually have a class of my own this year instead of having students for a few months and having to let them go!  I also taught Pre-Kindergarten for about 3 years while I was in college!

You might not know...

I used to work in the corporate world!  I paid my way through college and worked full time (two jobs at one point).  I started college working at a tanning salon, but wasn't making enough money (even as a manager and living at my momma's)!  I got hired at a corporate office for a quick service restaurant chain in '04 and worked there until '09 when I graduated.  I was very lucky to be able to start with an 8-5 schedule and then get promoted and work very flexible hours as long as I got my work done and hours completed.  I don't miss the work I did there, but I definitely miss my co-workers and the freedom of working in an office (get up to potty, grab a drink/snack ANYTIME I wanted)!  
 

What are you looking most forward to this school year?

I'm most looking forward to having a class of my own!  I'm also traveling this year between two new (to me) buildings so I'm looking forward to developing a lot of new relationships with the staff of both buildings!

What do you need to improve?

I would like to work on my stress!  I am a bit type-A (ok, totally) and I get way too stressed about silly things.  I need to do yoga or something but I don't have the patience!

I also would like to improve my time management skills.  Since I'll be traveling between two schools this year, I really need to pay attention to the clock to make sure I'm getting to my second school on time every day.  I also don't want to be going to school super early or staying super late. 

What teaching supplies can you *not* live without?

My Mr. Sketch markers are for sure necessary for my chart paper!  Love the scented and unscented.  I also love RSVP pens (I know, so 1997)!  I prefer the fine point but this year I couldn't find multicolor ink in the fine point so I had to get medium point....growl!

I also love containers.  I like to put EVERYTHING in containers.  I think it makes everything look so much more neat and organized...which makes me happy! :) 

 I also love whiteboards.  I have chalkboards but I bring in as many whiteboards as possible (lap boards, hanging white board, easel, etc.) because they're so much easier (and fun) to write on!  Plus I love being able to use different colors!

I wish I was allowed to do this!