I had the privilege

of staying home after my son was born. In 2000 I took a position in the middle of the year to help supplement our income. It was a brand new ED class. This one was difficult, but nothing compares to my first year.

I had a wonderful assistant named Katie! She was such a blessing in more ways than one.

We had all boys (6) and 1 girl. The little girl ended up in inpatient before the year was up in May. The little boys ranged from 1st through 5th grade. It was very challenging to prepare lesson plans for each individual child.

I had two brothers who gave me the most grief. They were being raised by their father. One was a runner and the other had frequent bm's in his pants. I had experienced runners and hiders but the potty incidences were a new one for me. The first time I was so sad for the 5th grade boy, then I realized/learned it was a form of manipulation. At that point I got mad when he pulled this little stunt. That occured about five times from Jan-May.

I have done nothing but learn and grow from each experience I had as a teacher. There are many more to post...

That same year...

I survived the fall months, then to find out I was pregnant with our little boy Davis. The remainder of the year I was pregnant and sick half the time. These two do not mix when teaching a class full of emotionally disturbed boys. I counted the days until I would finish my first year of teaching. During those months I also had a student bring marijuana to class, another brought a knife, and I got a few calls from a dad concerned that his son had brought his pistol to class. I also had 3 students who were in inpatient at a psychiatric hospital in the city. I made several visits to see them. This all has a happy ending...I survived!

I believe that God put me in that place to prepare me for the worst. Each job I have had since does not compare. I am a stronger teacher because of that long year in 1997.