Where did January go?

It is hard to believe January is already over! This has been quite a busy month at school. We are getting our students ready for Special Olympics Basketball. We have been busy planning events for Best Buddies, too. Last night we had a potluck at school, and what a great turnout! I love all the opportunities for special needs students at my school! It has been such a blessing to move to a high school position and work with an awesome team.

On a side note: My New Year's resolution was to stay on top of my grading. So far, so good...

I'm Back...Here's My New Classroom!

I have missed posting, but I was quite busy moving schools. I ABSOLUTELY love teaching in high school! I feel so fortunate to work with amazing students and staff everyday. It was hard to leave my old "team" of teacher, though. There have already been so many cool experiences here at the high school. I will keep post more of our adventures!

New Teaching Position

What a week! I interviewed for a high school special ed postion about three weeks ago. I've been waiting to hear back and trying to be patient. Well, I got a call Tuesday night and was offered the position. I AM SO EXCITED!!! This is a great opportunity for me to get experience working with the high school students. I have been teaching elelmentary special ed for 9 years. It's really bittersweet. I have worked with some awesome teachers and therapists over the years and I will miss them as well as my students and their families. Change is a good thing, though.

Teaching resource is a blast!

I have to be honest, I have always been terrified of teaching resource. It's not because I can't teach it, the schedule is what always intimidated me. This summer I was presented with the opportunity to teach 2-3 Resource in summer school. It has been great learning a new curriculum and working with a different population of students. I am glad I accepted the challenge and got out of my comfort zone to try something new!

No time to rest...teaching summer school!

It all seems like a blur with all the end of the year craziness. After a week "off," I am back teaching summer school. It's been a surprisingly nice change. I teach self-contained during the school year and have never taught Resource. To be honest I was always terrified of it. Well I was presented with the opportunity to teach Resource and accepted the challenge for the summer.  I love the students already and am learning the curriculum. So far, so good!

There is light at the end of the tunnel...

It has been crazy busy in my world this last month. I can hardly believe we only have a few weeks of school left.  I don't count down the days because that stresses me out! I have end of the year testing to finish and TONS of paperwork. Then I have to pack up the room because we are getting new a/c units and our electrical wiring is being redone. At some point I will rest...whew!

A Great Book!

Last night I finished reading Pat Summit's new book, "Sum it Up." I generally don't read "non-educational" books during the school year, but I had to read this one. I bought it late Thursday night and finished it Sunday night. I am a sports fan and coach, so it definitely appealed to me. It was such a great read. I would highly recommend it!

 

 

Observation on a Monday?

I don't know what I was thinking...scheduling an observation with my Assistant Principal today.  It started out with one of my assistants being out. Then the other 2 assistants had to take lunch late due to students having some behavior issues at lunch. The assistants get back and one of my students needs to use the restroom. So both assistants have to take her. All the while I am trying to teach a math lesson. Today was no different than any other day,  but a lot of times people don't understand "my normal." Gotta love a day in the life of a SPED teacher! Have a great week!

Loads of Paperwork

Coming back from spring break has been incredibly busy...like 0-100! I have been trying to dig myself out of a mountin of paperwork. I am working on my teacher evidence for my evaluation. Complying all my lists of professional development and leadership roles is exhausting, but I will keep jumping through the hoops! Have a great weekend and Happy Easter.

AZ Bloggers Meet-Up



I had a great time meeting other AZ Bloggers last night! It was so nice to have dinner and talk "shop" with other teachers and bloggers. I can't wait to meet up again!

Back Row: www.learninginwonderland.com; http://confessionsofateachingjunkie.blogspot.com/; http://grannygoestoschool.blogspot.com/; http://aroundthekampfire.blogspot.com/ http://resourceroomrules.blogspot.com/; Me

Front Row: www.cotesclass.com ; http://www.simplykinder.com/and Nichole a soon-to-be blogger.

The Usual Meeting Location

It's a beautiful night in Peoria, AZ. I met up with Melissa from 3Artzteachers.blogspot.com for a good conversation about arts strategies tonight. We enjoyed the evening on the patio at Corner Bakery, listening to a night spring training game. I love this time of year!

Spring Break!

It is spring break here in Arizona and I am excited. I finished AIMS-A testing with my students before break started, so that is a H-U-G-E accomplishment!!! I plan on watching some high school baseball, spring training baseball and doing some school work!

Opening Day of High School Baseball

Today was opening day of high school baseball! It was a beautiful day for a ball game, and more importantly...a win! Great job Mustangs on your opening day win! Here is my son (catcher) doing his thing!

Testing Time!

It's hard to believe February is coming to an end. Here in Arizona that means we are getting closer to the H-E-A-T. For now, though, we are in the middle of the Arizona State Alternate Assessment for students with Intellectual Disabilities. It is quite a tedious process that takes weeks to complete due to the nature of my students. I will be glad when it's over!!

A Crazy Couple of Weeks

I enjoyed the time with my students' parents during conference week. It is always a little bitter sweet because I am excited to brag on the students, and the parents are reminded of the deficits their children still have. All in all, though, the parents are pleased and so am I.

Then we had a 3-day weekend and this whole week has been l-o-n-g! We had quite a "winter" storm for the Phoenix area. That meant rainy day schedule one day and no prep another...Boo! Here's to a restful weekend.

Parent Teacher Conferences

It's conference time again. I can't believe how fast the year is going by. I know next week will be a long week, but it is nice to meet with parents other than at IEP meetings to talk about the progress their child is making. I will have a busy weekend at school getting folders with work samples all organized!

Baseball Tryouts and a Birthday

This has been a stressful week with work and high school baseball tryouts. My oldest son, Alex, turned 16 today and also had final cuts for high school baseball. He made the team...now let's play ball. I am looking forward to a spring full of baseball and fun!

The Busy, Unexpected World of Special Ed

 It's only Wednesday and it already feels like I have worked an entire week! I have three assistants in my classroom, but two have been out this week and it has been busy, busy, busy.

Today we had a great presentation from a Grand Canyon Ranger. The students loved hearing about animals from Arizona. Then next week we will have a visit from the Mountain Man. He tells "tall tales" that are quite entertaining. I can't wait!

I ♥ Math (Valentine's Math Problems)

I created 48-Valentine's Day themed problems aligned to the  Second Grade Common Core Standards.  This is a great addition to my math work stations. The part I ♥ is they are a good fit for my hundreds chart!


http://www.teachersnotebook.com/shop/SpedTeacherL84baseball

Galaxy Star Friends Alphabet & Number Cards

These cute alphabet and number cards are great for identifying or reviewing. Happy Learning!

http://www.teachersnotebook.com/shop/SpedTeacherL84baseball

 

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Jennifer-Adams-4549