A New Adventure in Teaching

I guess it is time for me to let the cat out of the bag.

It is FINALLY AN OFFICIAL DEAL!

It's time for me to spill the beans!

After 20 years of being in the classroom....I have been assigned to a new position out of the classroom (so to say).

I am now our school's Academic Coach.

I bet some of you are asking...."What is an Academic Coach and what do they do?"

Well....I will let you know when I figure that out.  LOL

No, in all seriousness, an Academic Coach is there as an advisor for all the teachers.  He or she assists with just about anything a teacher may need help with.  They are in charge of professional development at their school.  They desegregate school data and determine areas of need.  They communicate closely with the administration to help not only the students be successful but the teacher's to be successful as well.

This is an exciting new adventure for me!

I have been a leader in professional development for several years at our school but also a classroom teacher, so I could only dabble so far (after all, we can only be stretched to a certain limit due to all the demands placed on the classroom teachers these days).  But now, I have ample time to REALLY help my peer teachers.

Don't get me wrong; I'M REALLY GOING TO MISS MY LITTLE ONES.  But, I have had this desire for a long time to reach beyond the classroom and I can't wait to get started in this new position.

As a matter of fact, yesterday I went down to school to see my new room and figure out some of the details that my new position entails.

The first matter of business is (which is a biggie)...I have to clean out the classroom that I have been in for the past 20 years!

WOW!  How does one manage to do this and not get emotional?

Well, there I was (my OCD self) with my little notebook in hand making lists of what to keep, what to leave, and what to give away.  Also, my new room is much smaller than a classroom; therefore, many things will need to be stored (you know, just in case I end up back in the classroom teaching again).  Which is a whole different ballgame...WHERE DO I STORE IT?

Thank goodness, my husband has several business properties that have extra storage facilities.  I do believe I am going to put them to good use in the next few days (Remember, I have accumulated 20 years worth of stuff...I'm what you would refer to as an "organized hoarder."  Aren't all teachers?)

So that is where I am at right now.   I am EXTREMELY excited (with a bit of apprehension).

Today is my first day...moving day!

Wish me luck on my new adventure.

Happy Blogging!

"Academic Coach" Ann