The Best of Both Worlds

When I taught, I loved it (aside from the occasional ugly parents and the mounds of paperwork). I loved the kids, loved the planning, and loved the learning that took place. As soon as I became a parent my perspective changed. I knew being a mom came first, but my desire to be a perfectionist at teaching tugged at me. I never seemed to find a good balance between being a great mom and a great teacher. I am grateful that I have been able to stay at home with the kids for nearly 2 years. I have loved more than anything that I'm the one giving them their foundation for learning. (Behavior is another issue) It seems to come natural to both of them. I credit that to the hundreds of teachable moments throughout the day. I work it in without even thinking about it sometimes. It happens at breakfast, riding down the road, walking into a store. I love how they've developed different interests and styles of learning. They are now moving away from playing with the same toys to playing with their own toys.We have a good routine established, and we all seem to enjoy how things are working now.

The only negative to staying home is no paycheck for all my hard work. It is hard to go from 2 great salaries to just one. You really have to adjust your budget and figure out the needs vs. wants (We're still working on that).  I have been actively looking for a job since April. There just aren't many teaching jobs available. Honestly, I'm not even sure I want to go back to the classroom full-time. (You hardworking teachers/former teachers know what I am talking about). Thankfully some prayers were answered recently. I'm going to be working part-time at Marlee and Cooper's preschool. I will be helping out the two days they go to school. I'll get the "teaching fix" I've been missing but still be able to stay home with the kids. I'm excited about my role of aligning their curriculum to the TN standards, creating fun projects and crafts for the kids, and helping the teachers streamline their materials for effective learning.  I'm hoping this will be the best of both worlds. Wish me luck on this new adventure!!

New Adventures for Me

I'm trying something new. Since we have been living off of one income for over a year and a half, I am looking to join the work force again. Teaching jobs have not been saved in this wacky economy, so I have decided to try a new outlet for working. I am now a Premier Designs Jewelry Independent Distributor. I hope to build my contacts and fill up my calendar with shows over the next few months. If you are interested in helping me jump start my business, please let me know. I would be ever so grateful!! I'm hoping to secure enough shows each month to offset the kids preschool expenses and to play catch up from not working over the last 18 months. Only time will tell how successful it will be for me, but I am very excited to try something new!!

Also this summer I hope to pick up a few clients for tutoring while the kids are in preschool. My favorite thing about teaching has always been watching a child learn something new and gain confidence in their abilities with weak areas. Tutoring would allow me the one-on-one time with students without the added pressure of paperwork, testing, etc. I plan to offer my services to PreK-5th grade aged students. If you know of someone in need of some extra help, please give them my information. I would like to work in Roane, Anderson, and West Knoxville areas.

Wish me luck!! I'll update in a few months with my progress in both areas.