Remembering Teaching in the Beginning

Being that I am beginning this WBT Intern journey:)  I thought it would be interesting to reflect on the beginning and the evolution of my teaching.  I always say it starts with the shoes!  My very first day, teaching fourth grade, was almost comical.  Up I come walking with a line of parents, with their children, eager to see the face that goes with the name.  I mean.... I was so clueless!! I chose to wear tan stilettos with a lavender skirt and jacket.  As I was walking up, I remember the confused looks, as to why I would be wearing stilettos.  Maybe... I thought I would be sitting grading papers after instruction?  Sadly enough, it was a long year!  I had a class that even the best of teachers would run from!  I cried everyday and contemplated quitting twice!  After that year, I rolled up my sleeves, changed my shoes:) and got to work.  I realized , that year, that the children ruled the class and they would only cooperate with a tangible reward.  My husband commented that it costs us more for me to be a teacher.  Five years past and I searched for several teaching conferences that would help management, cut back on grading, increase test scores, and anything else I could attend.  Now, ten years later,  I did find my groove and I have always spoke with my hands:), so WBT was a perfect fit for me.  In all of the years I have been teaching, this past year, I have heard students verbalize things like, "Mrs. Hansen, school goes fast this year!"  Or "I learn so much and it's not even hard!"  Everyday, I was so excited to get to work.  I started realizing that I have a dream job and I am doing exactly what I should be doing.....Teaching!  We start school on the 8th of August and usually, this time of year, I am dreading going back to school and feeling under the weather because of all the lesson planning I am usually doing.  Well, honestly, I can't wait to get started implementing WBT with my new class:)  I think that WBT provides clarity!  Clarity for the student and the teacher.  The simplified and quick explanations, coupled with the Teach..OK has truly created a Teacher Heaven!