my feelings exactly!

Kim at Finding JOY in 6th grade ( http://joyin6th.blogspot.com/2012/03/to-blog-or-not-to-blog-blogdentity.html ) recently wrote an amazing post about blogging and I am going to use her post as a template today. 

Author's Purpose -
   I began blogging a few years ago for a few different reasons, my friends were blogging and I liked what I was reading, I had moved back to South Carolina and this was a great way to keep in touch with family and friends, I couldn't get on facebook at work (and I had a lame job) are the main reasons. 

  I have kept blogging because I have moved back to Oklahoma and this is still a great way to family and friends to know what I'm up to.  I have found amazing resources in the blogger community not to mention the fact that it helps knowing there are other teachers out there who care as much as I do.  Who let me know it's okay to have a bad day and that it doesn't mean you aren't a good teacher plus I am starting to "make friends" via blogger. 

What can I share? -
   This one is a big one for me because my lesson plans are EXTREMELY rigid as to what I can and can't do.  If you don't teach the program I teach then I can't help you but if you do then I'm an okay resource for you.  I don't follow the rules exactly because I can't.  Why can't I? I have big plans for myself and my future role in the education world (time will tell if i succeed) but it has a lot to do with helping with education reform and one of my BIGGEST convictions is that there is not one program perfect for every student.  YOU the teacher have to have the ability to tweak things to work for you and not get in trouble for it.  As a teacher we have a responsiblity to our students to help them succeed in life and for that I can't do something that I know will help my kids fail.  I have spent quite a few sleepless nights with that issue and finally after a good talk with my admistration I know I am doing the right thing for my kids. 
  I can share my thoughts, ideas, excitement and I hope I can make you laugh.  I think I am funny but then again I am crazy enough to teach 7th grade English where the word ain't is so common I tell strangers to  not say ain't.   oops! 
  I can also share my love of teaching!  I was the student that no one thought would graduate high school (reasons being another blog post in the near future) and now I have a Masters degree from an amazing school in the South.  (where they are beginning to get a fantastic football team!)


Options -
  I will continue to blog and hope that my rambling, rants, and raves are read by at least one person that understands, or cares.  I will also continue to blog because it makes me feel better.  I know that teachers are underappreciated, underpaid, overworked, but I want to share about the good things too.  Don't get me wrong I still will rant, but I will also make an effort to rave. 

So as my first rave thank you Kim for reminding me why I blog!