New Teacher Blog Tuesday!

Our first blogger I’d like to welcome is Becky from

1.             Name of blog and link:  Compassionate Teacher

http://compassionate-teacher.blogspot.com/

2.          Tell us about your blog and why you started it.

I started my blog for a variety of reasons.  My best friend Jessica from Joy in the Journey got me started reading teaching blogs.  I soon became addicted.  I loved getting fresh ideas and great freebies.  I began to contemplate sharing my own ideas and teaching adventures.  I have always enjoyed journaling about my experiences, so I decided to take the plunge and start a blog.  On a different note, I am an advocate for an organization called Compassion International.  Compassion is dedicated to releasing children from poverty.  I thought that a blog could be a good way to raise awareness and support to help children in need.

3.            Tell us a little about your teaching background.

        I am a second year first grade teacher.  Growing up, I thought I wanted to be a gourmet chef or an interior designer, but deep down I think I always knew I would be a teacher.  I have always loved working with kids as a babysitter, camp counselor, teacher etc.  In college, I enjoyed many different field experiences working with all grade levels from K-8.  Even though I enjoyed working with every grade level, my heart now belongs in first.  I love teaching first grade!

4.            What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?

Casting Crowns: “Come to the Well”- I feel like this song was written for me.  It reminds me to leave all the cares of the world behind and just to rely on Christ for everything.

Tobymac: “Steal My Show”- I absolutely love the music and lyrics to this song.  I want God to “steal my classroom,” meaning that I want Him to get all the glory for all I do as a teacher.

Matthew West: “Do Something” -  This song challenges me and everyone not just to sit around and wonder why there is poverty and injustice in the world, but to get up and do something about it.

5.           What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

    I would have to say that moving from Ohio to New Jersey by myself right after college to start my first year of teaching was pretty hard and intense.  Looking back though, I am so thankful God gave me the courage to do it because I love where I live and teach and have an amazing group of friends here now.

6.           What’s your favorite TV show?  This is a tough one!  I am addicted to way too many shows.  I would have to say Revolution or The Biggest Loser.

7.           Are you a Times New Roman or DJ Inkers kind of girl/guy and why?

Probably Times New Roman, although I am breaking away from that now that I have discovered how many cute fonts there are in the world.

8.           Number of candles that appeared on your last birthday cake? 23 (soon to be 24 in April)

9.           What was the last book you read? Kisses from Katie- This is an INCREDIBLE true story of a 22 year old girl who lives in Uganda and cares for those in need there.

10.        What chore do you absolutely hate doing? Sweeping!  I hate the annoying line of dirt at the edge of the dust pan.  It never goes away!

11.         Give us some links- Twitter, Pinterest, Teacher’s Pay Teachers, Facebook, a free teaching item etc.

·        Free Character Study Graphic Organizers: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8oEApArT5jdekoySTkydUZNcGM/edit?usp=sharing

·        All About Book Freebie: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8oEApArT5jdMFFOS294bFVQUUU/edit?usp=sharing

Our next blogger is Sara from

1.      Name of blog and link: Adventures In Fourth Grade Reading

                                        

2.   Tell us about your blog and why you started it.

         I started the blog as a way to connect with other teachers.  There are so many great resources out there, I wanted a way to connect with others.  I also wanted to be able to share what worked (and what didn’t) in my classroom.  I also was in the process of applying for a writing program in my area, and wanted to document the process.

3.     Tell us a little about your teaching background.

        When I say I’ve taught at least one day in EVERY grade, I’m not making it up!  haha!  When I graduated from college, I subbed in the district where I went to school.  While there, I did a long term position for a PreK with disabilities class.  After that, I made the jump to coach a high school swim team.  While employed as a coach, I filled several teaching positions in the school.  I then moved (again!) to a preschool/daycare/kindergarten where I was a Kindergarten enrichment teacher for several years.  (*whew!  Looking back just makes me tired!)  I worked there for about 4 years.  I then decided to make the BIG move from New Jersey to Tennessee!  A huge change, but one of the best decisions I’ve made!  I’ve worked at the same school since I moved here, four years ago.  I started filling in with two interim positions, which turned into a permanent teaching position.  I am currently teaching fourth grade for the third year.  This is my first year in fourth grade reading and I LOVE it!

4.     What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?

        Oh goodness.  Music is such an important part of my life.  This is probably the hardest question on this questionnaire!

        Swim by Jack’s Mannequin

        Don’t Come Easy by Matt Wertz

        Zak and Sara by Ben Folds

        Sara Smile by Hall and Oates.  (Bet you can’t guess why I chose this one!  haha!)

5.    What’s the hardest thing you've ever done?

        Moving 14 hours away from my family was the hardest, but yet one of the best things I've ever done!  (Plus-I’m hoping they'll be on their way down here in the next few years!)

6.    What’s your favorite TV show?

        Being Human

        Chicago Fire

        Criminal Minds

7.    Are you a Times New Roman or DJ Inkers kind of girl/guy and why?

        DJ Inkers, for sure!  I like to march to the beat of my own drum.  I like to mix it up on everything I hand out! 

8.    Number of candles that appeared on your last birthday cake?

        30.  Woah.  Thank goodness my friends didn't really put 30 on it!  :)

9.    What was the last book you read?

        I’m currently reading Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi.  It’s the second book in the Under The Never Sky series.  It’s great.  I find that I read a lot of YA lit for several reasons.  First of all, I think it’s important to know what my kids are reading.  Second, I’d rather my reading be an escape than a serious topic!

10.  What chore do you absolutely hate doing?

        Dusting.  Hands down, it’s my least favorite chore.

11.  Give us some links- Twitter, Pinterest, Teacher’s Pay Teachers, Facebook, a free teaching item etc.

        Twitter:  SSheehan9

If you would like to be featured, email me at dml8609@gmail.com!