My name is Sabrina and I’m a high school math teacher. This is actually my first year teaching and while it can be tough, I absolutely love it. I currently teach honors algebra 1, geometry and advanced algebra 2. I graduated from Oakland University last April with a degree in Mathematics Secondary Education and a minor in History. I decided (perhaps foolishly) to proceed straight to a master's program because I knew if I stopped with school I would put it off longer than I should. So here I am! :) I gravitated toward Wayne State’s Instructional Technology program because I’ve always had an interest in technology and finding different ways of approaching mathematics using various forms of technology is one of my interests. Right now I’m only taking one class a semester though, just to keep myself on a “school” schedule while still balancing all of the first-year teaching duties that goes into a normal school year. I also tutor after school and on weekends, which keeps me extremely busy. My kids are fantastic though, so I genuinely enjoy it (at least most of the time).
During holiday break my friends and I ventured across the pond to London. It was my first time overseas and it was amazing. We’re big Harry Potter fans so along with hitting the typical touristy sites in London, we also went to the Warner Brothers Studio Tour and saw the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Play. Definite highlights of the trip! I love traveling and hope to do more of it in the upcoming years. Right now my sister and I are planning a trip to Italy during the summer, so fingers crossed it all goes according to plan.
I’m looking forward to a productive semester and getting to know you all!
Sabrina, I don't think heading straight into your Master's was foolish at all! I spent several years working before thinking about changing track and going into education, and going back to school was a rough transition!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you're being very smart about balancing your teaching life with your own studies. That's tricky, especially for new teachers, and I think burnout is a real danger at the start of a teaching career.
I'm so glad you're loving your job! I was a bit nervous about becoming a teacher, because so many teachers really talk down the profession. "Oh, no, don't go into teaching now, it's terrible with the new testing and accountability" and on and on. I can't tell you how many times I heard this! But I've found the same as you, the joys of teaching really outweigh the difficulties.
That's how I felt! So many people I talked to felt negatively about teaching. I know things are far from perfect but I genuinely enjoy my job and am glad I stuck with it.
DeleteSabrina, it was actually a very wise decision to go back to school right away! The longer the gap, the harder it gets. Hopefully, you will continue to enjoy teaching as the years go by. Good luck with everything!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I knew it would require a lot more motivation to go back to school rather than to keep going, and I do enjoy school so it really wasn't too hard of a decision to stick with it.
DeleteSabrina,
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you were able to continue your educational journey directly following your bachelor's degree- it will pay big dividends in the long run. Your travel plans sound incredible! I traveled to Germany for the first time two summers ago and continue to plan trips as well. Best of luck and I look forward to working with you this semester!
Thank you! Germany would be amazing to visit, it's definitely on my list :)
DeleteI would concur (although it doesn't hurt to get a year or two under your belt before returning simply because your first year is often the most difficult to manage). Welcome! Glad to see you expanding your travels beyond this side of the globe!
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