Teach with Char

Let's connect and gain some #newteacherfriends for the New Year! The New Year is a time for a fresh start, new beginnings, new goals, new EVERYTHING! "The great thing about new friends is that they bring new energy to your soul." - Shanna Rodriguez. Here’s how to connect: First, follow your host: @teachwithchar Copy the caption (you can use the repost app or go to link in bio) Click on this hashtag: #newteacherfriends Follow all the teachers with the loop photo above. Comment with  🍎,  🎊, or🎆. Allow 24 to 48 hours for them to follow you back. ***THIS LOOP IS FOR CLASSROOM TEACHERS ONLY (VIP KID/HOMESCHOOL/TUTORS ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE.*** PLEASE DO NOT FOLLOW TO UNFOLLOW LATER!! #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #instagramteacher #iteachtoo #6thgradeteachers #6thgradeloop #teacherssupportteachers #teacherfollowloop #teachertribe #openloops #teachers #letsbefriends #teacherfriends #newteacherfriends #i

     Last year was full of MANY trials and errors. I learned so much about myself professionally and personally. I made an executive decision in my classroom that I was no longer going to be restrained by methods others wanted me to use in my classroom. After all, they were MY kids. And yes, they are OUR kids, but they were MINE. I learned their strengths and weaknesses within the first few months. At times I felt I was hiding behind my “First Year Teacher” title and "this is how THEY are wanting me to do it".       Once I made the decision to teach my way for MY kids, I noticed a big change. I became more confident in myself and it showed. My 6th grade students slowly began to change their mindset about math and school in general. Keep in mind, I was told that they were "THE GROUP." I began having idea after idea and I had to figure out how to channel that energy. I needed to focus on ONE area in my instruction. I decided my entire Math Rotation wa

I have been preparing for my first year of teaching well before my graduation. Now that summer is almost officially here, it is time that I really start turning my plans into actions. To begin, I created a wish list on Amazon. If I am not pinning my day away, I’m shopping on Amazon. I always check Amazon before heading to any store because 90%, I have found it to be cheaper. I have also found great deals at Costco. The great thing about being a parent during student teaching is that my sixth-grade son was extremely helpful. He was my second mentor and an insider on all things “sixth-grade”. He translated the latest slang and kept me up to date on all the pop culture. Because he did such an amazing job, I decided to seek his services once again. LOL.  I asked him two simple questions, “What are some things that you wish you had as a sixth-grader?” and “what are some things that your teachers did that were helpful or not helpful?” To my surprise, he actually thought abo

     I remember when I first started my program. I was eager to get done. The mornings of driving 40 minutes to campus to get to my 8am lectures got old really fast. I was a non-traditional student. I was married, I had children, and I lived off campus. I knew it would be a challenge, but I wasn't aware how big of a challenge I was up against. I worked hard, sacrificed family time, and juggled being a student, teacher, mom, and wife.       On May 13, around 10:45 am, I stared out into the crowd of graduates waiting for their moment. The moment that would kick start their prosperous future.  I couldn't believe that I was sitting behind the Dean of the School of Education. I was a recipient of the Senior Leadership Award. It was as if I was having an out of body experience. I felt accomplished and proud to be there, but it was surreal. I walked across the stage two times that afternoon. Once to receive my award and the other, to receive my degree. Well, the leather pouch th