Getting ready for Florida

Well this past week has been built up with much excitement and stress. While I am super excited to be headed off for Florida tomorrow, I am also nervous at what I am leaving behind. I don't know if anybody knows the stresses a teacher has when he/she misses one day of work, let alone 7. I did a lot of cramming within my own classroom this past week as far as catching up and providing learning experiences that I know the sub would not be able to do (as in 6 science experiements within a 45 minute period to illustrate the differences between all of the different types of rocks (igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary). After that experiment I felt as if I was about to crash.

As I was in my classroom yesterday prepping for the 7 days I will be out of the classroom, I tried to think of every possible thing that I needed to tell the substitute. I will be meeting with her today ( in about an hour) to go through the ropes with her. I think that I am very prepared and I know she will do just fine--I look at it as I am giving her a learning experience (she wants to be a teacher). She has done some long term subbing in my class before so I truly trust her. I think my only worry is that I will forget to tell her something, but my colleagues are there to help!

While I am leaving behind a class that does not want me to leave, I also know that I will be going somewhere where I can learn more about myself as well as learn more things that I can use in my classroom. I am treating this conference week as a mini brain break week. Oftentimes a change of pace and scenery will give you a new outlook on life and in this case on my job and my graduate work. This is a much needed "break" to reconnect with my fellow OMETers as well as enjoy life. I knew coming into this program I would sacrifice a lot, but I also know that in order to stay sane, I need to have some time to myself. I will be doing just that in Florida. I am taking time to go swimming with the dolphins (something I've wanted to do since I was a kid) and possibly go back to Dineyworld. This week holds many exciting experiences for me and I look forward to the fun I will have.