It’s hard to believe that 2018 has come to a close and we are already making our way into the 2nd half of the 18-19 academic calendar. And for me, the new year is bringing many big changes! As with any transitional period in life, I have been reflecting on the year that has passed, and planning for the one ahead.

I am a strong believer in making both personal and professional changes in order to be the best that we can be in all aspects of life. I recognize that I’m not perfect, but I can do my best, right?

With that, I have some big news for the new year! Read until the end for my announcement!

2018 Reflections:

Professionally, as a teacher, I find myself reflecting frequently on my wins, my losses, and most importantly, how I can improve in all areas of education.

I was incredibly grateful to work with brilliant and experienced educators my first few years of teaching. I wanted to be a sponge throughout those three years to soak it all in! One thing I learned from those amazing friends and colleagues was to not spend so much time reflecting, but to look to the future.

So, instead of creating an organized list of reflections from 2018, I want to focus on the resolutions for the new year: the future.

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2019 Resolutions:

1. YA SNOOZE YA LOSE

The snooze button will no longer be “a thing” in my life.

I would like to say that 6 minutes doesn’t really do anything, but some days it kept me alive! However, I am committed to living my best grandma life (oh, how I’ve missed this life!) and go to sleep at a normal hour. I recognize that quality sleep will only make me better for my students, my colleagues, and for myself.

2. CHALLENGE MYSELF

While reflecting on 2018, I realized that as much as I love consistency and order (anyone else a little type A?), I am a lifelong learner and want to continue to grow as an educator. I realized I was so ready for a new challenge!

I’m a few years behind my girl, T-Swift, but 2019 will be my year of FEARLESS.

KEEP READING FOR SOME BIG NEWS!

3. WELCOME TO THE 21ST CENTURY. FINALLY.

GUYS. It’s happening. I have been resisting the heavy-technology classroom, but the amazing online teacher community has opened my eyes to all the possibilities that come with technology.

So, first on my list? Google Classroom!

Google Classroom will allow all of my assignments to be digital for student access. No more lost papers, extra copies, and headaches! Students will be able to easily access assignments, solutions, test reviews, and any other important resources at any time.

As a busy teacher with a million things going on, this won’t be so bad for me, either! 🙂

4. EMBRACE THE MINIMALIST LIFESTYLE

We are teachers. We hoard pens, pencils, erasers, bulletin board paper, laminating sheets, binders, notebooks, and the list is endless. But I need to be able to walk into my garage this year, right? No one said anything about PARKING in my garage, but I have to purge all the things that I haven’t touched in years, and the rest can stay 🙂

Anyone who knows me at all (or follows me on Instagram) knows that I am obsessed with all things office supplies. So, this is a big deal for me and may be *SLIGHTLY* difficult, but I am going to force myself to avert my eyes as I part with (some of) my precious stock.

SOME BIG NEWS FOR A NEW YEAR!

I just recently had to make one of the hardest decisions of my life. It came at the perfect time when I started reflecting on 2018 and looking ahead to 2019.

Are you a “pros and cons” list type of person? I usually list out my pros and cons in my head, but felt it was necessary to write them out. I was that torn. The pros list was much longer than the cons, but honestly, my decision was ultimately what I felt was best in my heart. My “gut” feeling made this decision a no-brainer. So, you ready for it? I’m not sure if I am, but here it goes!

I’M HEADING BACK TO MIDDLE SCHOOL!

I will be teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade math at a different school in a different district!

Stay tuned for tons of middle school resources in 2019!

In the meantime, check out what we’ve got available for middle school resources here.