Third Grade, Here I Come!

For at least the next five weeks, I will be substitute teaching in a third grade classroom. It will be nice to work with some children that I am actually licensed to be teaching (my license is Age 3-Grade 3)...however, as of right now I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. I guess this is how every brand new teacher must feel when he or she gets a job two weeks before the new school year starts...that is, being thrown into a new job without any real warning. I am feeling this way because I was informed today that not only would I be subbing, but I would also be responsible for planning all of the lesson plans over the next month or so. Coming up with the plans is really no problem. I like being planned so that things go more smoothly...and if I get to create the plans, I will be more familiar with the material that I am teaching and therefore will probably be able to teach it better. I guess I just wasn't expecting a teacher to actually hand over the reigns so fully. Plus, today was Day 1, so I have to get used to the way the classroom runs. It is nice because this thrid grade is departmentalized, so I will only be teaching reading and math...and will also have 3 other third grade teachers to help me get into a groove.

Tomorrow night I also have to stay at the school for a concert in the evening, so I am hoping that during the 3 hours between the end of the school day and the time when students begin arriving for the concert that I will be able to get at LEAST next week's plans done and ready to go. I will be stuck at the school so I may as well try. I guess that makes me feel much less stressed because I will have some time where I am forced to get them done and none of the distractions of home.

I am actually pretty excited to be taking on such a large position...and it could end up being for ten weeks (until the end of the school year)...depending on when this teacher is able to return.

So I am diving into this head-first, a little weary, but ready...and I will do my best.