Five years ago our principal decided to departmentalize our primary building. This was a brand new thing for us 1-2ers and at first we were like, "NOOOOOOOOO!" We thought it wasn't developmentally appropriate and how in the world would it work?!?!?! But she knew. She knew we were tired, worn down, defeated, and in need of a change. She knew. She could see a few of us were ready to walk away from the profession we love. She knew. But we didn't. Until we started doing it. I fell in love with it. We all did. Five years ago I became a writing teacher.
Fast forward to year five.....
We're still going strong. I'm still teaching our young writers to believe that they are authors. And... they do! Our first graders (all 60 of them) switch classes like it's nothing (One class schedule could look like this: homeroom, reading, math, intervention, writing, and homeroom again. Also throw in specials, lunch, and recess.haha). We have a team that I could not live without. Each of us was specially made to teach the subject matter we teach (reading, writing and math). It gives me panic to think about being a self-contained classroom teacher again. I think I'd consider early retirement at year 18. hahahahaha My husband would tell you different. We are blessed that our new principal continues to allow us to teach what we're good at and passionate about and for me it will forever be writing.
Naturally, the first grade teacher in me is so intrigued! How does this look? I would love to be a fly on the wall and see the collaboration. Please write more about this soon, and find me on Twitter when you do! It sounds great!
ReplyDeleteI will definitely post again about this. :) BUUUTTTT.... I'm not on Twitter. :( Send me an email and I'll let you know!!! ria10eshman@gmail.com
DeleteIt was a life saver for me when we talked our principal into teaming in 3rd grade so that we could departmentalize. I was grateful to be allowed to teach my two passions reading and writing.
ReplyDeleteThat's fantastic!!! What's your favorite part???!!!???
DeleteWow! I moved to intervention last year and I feel the same way! It's so silly we expect lower elementary teachers to do it ALL! The power of a great building leader is amazing! So happy you are growing all those authors!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree!!! It does help that we have a team who works well together. I only wish the younger me would have pushed for this.
DeleteI would love to see what this looks like in elementary! I honestly like teaching all subjects so whenever I consider teaching only one thing I am afraid that I would get bored. I wonder where I can find more information about departmentalizing elementary schools?
ReplyDeleteI haven't gotten bored yet, thankfully! I teach three classes that are all different in their make up so I think that helps. I also reevaluate each year and shake things up a bit. It's also nice that I can do most of my work from home so I can still be around my family. :)
DeleteMaria, it sounds sooooooooooooooo good! What a wonderful change! Will have to ask you more about it sometime!
ReplyDeleteFor sure! I LOVE chatting about school, I'm not going to lie. :) Wish we could meet over ice cream. :)
DeleteI do too!
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