Confessions of a 'First' Year Teacher

Okay, so technically last year was my first year teaching, but it was so 'not-what-I-thought-it-would-be' that I don't like to consider it my first year teaching. You see, from the time I was in 2nd grade, I wanted to be a teacher. Hours upon hours were spent in my room solving math problems on my white board and grading fake assignments. Over the years, teaching is not just my job, it's my passion. People ask me what my hobbies are, and I tell them that I love making stuff for work! Some people don't get it, but others just might. I've come to share some of my ideas, and steal some of yours.
     I graduated in Dec 2010 from the University of Nevada, Reno with a teaching degree in Elementary and Special Education (confession time- Spec Ed was my fall back plan, however, it did land my my first teaching job). My plan was to teach younger elementary- but the state of the district was such that you took what you were offered. I took a one year position as a Resource English Teacher in GASP...High School. It taught me so much and inspired me to move on down the grade levels to get those kids' minds in tip top shape for when they become high schoolers! It was a definite adventure, and I'm looking forward to a new adventure this next school year. For now, I'm content teaching Summer School for 5th grade resource. I love it! Here are some of my ideas. Feel free to take whatever ideas you like. Hope they help other 'first' year teachers like me!

Now, let's go create!

~Juliann