(I wrote this blog knowing that I would be writing the next post about my post-institute experience, hence the “easy part” title. I wouldn’t have said Institute was the easy part back in July) Since starting TFA, I’ve been asked by prospective Corps Members what Institute is really like. My honest response is that it…

Today was the first day of Institute at our school sites. I was very excited to learn that I will be teaching 2nd grade Reading and Math with a collaborative (or “collab”) of three other teachers. I will start the summer teaching math for two weeks, then switch to reading to close the summer. That…

Disclaimer: I fail at blogging. I totally forgot to post about induction. Hence, I’m using this post to write a little about each day. This may be the longest blog post ever. Still with me? Sweet! Wednesday, June 1st: Our first session of the day was on TFA’s Core Values. There are four: 1. Transformational…

Today was bananas. I mean that in the best way possible. I am so energized yet overwhelmed by all of the information we received today. The first session was all about the achievement gap in Metro Atlanta (MATL). I won’t get in to specifics (at least not now) but I will say that I was…

Wow. I’ve been up since 5am this morning, yet I’ve never felt so energized and blessed. I really can’t process how excited I am about this gift I’ve been given. Not to say that today was easy. Check in was (as it always is) stressful and overwhelming. Moving was H-O-T. But I was so excited…

Tomorrow starts Induction. I can’t believe it’s actually starting. I feel so blessed beyond words that I have this opportunity. I can’t wait to get started. The good thing is, I don’t have to wait much longer. I’m headed to bed early tonight. Tomorrow starts a whirlwind. And I couldn’t be more thrilled.

Induction begins in five days! Sorry, I just had to get that out there. Anyway. about 2 weeks ago, I graduated with my M.Ed in Higher Education and Student Affairs. I’m the first woman in my family to get a Master’s, which is really exciting. Beyond the family thing, getting that degree was wrapped up…

I passed the GACE (Georgia Assessment for the Certification of Educators) today! I am so excited to know that I am one step closer to being in the classroom. The last thing left is applying for an alternative certification program. I’m waiting for my next paycheck, but I should be applying on Friday. That means,…

It’s official: I will have a teaching job in DeKalb County Schools this fall! On Sunday, literally 5 minutes after telling a friend how I was waiting to find out, I received an email from TFA saying I was selected for an elementary school position! SUCH a relief to know that for sure, 100%, I…

Let’s just get this out there: I am NOT good at the waiting game. Patience is a virtue, but it is a virtue that I admittedly lack. The smartphone- that little angel holding up her halo with devil horns- haunts me as I keep checking for the millionth time. I know we aren’t supposed to hear…

Have you ever thought about the way the teaching profession is shown in movies? I feel like every year, new movies come out that show the impact that teachers have on their students in both positive and negative ways. That idea got me thinking about my favorite teachers from films. Here’s the list of my…

Every month, TFA Metro Atlanta sends corps members an email “blast”, or an email with lots of info and action items. Seriously, these emails are like Christmas morning. I love getting these task-oriented emails because they have specific actions to complete. While some may find these tasks mundane or repetitive, I really enjoy them because…

I was late to my in-person interview. I KNOW. Being late to your TFA interview is like instant kryptonite. Every blog or FAQ I read about the process said to be 30 minutes early. I planned it out and did everything right. I left Columbia, SC on the road to Charlotte, NC at 7:00am, giving…

Since back in October when I started the TFA process, I’ve received a ton of questions from friends, family and coworkers. Here’s a few questions I’ve received, with my go-to answers. Why are you doing Teach for America? Not going to lie, Teach for America was sort of a spur of the moment decision. Like…

Today is the fourth day of what I’m sure will be my last spring break ever. So far this week, I’ve gone shopping, saw a movie, corrected my taxes, and cleaned my apartment. But don’t let that fool you. I’ve spent the fast majority of my time watching movies or episodes of “Friends”, playing around…