Finito!

Does that mean "finally?" Well if it doesn't, it needs to be....


Because I am FINISHED WITH MY TEACHING CAREER!


sigh......it is slightly bittersweet. More sweet than bitter, but in ways I will miss teaching.


Today was the last day of school! I had several of my sweethearts come up to me and give me big hugs. Some even got on their hands and knees crying and pleading, no begging, me to stay.....


Okay, okay not exactly, but I did get hugs.

Teaching Highlights

1)Yesterday I asked all of my classes to be honest with themselves and to raise their hands if for the first time in their lives they finished a chapter book from cover to cover. I was shocked and so proud that I inspired so many readers. More than half of my students raised their hands!!!! I was touched that I encouraged their reading, well that and the fact I assigned book projects. This was a highlight in my teaching career.

2) okay so here comes a toot toot....I had a 96% passing rate for the TAKS test. When I was individually conferencing with students, I told one girl she had passed. She looked at me with this incredible awe-struck face and said, "Mrs. Lueders, I've never passed the reading TAKS my whole life." I wanted to burst out in tears.


3) We were creating superheroes in class shortly after I told the kids I wouldn't be coming back next year. I told them I would be leaving to take a school counseling position. One of the wittiest kids I know created his superhero. Guess what the superhero's special power was?

"Eats homework and teachers who want to be counselors"

LOL I was rolling on the floor laughing. So funny!

So I'm drawing a blank on number 4.....I'm sure more positive highlights will come to me. I'm sure when I'm not on my "I can't wait to be a counselor" high.

Things I learned as a teacher

1) They are underpaid.
2) They work anywhere from 45-60 hour weeks.
3) Grading SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!
4) Teachers can hold their bladder longer than most people can.
5) You start talking like sixth graders "Ahhh man! That was like so cool!"
6) Too much emphasis is placed on the TAKS test (did I mention I got a 96% pass rate?:)
7) Not all sixth graders catch my sarcasm.
8) Students can love you and hate you in a matter of 5 seconds (because they don't catch my sarcasm, duh!)
9) There is always drama!
10) I love the drama! I was made for middle school! I love how the students are little adults trying to figure out life/the opposite sex/their changing bodies/pushing limits to find who they really are. I'm excited to keep encouraging students to find their own voice.

Red pens....I hate you!
I'm ready for the next journey! Bring it! (I tried to talk sixth grader-ish right here.)