Stealing My Paycheck

Last year, shortly after I started this blog, I was devastated by the suicide of one of my students. I started to write here so many times after that, but could never find adequate words, so I simply didn't write. I have moved forward from the most difficult year of my teaching career into what is, to date, the most exciting and challenging year.

Late last school year, I had the opportunity to apply for the position of computer applications teacher for 7th and 8th grade. I agonized over the decision to apply. Having spent 13 years teaching math and science to 6th graders, I was comfortable and confident in my academic role and a bit intimidated by the idea of managing so much technology for so many students. Ultimately, I took the plunge and was selected for the position.

I spent most of my summer at school, sorting out hardware, software, cabling, and seating, as well as moving into an actual office off the main lab. This was a different world from my old elementary classroom! As the first day of school approached, my nerves went into high gear and I worried -- about the curriculum, about the equipment, about the large number of students I'd be teaching, about nearly everything that was even remotely related to my new job!

I've been in the lab teaching 7th and 8th grade students for 6 weeks now, and each day I feel more and more like I'm stealing my paycheck! I love running a technology lab, love the student response to using technology, love wowing students with fabulous websites, software, and tutorials, love creating teaching materials with Camtasia, Snagit, Smart Notebook and PowerPoint, love managing the students' PCs with a lab management program and love being a part of the interaction of students and technology!

I believe I'm ready to write again! I can wish nothing better than that you are lucky enough to do something you love, and get paid for it into the bargain.