Why I Went Back to School

Hi y'all,
I'll be the first to say as a 23 year old, (at the time freshly 22 year old) it was hard to say I'm going back to school. My friends had either all been fine with their undergrad degrees or moved on to get a Master's immediately.

I was one of those students who knew what they wanted out of college: BA in Communication Studies with a minor in Leadership Studies (I added in a history minor for fun), take media classes and learn about journalism, have a journalism internship, write for the paper, graduate with a job in hand.

Well, I did most of that. My job that I had when I graduated was not truly in my field; however, communication was definitely a key part of it. It was not a job in journalism or social media. So after taking the summer and fall off from classes, I somehow ended up back in school.

However, I will say I am grateful for the time I took off from school. From the time I started my Freshman year of college to the time that I graduated, I only took one summer off completely. Plus, the time did allow me to save some money. I am definitely proud to say that I have not had to take out a single loan for any of my classes or for any additional education costs. However, I have worked two jobs since last June (so coming up on a year now). One of those jobs is at my former elementary school. About half of my previous teachers are still there, and many more knew who I was.

Those teachers are influencing the teacher I am becoming. I have learned to differentiate for the different needs of students. I have learned to listen, and that it is okay to be wrong. I have learned how to correctly "punish" a student and now that I am justified in my decisions. I have more hands on experience than the average student going into student teaching. I've lead reading groups, taught math intervention groups, and completed various student assessments.

I am also grateful because I truly believe in being a servant leader. I hope my current students can see that. I believe in serving those and that it will come back in good spirits later on.

I've learned more about the recent technology advancements than I ever would have learned just doing practicums.

Back to the real point of this post though, I really went back to school because I knew I needed a change. I was unhappy doing what I was doing. I felt taken advantage of at my current job at the time and knew that I was not going to make the advancements I wanted to make. I also knew that I did not want the lifestyle that my job at the time required. I couldn't work until 7 or 8 at night and then have a social life as I'm typically in bed at 9 or 10 (the early bird gets the worm after all). However, I will say that I learned many valuable things at my first job out of college, but that's for a future post.

So, I thought back to when I started CNU. I wanted to be a journalist. Why? I loved the fact it was different every day. I loved that I got to go somewhere and travel. I loved that I could learn something new every day. I sat down and thought about it, what else is like that?

The light bulb went off: teaching.

You get field trips, you spend a lifetime learning (from both your children and from Professional Development). You do something different every day. The activities might be the same year after year but you have a whole new crop of students to share them with. I can go somewhere during the summer and learn even more.

While I am sad that I did not realize this at first, I am so glad because my journey has taught me so much and has made me a better teacher in the long run.

Plus, at the end of the day, it isn't how fast you get to the end goal. I know that I will treasure my experiences in my future classroom even more. Plus, I got to share things with my current kids that I will never get to experience in my own class just because I'll be playing a different role. I know that my licensure will seem that much more to me because I earned it, there was nothing about this handed to me.

I know that I will be a better teacher because I made the decision to go back to school because I want it that much more.

with southern grace,

Lindsey

twitter | instagram | pinterest |  bloglovin' |

Tips 'n' Tricks: Praxis Tests

Hi Y'all,
As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I'm going to be doing more education/teacher related posts. This one is all about the Praxis tests, which are required in all states. The only difference between states is the score needed to pass them.

These tests seem really scary because if you don't pass them, you can't get licensed.

So, I still have to take one "praxis" test, the RVE. I luckily have already passed all the others.

Here are a few tips to help you pass the praxis.


1. Pay attention in class. You're probably in teacher education courses, and those classes that teach us content seem awfully boring (because let's face it, we just want to be teaching the class), but they're actually useful. Plus, you've been educated for many years and all of that background knowledge is actually useful.

2. Buy the study guide from the ETS/Praxis people. No joke, this was actually useful. It helps you with timing, but I also felt more at ease with the questions I was asked on the actual test.

3. Actually study. Take the time to take a few practice tests and read those notes again. Don't assume you know the information.

4. Read the questions. Make sure you know what the question says and what it is actually asking. Especially in math, you might not have to solve the problem.

5. Be prepared to not take a break. I personally didn't take a break and I think that actually helped me because it was easier to just finish the test.

6. Pace yourself. Know how fast you have to move through the questions.

7. Only take what you need to the testing center. Don't worry about your jacket, keys, etc. if you don't need to.

8. Dress warmly. If you can, wear a sweatshirt or sweater.

9. Don't over hydrate. Again, you can't just get up whenever you want, and you want to be able to focus on your test instead of your bladder.

10. Have confidence in yourself. While, I did not full apply this tip, I still managed to do well and got more comfortable with the test as I kept going because I knew that I got a few answers correct and it kept snowballing from there.

Have you taken the Praxis? What are your tips?

with southern grace,

Lindsey

twitter | instagram | pinterest |  bloglovin' |

How to Become a Teacher: My Story

Hi y'all,

As many of you know I am finishing up my schooling to become a teacher. While my path to becoming a teacher is unconventional, I thought I would share with you what you can expect on your own path to teacher licensure.

Please note, my licensure is Prek-6th, so my requirements might be different.

First, I finished my B.A. in Communication Studies (when I was first applying to colleges, I was told you cannot major in Elementary Education in the state of Virginia, but you major in something else and then you fulfill requirements for your teaching licensure. However, each school is different). I graduated from CNU in May 2015.

I then took a summer and fall semester off of school completely. Toward the end of October/in November I went in to have a meeting with my future advisor at Mary Baldwin to see what to expect and what I would need to fulfill class wise. I also found out the testing requirements. At this point, I also started volunteering in my 4th grade teacher's classroom (he now teaches 5th grade at the same school). I realized I really did like it, and I kept volunteering through the start of the next semester.

In January 2016, I started taking classes at the community college (I fulfilled several requirements: a literature class, micro econ, child psychology, and cultural geography). It is obviously cheaper to take classes at the community college than through a public or private university. I also worked on taking some of my entry tests (the Praxis Core Math for Educators and VCLA). I then applied to the actual program, Post Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure (PBTL) program at Mary Baldwin University (previously Mary Baldwin College). This is one of the more popular programs in the state and offers classes for adults so classes don't meet every week and the professors are often more flexible than when doing a traditional course of studies.

In March, I started working as a TA in a first grade classroom, which has given me valuable experience, and allowed me to knock out another class.

By April, I was admitted to the program for the summer session, when I took classes like Behavior Management, Assessments of and For Learning (essentially a class on how to write an assessment, and how to interpret assessment results), completed a Prior Learning Portfolio.

In the fall, I continued working as a TA, this year I worked in two Spanish Immersion classrooms on the English side (more about this in a later post). I work in first and second grades. I also continued to take classes. This semester I took: another Introduction to Education, Understanding Exceptional Individuals (both on gifted and SPED students), Language and Acquisition 1 (geared toward K-1), and Engaging Students in Science.

This spring, I took two practicum classes, Language and Acquisition 2 (geared toward 2-6th), and Elementary Methods (this focused on writing lesson plans and a unit plan), and a science class (the state of Virginia requires two science classes and I already had one from CNU).

During this summer, I will take my last two classes, which are math method classes.

Finally, this fall I will complete my student teaching.

However, I have taken more tests since the Praxis for Core Educators: Math and VCLA. I have taken the Praxis in the core subjects and I still have to take the RVE (the Reading for Virginia Educators). I have also completed First Aid/CPR/AED training, Dyslexia Identification Training, and a Civics training.

I'm still waiting to hear where my student teaching placement will be, but I can't wait to find out (I should find out sometime in June or July).

I have a few more education focused posts coming (like how I lesson plan and how to plan a unit). Let me know if you want to see something specific.

I was already pretty unhappy doing what I was doing back when I first went for my meeting in the late fall of 2015, and I knew I wanted a life change. I will say that volunteering in the classroom helped me figure it out. Likewise, I also knew that school is my comfort zone. I absolutely love learning, and love teaching. I do sometimes find it stressful (as does everyone). But, at the end of the day, I love what I do. Even though when I volunteered, I only graded some papers and answered questions (in case anyone is wondering, ask me anything about VA history for 5th grade, and I know the answer). I love learning, and even though I never wanted to be a teacher growing up, my mom knew from the time I was 3 years old (if not before), that I was born to be a teacher.

Am I sad that I took a different path to being a teacher? Absolutely not. I'm glad that I've had the experiences that I've had. I have already had difficult students and the cutest students (and yes, I have stories for literally years, I might even write a book one day). I also know how to handle having a TA, and what are fair expectations of a future TA I might have. I also know that without a servants heart, being a teacher is not going to fulfill me. I also know that I will treasure my years of being a teacher more. Plus, I'm grateful for my communication training as I definitely understand how to communicate with the tiny humans more. And y'all, some of them are really tiny.

To wrap it up, because I feel like this post is already too long, can I wait to be a teacher in my own classroom? No. Do I have to? Yes. Am I happy I went back to school? Absolutely.

Are you a teacher? Did you take the conventional path or did you go back to school?

with southern grace,

Lindsey

twitter | instagram | pinterest |  bloglovin' |

Book Review: Present Over Perfect

Hi y'all,
I have heard about Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist t for a few months now (it was released in February). I just got my hands on it, and quite frankly I'm not really sure how I feel about it.

I think the reason I don't know how I feel about it is because I expected more clarity throughout the book. I loved that the book was told in stories (every point had a story to go along with it).

This book is all about changing your life from the rushed lives we all tend to live to a more steady and focused life. The focus is on making sure you're putting the actual important things in front of things you "thought" were important.

I think it is important to look at the fact that we cannot always pick the actual most important thing to start with, and often prioritize things like work over family.

Now, I will say I am completely guilty of this. Since I work two jobs and go to school full time, it is tricky.

This book tries to explain that it is okay to say no to something and that it won't take away from future opportunities. This point, I will have to argue. In fact, I attempted to change my schedule at my previous place of employment after they told me they would encourage me and support me in anything I chose to do. That ended up not to be true and after a few nasty emails from my superior, I ended up quitting. Luckily, it was the best decision I ever made. But, this is a clear example of how it does not always work out perfectly if you say no to an opportunity.

Overall, I like this book's vision and point. This book wants you to stop rushing around (which I do about 90% of the time) and live more in the moment. This is definitely something I've been trying to do, and I like the points brought up by Niequist to make it happen (minus the point above).

I do think this book is definitely worth a read, but I think every piece of advice needs to be taken into consideration with what else is going on in your life, as it might not work out as seamlessly as it did for Niequist. I do believe this book is a good book and anyone can get a lot out of it. It does have a lot of Christian values, but they're worked in such a way that the book is not "preachy" or forcing you to be a Christian in order to get something out of the book.

Have you read Present Over Perfect? What did you think?

with southern grace,

Lindsey

twitter | instagram | pinterest |  bloglovin' |

Blog Break Over but Why it was Important

Hi y'all,
I have some good news for you, my blogging break is over! I know, I keep saying that, but this time it is really true.

I have two months worth of content planned out, but first let me tell you why this break was really important to me.

I'm still a full time college student working toward my teaching licensure. The state of Virginia is one of the toughest states to get licensed in. Why? Super high test scores are required and lots of classes. I'm now on the tail end of my program, with only potentially a few classes left for summer, one more test requirement, and student teaching this fall (as long as everything goes as planned).

I'm super lucky so far and all of my hard work has been paying off. I currently have the highest GPA I've had in years and have only received one B (and the professor gave everyone a B because it was his first time teaching a college level class). Which, if you knew me during my time at CNU, this is pretty shocking that the lowest grade I received was that B. Often times at CNU, I was working way too hard to earn a B- (which before college, a B was practically unheard of on a report card). But while doing this program I've also worked two jobs consistently. Luckily, one of them is in my elementary school with pretty cute kids (and boy do I have stories for days).

Now, as I mentioned above, my blogging break is over. However, I still need to tell you my plans! This summer, I will only be working one job again and only potentially taking classes (which, if I do have to take classes they'll be in math, which is my strongest subject apparently). This means I have more time to do what I love, spending time writing this blog. As of right now, I plan to have posts up Monday through Friday at 8 am. My content will be changing a little bit though. It won't just be fashion related, but will also have tips 'n' tricks, teaching ideas, and so much more. There are so many things that I have experienced, some are great, while others were definitely learning experiences. Even as I write this post, I feel more rejuvenated than I have in months. I feel inspired and ready to share with the world (or at least the internet), my story as I continue to learn and become more like a "real adult" versus the "pretend one" I've been for the past 2 years (and boy it does not seem like I graduated from CNU 2 years ago). I even felt so inspired that I made my best friend's graduation card and my mom's mother's day card (I'm sorry now), and while I'm not going to be a paid artist any time soon, it tells me I'm going in the right direction. This blogging break was so necessary, because now I feel like I can take it seriously and not be as overwhelmed as I felt before. Plus, this means better content that is far more genuine than anything I would have produced before. And being genuine is one of the most important things to me.

Blogging for me has always been a hobby. I want it to continue to be a hobby and my outlet, especially as I am going into one of the more critical parts of my education to be a teacher. Plus, I want to be able to share with y'all how I get through it all, because I don't think it is talked about enough. I can't say I'll be 100% transparent with y'all, I will definitely share with you what I'm able to. Plus, you can always see in my life on personal Instagram and Twitter, as well as my blog Instagram.

I love sharing with y'all different things that I fall in love with, and don't worry that part won't be going away. I'm just adding more to make this little slice of the internet more me.

I started this blog back in November of 2015. Back then, I was only thinking of going back to school for my teaching licensure; however, knew I was pretty unhappy with my life at the time (but more on that at a later time). This blog was created because I felt I had outgrown my old one (Lindsey's Thoughts). I blogged over there for all of college. I talked about how I decided to go to college, my sorority experience, studying abroad in my favorite country, and graduation. This blog is all about my post grad life and I can't wait to share more with you as I finish my Post Bac and really move into the "adult world".

I can't wait to share more with y'all.

 with southern grace,

Lindsey

twitter | instagram | pinterest |  bloglovin' |

Teach with Heart

As many of you know, last year I made the leap back to education as I started taking classes and the necessary tests to become a teacher in Virginia. I'm already so lucky that I get to spend my days, Monday through Friday with the best First and Second graders there are (not that I'm biased). However, the more time I spend in school (elementary school that is), I realize that teaching is not just making a cute lesson plan and assessing students' knowledge.

It's determining if a student needs to see the nurse, or if they're lying to you.
It's determining if a student needs help with their home life.
It's making sure every student feels like they belong, no matter what their struggle is.
It's being a hero for a child who doesn't have one at home.
It's being the person they want to see and hug every day (and believe me hugs are endless).

It's also the duels with unhappy children as you try to help make their day better.
It's the tears on the playground as they are sure they're dying (they're not, I promise).
It's answering the tough questions like "why do I have to do this?" (they aren't fans of "because I said so").
It's having a smile on your face even when you feel terrible and just want to be at home in bed.
It's being able to say, "I'm doing this because its the best for you".
It's watching them pass hurdles they never thought they could overcome.
It's having your heart burst with joy.

And that is one school day.

image via

That's right: it isn't done in a year, but in a day. At all times, a teacher is fulfilling every single roll possible: education, parent, friend, mentor, and voice of reason. All within an 8 hour or so long school day.

If you think I'm joking, you didn't have the week I had.

As I'm currently working on my first unit plan for one of my classes, I realize how excited I am to share these lessons with my future classes. At the same time, I think about how my students last year and this year. Could they do this assignment? What if they had a bad day? Could x student do this, or would they need something else? Then, my brain floats away from the unit plan I'm supposed to be doing to "I wonder if this child is still acting up?" and "I hope this year is better for x, they deserve it". And let's not forget the "I saw so and so the other day and they looked so happy and confident, what a change from last year". To the "I'm so glad so and so finally passed their level of sight words they've been on for so long, I wonder how I can make learning them easier for her?" and "maybe we should try reading x book, maybe then they'll like reading more".

This is what makes me realize why I want to teach. It isn't because I want to be paid the big bucks (obviously). It's not because I want all the presents or the hugs in the world. Its because I want to serve my students and help make their lives better in some way.

That doesn't mean giving everyone a smiley face on every paper, either. This means challenging them. This means sitting with them for hours making sure they know their sight words, their math facts. That they have strategies to help them be successful as they come across tougher aspects of their education. It's holding their hand on a tough day and making sure they get the help they need.

As each day goes on, and I ask (ridiculous) questions as I continue my own education, I realize that teaching isn't for the lighthearted (or the person with the queasy stomach), it's for the person with the big heart. At the end of the day, when you're past all of your frustration points, that's what it takes: heart.

 with southern grace,

Lindsey

twitter | instagram | pinterest |  bloglovin' |

101 in 1001

Start: January 1, 2017

End: September 29, 2019

{via}

Professional: 

1. Finish my teaching program
2. Student Teach
3. Get my teaching licensure
4. Get a teaching job/contract
5. Pass my tests to become a teacher
6. Attend a professional conference
7. Start my master's degree
8. Learn CPR
9. Set up a virtual file for Word Study
10. Copy some math handouts
11. Update my resume
12. Keep a journal during practicums 
13. Keep a journal during student teaching 
14. Become certified with Hootsuite

Personal:

1. Save $5000
2. Get a puppy
3. Read 32 books (1 for each month)
4. Take a trip
5. Attend my sorority's 5th year anniversary celebration
6. Unplug from technology for 24 hours
7. Workout every day for 30 days
8. Go back to London/UK
9. Move into my own apartment
10. Sell some of my old Lilly clothes/clothes I don't wear
11. Buy a new computer
12. Watch a full baseball game
13. Run a mile
14. Run 2 miles
15. Run a 5k (does not have to be a race)
16. Attend a polo match
17. Go apple picking
18. Go ice skating
19. Drink 70 oz. of water every day for a week
20. Buy nothing for 30 days
21. Go on a hike
22. Blog 5 days a week for a month
23. Visit Charleston, SC
24. Go to CNU's Homecoming
25. Celebrate my friend's Medical School graduation
26. Visit Chicago again
27. Take a trip alone
28. Clean out my technology- computer, iPad, phone, and iPod
29. Give to CNU
30. Give to Alpha Delta Pi
31. Frame my college diploma
32. Clean my room
33. Write a handwritten letter, that is not a thank you note
34. Unsubscribe from all unwanted emails
35. Get to inbox zero on all of my emails
36. Make my bed every day for a week
37. Go one month without shopping
38. Make dinner with a friend
39. Get Invisalign/teeth straightened
40. Learn to a shoot a gun
41. Take a trip with a friend
42. Work on my Spanish
43. Pray more
44. Take a day for myself
45. Clean out my closet
46. Go kayaking with a friend
47. Take 5 minutes a day for myself for a month
48. Visit a zoo
49. Visit a new museum
50. Clean my car myself
51. Clean my bathroom once a week for a month
52. Celebrate best friend's graduation from college
53. Go camping
54. Hold a plank for 3 minutes
55. Clean out social media "friends"
56. Take my coins to the bank
57. Buy myself flowers
58. Watch a documentary
59. Go to a concert
60. Spend time in a park
61. Make my bed everyday for a month
62. Do a 30 day exercise challenge
63. Do PT exercises everyday for a month
64. Get a new doctor
65. Go to "Sunset Series"
66. Try paddle boarding
67. Have/go to a bon fire
68. Watch the sunrise with someone
69. Watch the sunset with someone
70. Have a day where I stay in bed all day
71. Walk 30,000 steps in a day
72. Plan outfits out for the next day the night before for a week
73. Cook someone dinner
74. Cook someone breakfast
75. Organize jewelry
76. Binge watch a show I haven't watched before
77. Get my t-shirt quilt made of my sorority and college t-shirts
78. Reach out to a sorority sister
79. Have a rainy movie day with a friend
80. Go to a fair
81. Go to the beach
82. Visit Harry Potter Studio Tour in England
83. Have a picnic
84. Pick up for 5 minutes a day for a month
85. Go on a ghost tour
86. Post to Instagram every day for a month

*1 month= 30 days, 1 week= 7 days