Last week, I posted about my big move from teaching K3-K5 Special Ed in urban Milwaukee to being an Elementary Special Ed teacher in a small, rural community. As I reflect on my move and look ahead to the future, I've come up with 5 things I will really miss about teaching urban.
1) Target
When I start my new position the closest Target store is over an hour away!!! What am I going to do without the Dollar Spot? I have spent a lot of time searching Target for the perfect supplies and materials to create perfect supports, crafts, and parent gifts for my students in the last 3 years. My wallet will probably be most thankful for the move.
2) Anonymity
I lived near to my school in city sense, but in reality, it wasn't really that close. Because of this, I knew I could go to Target or the grocery store and not have to worry about running into students of parents when I looked like the crypt keeper or was in a hurry. In a small town, I will not be so lucky.
3) Diversity
The area we are moving to is where I grew up. It lacked diversity when I was growing up. While better now, it is still not at the level of a large city. I loved the diversity in my classroom. I had students who were of all different races, origins, and backgrounds. I loved researching, studying, and teaching different cultural holidays or celebrations. I loved the feeling of not always being comfortable and challenging myself to better understand students and families who were not like me.
4) Vast Resources
I am moving to a district that is very supportive and collaborative, but it still will not be the same as being in a large district with over 100 elementary schools. I worked with a great team in my immediate school, but also had access to disability specific support teachers, people employed to just help with IEP issues, and other experts. On top of that, I had monthly meetings just with other Early Childhood Special Education teachers in my geographical area to discuss changes, collaborate, and support each other.
5) My Students
While this shows up in the last spot, it's more because it's hard to write about. I will miss my students so much. I love teaching these kiddos for the last 3 years and never turned a new one away. I loved watching how much they grew and learned. I loved watching their confidence begin to grow and develop as they realized they could learn. I will also greatly miss teaching K3 students. My new district does not have a K3 program and I will miss these little learners. alot
Even with all of this reflecting on things I will miss, I have also found 3 things that I am excited about teaching rural now.
1) Community Involvement
A small community is invested in its schools because these are their kids, their neighbor's kids, their cousins and so on. There is not another school for 20-30 miles, so you know kids in this community are going to this school. The community support has already amazed me. I'm excited to be apart of this new school community. As we've been moving and visiting to plan our move, I have gotten so many warm wishes and congratulations from community members.
2) Family Support
This one is personal. While living in the city, my husband and I didn't have much family support. Once we had our daughter, we truly realized that we were missing out on this. We are excited to be back by both of our extended families so our daughter can have that family support and interaction.
3) My New Students
I can't wait to meet my new students. I love challenges and the idea of having new grades and new students makes me nervous, anxious, and giddy. I can't wait to take the time to build relationships with new kiddos and learn how to help them learn best.
Kelsey
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