I AM a teacher.

(click on the picture above and then perhaps once more for clear read) 

You may have heard me mention that I will not be back at my school next year. If you want to go here, you can see part of my story for how long I searched for this job and finally got the one I have. But, because I was hired after August, I was not guaranteed a contract for the following school year. It's bittersweet for me. This was my true "first" class. They were MINE - all the trials and tribulations, the whole class which wavered throughout the year from 18 to 16 to 17 to 19 students. All 19 students, even those in Special Education and those being retained, they all made strides this year. At times it took others to point out to me just how great their gains were and how much I actually had to do with it. While I was searching for end of the year items, I came across this. I related, having lived in NYC 5 years ago. However, I decided to write my own version. No matter where I go, and no matter how long it may take me to find another teaching job - I AM a teacher!