LOL. You are too funny! It is quite sad though..I had an 8th grader last year who could read at a late K-early 1st grade level..:( my heart broke for her

I passed my LAST state requirement! I've been teaching with a temp. certified here in the city for the last 3 years but now my perm. state certification paperwork can go through!

This last requirement was a videotaped lesson. Talk about stressful. It'd being phased out by the state and I can see why!!

Congratulations!

As for making a difference: When I taught 1st grade, it was easy to see. I taught at an inner city school in Dallas. I really enjoyed working with the kids. The majority came into school on the first day not knowing how to do anything! And to hear/see them reading and writing at the end of the year made me feel great.

With middle school and high school, I don't think you see the impact that you make quite so easily. I know I had secondary teachers who got me interested in certain subjects or books and they may not have even realized it. I think the impact we make is further down the road and a little bit quieter.

I have worked with several teachers who decided to go into education "later". Just get ready for culture shock. lol

#1 - Your "Half-hour Lunch" in reality is only about 20 minutes.

#2 - The kid who drives you craziest all year will have perfect attendance. (Mom doesn't want him/her home either.)

#3 - The above mentioned kid will also be the one you miss the most the next year.

#4 - If you have a "bad" kid in your room, don't pray that he will move. If he does move, you run a 95% chance of getting a new kid who is worse. (That happened to me.)