My name is Kelly Getz. I graduated from Bloomsburg University with a BSBA (Marketing) in 2002. Afterwards I had several jobs, but never landed the career of my dreams. I began to question my career path and desired to go back to school to become a teacher.
In the summer of 2009, I returned to Bloomsburg University as a graduate student in the Elementary Education Department. While in school, I worked as an aide in a co-taught classroom for one year. I also received an emergency permit to substitute teach. I continued to substitute in several districts as I completed my program. In the fall of 2011, I received my Master’s in Education (K-6).
Since then I have been substituting at Shenandoah Valley Elementary. While I do work every day, I am not full-time (as they eliminated that position due to budget cuts). Considering my position, I have the privilege of working with students at all grade levels in all subject areas.
I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE my job, but unfortunately I cannot afford to substitute much longer. I know that I made the right choice in changing my career path, and I would really hate to have to leave this most rewarding career due to financial reasons.
I have been taking reading specialist and ESL courses through Wilkes University since last spring. In April, I received my ESL certification and was recently certified in Language Arts 7-12. I am continuing to pursue a second master’s in the reading program. I am looking forward to continuing my education and learning new techniques so that I can pass these skills onto the students I work with daily.
Besides teaching and taking classes (2 this summer), I have three wonderful children that keep my husband and I extremely busy! Of course most my time enters around them and running to dance class, soccer, basketball, or cheerleading . I also have a 12 year old Jack Russel, Zoie (my baby), a 5 year old Husky, Echo, and a cat, Meeko. Additionally, next week I will begin teaching at the ESL After-school Program at my school.
Even though I am a substitute, I still infuse my own creativity into the lessons that I am teaching. Working in a small school has allowed me to develop relationships with all of the teachers, so I am aware of their expectations. With this in mind, I utilize Google, Pintrest, and Teachers Pay Teachers to locate resources and activities to hold in my "bag of tricks" for when the occasion arises. I have also had a short term assignment in Kindergarten last year and 2nd grade this year, so I was able to use those resources more during those times.
During both of these short term assignments, I worked with a co-teacher in an inclusion classroom. It was nice having someone to share ideas with and work collaboratively with on developing lessons.
At this point, the biggest challenge I face when incorporating new ideas is ensuring that the new concept is fitting for the particular group of students. Even though I know all of the students in the school, I do not work with the same group everyday. .
I look forward to working with all of you this semester!
Hey, Kelly
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are a very busy person. I admire you for taking on all the classes you have. I think that your biggest challenge may end up being a huge asset. You will be well prepared when you get a permanent position.
-Kirsta
Thank you!
DeleteHI, Kelly,
ReplyDeleteBeing a lifelong student and a wife and parent tells me that you must be very organized! I don't know how you do all of the juggling, but admire you for that. I graduated from Bloomsburg long ago when it was called Bloomsburg State College. I can't believe how much it has grown!
I have been involved with co-teaching for many years and love it. Bouncing ideas around and teaching collaboratively has helped me grow as a professional. Plus, like you right now, you probably get to see a variety of teaching styles by substituting in various grade levels, which expands one's thoughts on best practices. All of your certificates and experiences should open up doors soon.
I'm looking forward to sharing ideas during this class.
Deb Black
Yes, substituting has certainly been the greatest learning experience thus far.... I am just very eager to finally find a permanent position. I am hopeful about one and expecting to hear something soon... fingers crossed!
DeleteKelly,
ReplyDeleteYou are certainly doing what you can to make yourself as qualified as possible for your future permanent position! I admire your work ethic as you prepare for your substituting assignments.
This is my last class in this program, but just this spring I discovered the ESL certificate through Wilkes. After some time off from classes (I've knocked out 45 credits in the last four years.) I think I may experiment with that program. I've seen how IEP modifications can benefit all of my students and wonder how learning about ESL could help all of my students, as well as the ESL students.
Troy Snyder
The ESL program through Wilkes is definitely a great program. I was able to immediately implement the strategies that I learned through these courses. Congrats on finishing your program!
DeleteKelly,
ReplyDeleteGood luck finding a full time position. With all you've done it will come soon. As a substitute it can be difficult to incorporate your style. Usually there is a plan already set up for you and you can't deviate from that. Being full time will give you the freedom to do your own thing.
Good Luck!
Don