Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Transitions.


Yesterday, as I studied up on orthography and spelling instruction, I thought about all the new things I need to learn in making the transition from classroom teacher to instructional paraprofessional. The difference is greater than I anticipated. Working one to one or with a small group is all about individualization and spending time on the small parts that make up the whole, something that is very hard to do when faced with an entire classroom.

To tell the truth, I wasn't 100% sure what it meant to be a writing interventionist when I took this job. I thought it would be something like being a tutor, just helping students with specific pieces of writing. But I've discovered that it is really about helping students master the building blocks of good writing. For example, I'm studying up on orthography because I have a student who has real spelling issues that get in the way of effective communication. It's exciting for me to create a plan just for this student and be able to spend twenty minutes with her just on one skill, something I was never able to do as a classroom teacher.

As this year comes to a close, I look back and marvel at where I was this time last year, home with the kids and feeling anxious about becoming professionally irrelevant, and thinking about going back to work, but in a very abstract kind of way. And now here I am, with a job that is pretty much fits the picture of what I thought I'd want to do instead of returning to the classroom. As the year comes to a close, I continue to reflect on my transition and think about ways to grow into this new chapter of my professional life.

Happy holidays!

{Read more slices here!: http://twowritingteachers.wordpress.com/2014/12/23/write-share-give-its-sol-time-15/}

5 comments:

  1. It sounds as if you've made a wonderful start to this new position. Wonderful to hear that you're enjoying this new role. As you know the students more and more, it will probably become even more rewarding! Happy Holidays & Happy New Year, too.

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  2. You have settled in and certainly feel the satisfaction of continuing to make a difference in children's lives. Bravo! Happy New Year!

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  3. I have often thought about becoming an interventionist myself, so I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts. Happy holidays to you and yours!

    JenniferSweet Writing
    Life


    Mrs. Laffin's
    Laughings

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  4. Welcome back friend and good luck with your new job challenge. Sounds great! Hope you share something with my 2014 Video. Still not too late.

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