My Labor Days Past

When I was teaching 3rd grade, Labor Day (and basically all summer) was filled from sunrise to midnight with last minute preparations to receive my new students. I always took pride in creating an environment that promoted intellectual discovery and that was welcoming and safe.

The photo above shows just one corner of my classroom. You can see that I really encouraged reading by offering a comprehensive library of over 3,000 volumes. I'm lucky the fire inspector never visited. I'm certain I would have been required to get rid of the plant and the bright twinkling Christmas lights the children loved so much. They always wanted to do their studies under the lights.

Another teacher who was recently forced out as I was, asked me if I missed teaching...missed the Labor Day rush to be ready. I told her what she already knew, that she will especially miss the kids who were eager to learn and discover new things but will not miss the incompetencies of principals and administrators.

In my 15 years, I think I am proud of many accomplishments. A few include creating an environment that made my students (and parents) always feel welcomed, loved, unique, smart/capable, and appreciated. My carefully designed curriculum enhancements were unique, fun, relevant and challenging for my students. Of special note are my creations such as the 1,500 square foot garden I built for my students (you can see a photographic history at http://www.jefflowephotography.com self-published, 200 page interactive texts on sea life/whales, Santa Catalina Island and many more, as well as special units on wonderful literature and plays such as "Where The Red Fern Grows" and "Phantom of the Opera".

Some ask me if I miss teaching. My answer? I think you already know.