How this blog came to be...

    I am an enthusiastic teacher who absolutely loves kids.  I have taught for 19 years--mostly in middle school.  I began my teaching career as an elementary teacher, but found that I was especially drawn to language arts.  I made the switch to middle school because I wanted to specialize in teaching literature and writing.  In 2000, I began my career as a middle school language arts teacher.  When I tell people I teach middle school, I get responses such as:  "Oh, I'm so sorry!"  or "You must be a saint!"  I absolutely love the 11-14 age group.
      My family and I have lived in Jacksonville, Florida since 1996 and I had my "dream job" at a local middle school. Just this summer, though, I had to unexpectedly leave the classroom.  You see, my husband is in the U.S. Navy and will soon be transferring to Japan.  Because an entire squadron from Coronado is being relocated, my family and I will be in San Diego for a few months to prepare for the overseas transfer.  We will be in Japan for approximately 2 1/2 years and then plan on returning home to Jacksonville.
     Leaving my school and my students (because I teach 6-8 grade and have the same students throughout their middle school years) was heartbreaking to me.  Because the news of our move came over summer break, I was upset that I wouldn't get to give my students a proper goodbye.  Luckily, with the help of some wonderful parents, news spread and we had a social event at a local yogurt shop. I was overwhelmed with how many parents and students came to say goodbye.
     One of my parents suggested that I start a blog about my experiences in Japan.  I thought that was a great idea.  In the meantime, I am temporarily in a beautiful new city, Coronado, and have started a new adventure of my own--designing lessons and projects for other teachers to use via www.teacherspayteachers.com.  When I arrive in Japan, I plan on teaching English to Japanese students and possibly working in a Department of Defense School.  One thing is for sure, with these new experiences, I am sure to further enhance my teaching skills.