I Am Your Plan Break: My 37 years as a Public School "Specials" Teacher

THE ONE WHERE I CHOSE TO WORK PART TIME 1995-1996 *Wichita Public Schools: Earhart Environmental Magnet  K-5 Library 1995 School Year Photo  I made the right decision to cut back to a part time contract so I could be home part of the time with 3 year old Logan and 6 month old Lane. One thing I did not consider before I had accepted my new job at Earhart Environmental Magnet was the earlier starting time of 8:00 AM. It was also a 30 mile round trip. Fitness has always been a part of Brads and my lives and I remember that he and I would take turns getting up at 4:30 AM so that we could exercise. I have always felt that my working out in the morning made me an energetic teacher. Back in the mid 1990’s magnet schools were a pretty awesome experience. Students had to apply to be accepted and parents had to buy into the curriculum. Some schools were considered neighborhood magnets which met that if you lived in the area your child would automatically attend that school. I think my ...

THE ONE WHERE I WAS PREGNANT WITH MY SECOND CHILD 1994-1995: Wichita Public Schools: Peterson K-5 Library 1994-1995 School year photo where I was VERY pregnant The 1994-1995 School Year started out with the entire district attending a presentation by Dr. Jesse Jackson. He was a good speaker but his presentation was a little too political for my liking. I realized that as a Conservative/Republican/Educator my “beliefs” were not the norm for my profession. Most of my best friends are Liberal/Democrat/Educators. I am respectful of their beliefs and they are respectful of mine. I also knew that it was important for me to be a member of our Teachers Union called United Teachers of Wichita.  In the fall of 1994 Library Media Services asked Linda Paul and Meg Schimmels and myself  to be a part of a live TV show produced by USD 259. We discussed the benefits of Flexible Library Scheduling and then took calls from our viewers. I was honored that Mary Schumacher, Director of Library Me...