tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post6142807732742472429..comments2024-03-25T22:38:39.934-07:00Comments on THERESA'S TALES: Something of ImportanceTheresa Milsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-63398199432295627542012-01-13T04:50:02.586-08:002012-01-13T04:50:02.586-08:00@ Susanna, sweet words. There are a lot of excell...@ Susanna, sweet words. There are a lot of excellent teachers out there. Since I'm rarely the lead teacher, but supporting cast, I think their memory of me won't last. Hopefully the lessons do.<br /><br />@ Lora, if my husband didn't make more $, I wouldn't be able to stay in education. It's bittersweet.<br /><br />@ Margo, thanks. It's all about the connections, isn't i?<br /><br />@ Samantha, it is a pretty school. That window near the top overlooks for miles.<br /><br />@ Rachel, treasure it. There's so much politics and competition in schools. <br /><br />@ Christina, behaviorally challenging kids must create burnout. I have a friend who taught severely autistic kids. She could only do it for so long. I'm doing moderate disabilities--much easier!<br /><br />@ KarenG, like that Seinfeld episode, I'm living in a Bizarro World. <br /><br />@ Medeia, I appreciate the finger crossing--I need it!Theresa Milsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-15974912523823937012012-01-12T18:37:47.599-08:002012-01-12T18:37:47.599-08:00@ Nicki, thanks.
Yes, time is flying!
@ The Go...@ Nicki, thanks. <br /><br />Yes, time is flying!<br /><br />@ The Golden Eagle, aww, thank you!<br /><br />@ Susan, I'm glad your friend's son is getting help. By high school, I think some kids get lost.<br /><br />@ Robyn, thank you. I appreciate your support.<br /><br />As for your mojo, we're workin' on it at Write On to Build On.<br /><br />@ JL, money isn't everything, but it helps! Good thing my husband pays the majority of the bills or I couldn't even afford to work in education anymore.<br /><br />@ Denise, I agree. I'm lucky my husband helps support our family because my salary isn't cutting it.<br /><br />@ Mary@GigglesandGuns, thanks. I really like working with special education kids. I'll see where it leads.<br /><br />@ Tara, thanks for thinking of me. I never thought I'd have to fight this hard to break into this field. I'm glad I'm working in a new town--it's given me a new perspective.Theresa Milsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-2757029131171850092012-01-12T15:00:39.582-08:002012-01-12T15:00:39.582-08:00No matter how hard things get in education, I cher...No matter how hard things get in education, I cherish moments like these.<br /><br />You're doing a great job. I hope you get paid what you're worth in the future (crossing my fingers for a better economy).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-71993668143561202632012-01-12T14:34:29.460-08:002012-01-12T14:34:29.460-08:00I just can't get past the fact that people wit...I just can't get past the fact that people with masters degrees are working as aides in the classroom. Seems upside down somehow.Karen Jones Gowenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01153821980625034810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-41368627652711971072012-01-12T14:20:37.376-08:002012-01-12T14:20:37.376-08:00@ Sharon, administration wants us floating so it&#...@ Sharon, administration wants us floating so it's not clear whom we're supposed to work with. I am lucky because the classroom teacher honors that. Not all of them do.<br /><br />@ Michael, thanks for visiting me from the future. I can't believe you called those parents ingrates! The funny thing is, for Christmas none of the kids I technically work with in the class gave me gifts. Many of the other kids did. <br /><br />@ Carol, third back door is a charm, right? (In all fairness, the first door did offer me a job, but my daughter was still little and I didn't want to work full time yet). Thanks for your nice words.<br /><br />@ Joanne, you're sweet. It's definitely nice to be liked.<br /><br />@ Alleged Author, thank you. I definitely enjoy this job more than I would have believed this past summer.<br /><br />@ Nicole, thank you. When I worked part-time when my kids were small, I was the only certified aide. How they interact with the kids and their comfort level when leading a group is so different from a teacher. Right now, all the aides I work with are certified teachers. <br /><br />@ Talli, this job does let me work and write, since I'm not grading papers at home or writing lesson plans. All my work (for the most part) is done at school. I'd better take advantage of this writing time while I have it.<br /><br />@ Vicki, thank you. There are times when I'm treated like less by other employees because of my job title. In those demoralizing moments, I remind myself that my circumstance has to do with a couple of choices and bad timing more than my capability. <br /><br />@ Hilary, we're probably in a similar situation. We're with two groups who often get dismissed because of their ages and we need a lot of patience to deal with them sometimes!Theresa Milsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-89442922567298305382012-01-12T13:59:26.576-08:002012-01-12T13:59:26.576-08:00@ Nas, I hope you're right. Right now, I just...@ Nas, I hope you're right. Right now, I just hope they're learning.<br /><br />@ Romance Reader, I wish I did too. <br /><br />@ Missed Periods, thank you. As a child, I learned it wasn't enough to tell the information. I'd sit there lost in math because there was only one way of presenting the material. I'm glad there are more options now.<br /><br />@ LR, I was too! I struggled in math. They never explained the concepts behind the formulas. I think I also faded during many science lessons.<br /><br />@ Sarah, thank you. What a nice comment. I try.<br /><br />@ Coleen, thanks!<br /><br />@ LTM, thank you. It's not easy being an assistant, but I focus what I can do with the job.<br /><br />@ Cleemckenzie, some material compensation for all of this work would be lovely. Thanks for hoping on my behalf!<br /><br />@ Shannon, thank you. I'm sure you're a fabulous teacher. Your love of books shines through on your blog.<br /><br />@ Susan, if I can make them laugh and learn, I've done my job. <br /><br />@ LynNerdKelley, thank you. I appreciate it.<br /><br />@ Lynda, it's when they laugh at my but don't learn anything that I've done a bad job!Theresa Milsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-5947471432323886952012-01-12T10:42:22.311-08:002012-01-12T10:42:22.311-08:00Theresa, it might just take a special person like ...Theresa, it might just take a special person like you to hang in there. <br /><br />I burned out quickly teaching my type of classroom (emotionally and behaviorally challenged--they call it something different in every state), but there were others i really admired who had been teaching for years.<br /><br /> In my defense, I have now finally found my creative calling. But I'll bet those kids are glad you're there day in and day out. I still think about my kids from three years ago (when I left) and they have definitely left a permanent footprint on my heart!<br /><br />(((hugs)))Christina Leehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01799776834213400246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-34101735462664689082012-01-12T07:59:35.271-08:002012-01-12T07:59:35.271-08:00I love your "pants trick" for division! ...I love your "pants trick" for division! Perhaps I should try that ;-) I'm also really lucky with my job. My principal trusts me completely, which is awesome, and whenever I go to her with an idea/issue/suggestion she always has an open mind. I'm scared for when I have to leave one day because I doubt I'll get a better position than I have now!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06181241692016438730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-87295158878830317282012-01-11T23:50:24.931-08:002012-01-11T23:50:24.931-08:00What a cool teacher you are! You are doing somethi...What a cool teacher you are! You are doing something important and making an impact on lives! p.s. What a pretty school!Samantha Véranthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07446488761214047647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-52244960656902725342012-01-11T08:47:03.683-08:002012-01-11T08:47:03.683-08:00It is rewarding beyond the money, isn't it? I ...It is rewarding beyond the money, isn't it? I love that you have such creative solutions! I teach software classes where its really easy for my adults to doze off, get glazed eyes, or stay glued to their smart phone. So I love it when I come across an analogy or anecdote that gets them engaged. But I'm sure its a lot more fulfilling engaging the kids. Keep up the great work!Margo Berendsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03476308235642890474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-50739183430558550722012-01-11T07:59:18.019-08:002012-01-11T07:59:18.019-08:00and that's what counts. Sometimes what you ea...and that's what counts. Sometimes what you earn isn't just money. And when it is? It's probably time for a career change.Lorahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11721629115039897949noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-21078896168028636902012-01-11T07:49:50.355-08:002012-01-11T07:49:50.355-08:00You so are doing something important, Theresa! yo...You so are doing something important, Theresa! you are changing these kids' lives for the better. you are going to be the reason they succeed, and the teacher they look back on and say, "That was he best teacher i ever had!" It's unfortunate that the money doesn't match the importance of what you do, but there's a lot of satisfaction and pleasure in seeing these little people blossom into something they wouldn't have been without you :)Susanna Leonard Hillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17655630528649780363noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-50172757744055076572012-01-11T06:26:23.674-08:002012-01-11T06:26:23.674-08:00i was just thinking about you the other day, wonde...i was just thinking about you the other day, wondering how you were.<br /><br />sorry the job you want isnt there yet. <br /><br />you are obviously NEEDED elsewhere! way to go!<br />i've been in many similar situations, its awesome to help those who many give up on or dont have time for. sometimes showing you care is the biggest motivator!<br /><br />keep up the good work =)Tara Tylerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-13887996687527529872012-01-11T04:16:35.929-08:002012-01-11T04:16:35.929-08:00What you're doing is so important to those chi...What you're doing is so important to those children.You must know that they will draw on your influences for a lifetime,<br />Sometimes we accidentally find what we are truly meant to do.<br />Please keep up the good work.Mary@GigglesandGunshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07350818228268801008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-63201480769626241112012-01-10T23:26:28.023-08:002012-01-10T23:26:28.023-08:00Theresa, you know well that it just isn't alwa...Theresa, you know well that it just isn't always about the money. There's nothing quite like the feeling of doing something worthwhile! All the best to you in your situation. <br /><br />DeniseDenise Covey https://www.blogger.com/profile/07106490051555233439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-56707552432110156552012-01-10T18:55:08.849-08:002012-01-10T18:55:08.849-08:00Sounds like you know what you're good at and y...Sounds like you know what you're good at and you're making it work. Money definitely isn't everything. Satisfaction counts for a lot in my book.J.L. Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05666634455836834179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-41373278437397154932012-01-10T16:22:09.360-08:002012-01-10T16:22:09.360-08:00I have said this before. But. YOU ARE SO DANG AWES...I have said this before. But. YOU ARE SO DANG AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! < you. These kids will never forget you. I love the giggle factor. Wishing I had a teacher like you when I was there age.<br /><br />I'm proud of you, girlfriend. You have some lucky students. (((hugs))) <br /><br />*checks under rock for Mojo*Robyn Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17356555082768185840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-90484089574342856602012-01-10T14:55:24.816-08:002012-01-10T14:55:24.816-08:00You certainly are doing something important! I had...You certainly are doing something important! I had coffee just today with a friend whose son has an IEP. He's a freshman in high school so it's been a rough transition this year. She met with the school yesterday and found out they'll be giving him extra help, like extra teachers in his classrooms. My friend was so relieved and thankful to know he would have people helping her son with his struggles.Susan Fieldshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02433408456603462774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-780340574165146202012-01-10T14:41:14.522-08:002012-01-10T14:41:14.522-08:00You definitely are!You definitely are!Golden Eaglehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08721520451194318436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-80981123453669324052012-01-10T12:05:03.456-08:002012-01-10T12:05:03.456-08:00So cool. Those lucky kids. You're exactly whe...So cool. Those lucky kids. You're exactly where you're supposed to be.<br /><br />P.S. Is it really January already? Yipes!Nicki Elsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11412032684225126973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-49791542250181512022012-01-10T07:49:01.728-08:002012-01-10T07:49:01.728-08:00Hi Theresa .. sounds like you've got it taped ...Hi Theresa .. sounds like you've got it taped - good for you, because it's definitely not the easiest and if you didn't enjoy it - it would reflect everywhere and on everyone.<br /><br />I quite understand .. I have similar with the oldies - repeating things, but they're so pleased and chuffed that someone's paying attention .. and I've started writing stories on them or about their experiences - they love it.<br /><br />Good luck with all your hard work - I'm sure it will pay off in the long run ... <br /><br />Cheers to you .. even if only with a cup of tea .. HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-76802397124319630512012-01-10T07:00:20.081-08:002012-01-10T07:00:20.081-08:00You are amazing! Just keep reminding yourself of t...You are amazing! Just keep reminding yourself of that. Reaching kids isn't easy at the best of times, but you have a gift. There's definitely something to be said for a steady income. We all have to find a way through these hard times, and eventually we will all come out the other side, possibly with new skills and a new appreciation for what we can do.Vicki Tremperhttp://www.vbtremper.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-16670095254392156532012-01-10T05:21:41.138-08:002012-01-10T05:21:41.138-08:00Sometimes doing something that's important and...Sometimes doing something that's important and making you happy is worth its weight in gold! <br /><br />Sounds like you've found a good balance for the moment.Talli Rolandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04780882465745107715noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-4647623331982153372012-01-10T05:17:44.120-08:002012-01-10T05:17:44.120-08:00In our school system, teachers' aides are call...In our school system, teachers' aides are called para-pros. When my kids start a new school year and there is a para-pro with a teaching degree -- and especially a masters degree -- I am thrilled beyond words. Your contributions take your classroom to the next level in ways non-certified teaching aids can't. Commitment and passion for teaching go far, but your specific training is the key. I hope one day you have a classroom of your own, because I know you will soar in that role. But when that happens, I hope you're fortunate enough to have a Theresa Milstein-like aide as your wing man/woman!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01899768909313326172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801207462566510326.post-3708430975992963612012-01-09T18:50:11.390-08:002012-01-09T18:50:11.390-08:00Lord knows we need more people who are good at IEP...Lord knows we need more people who are good at IEPs and helping special needs children. I am glad you excelling, and, even better yet, enjoying what you are doing!!Alleged Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04869021184116123477noreply@blogger.com