Mel's Box of Chocolates

Next year, I will be taking on a new role within my classroom as the teacher for an accelerated program. In order to be qualified, I am currently working on earning my certificate as a Gifted and Talented Teacher. If you don't know, I absolutely LOVE learning new things and just completing two classes this semester have learned so much about highly able learners and how I must alter my instruction to meet their needs. I created this video as part of a project in which I was to present my understanding of the professional learning and ethical practice as a gifted and talented educator. After much research and reflection this is what I created...

This spring break we went big. European vacation BIG! My brother and his family have been stationed in Rota, Spain for the past three years. We've always planned on visiting and since they are preparing to return stateside this summer it was now or never. So off to Spain we went! We started on a plane... Then switched to a train... We had 10 days of action packed adventures and the best part we got to share it all with my brother, sis-in-law, nieces, nephews!! The day after we arrived in Spain, we jumped on a ferry and actually headed to Africa. My sister-in-law had booked us a trip to visit Tangier, Morocco. We had an amazing time with Jamal our tour guide showing us around. We got to take a camel ride along the beach which was incredible. We got to enjoy mint tea and a delicious cake with argon oil as well as a lamb tangine. The rug shops and markets were interesting as we bartered our way through purchases. I don't know what I expected Morocco to be like, b...

This year is my 10th year of teaching. Where did the time go? I've taught both 3rd and 5th grade throughout the years and enjoyed both. Next year though I'm trying something new! I've been hired as the teacher for a brand new accelerated program within my school. I will be teaching an ELA and math class of mixed 4th and 5th grade students. Since the program is new there is much to be done, which is both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. As the teacher of this program, I have to go back to school to earn my certificate as a gifted and talented teacher. Being a lifelong learner, I could not wait to start my graduate classes and I'm happy to say that I'm halfway through the first two of five classes I must complete. I have already learned so much!! I won't lie though. It's been quite challenging balancing being a graduate students, college teacher, and 3rd grade teacher along with wearing the mom and wife hat. But, I know it will be worth it....