Being an ACAD teacher

I was sitting in a college class flipping through my catalogue when I came upon a page listing the course requirements to be a Gifted/Talented teacher. I had never know you needed a certificate to teach G/T, but I knew immediately that I would earn that certificate. It became my goal.

I couldn't earn it with my BA because it was Master's level only. After my first year teaching, I signed up for the G/T program in my district through BYU. I asked my principal if he'd support me teaching G/T (our school didn't have a program) if I got certified. With his support, I attended classes every Monday for two years. Then, I earned my certification.

And they didn't start the program. For three years I asked to be start a G/T program, and for three years I was told no. Then, the district finally stepped in and said we would do it, and they decided to ask another teacher to get certified to teach it.

I applied at another school. I was hired, and given not only the G/T program, but yearbook, debate, department chair, and data specialist.

And this morning, I was once again reminded that this was the BEST move for me.

We finished reading a book, Nothing but the Truth. This books makes you angry. It doesn't end in any way happily. And I loved my students' reactions. They were angry! They understood the end and understood the implications of the characters' actions. And they could say, "That ending is awful, but I like it."

That makes an English teacher's soul so very, very happy.

I wasn't going to do a lot with the book. I was just using it to fill some space since my students are so far ahead of other classes. But, now I'm going to be a week behind because I can't just let it end today. I am so excited about my activities next week and the discussions I'll have with these kids.

Could this happen in a regular classroom? Yes. But it is far less likely that I'd have time for a "side-project" like this when we have to go so much slower through things.

I've been using really old copies of this book, since I've never used it for a whole class before. Three of the books are now in three separate pieces. I'm going to invest in a full classroom set now. This morning was totally worth it.

Once again, my soul is happy.