Meet a Blogger Monday: Tamara Russell
Winners from last week's post: Tiffani O'Quest Mugurussa, Valerie from Georgia Grown Kinders, Kristen Baumgartner-Poindexter, Karen Miraglia-Stamp, and Patty Rutenbar. Ladies, I've emailed you all (from Punchtab), so let me know if you don't receive a message! ([email protected])
About
Grade: 1st GradeLocation: Groveland, FL
Blogging for: 8 months
Teaching for: 17 years
Other Grades Taught: 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th, & her National Board Cert.!
Links
Blog: Mrs. Russell's RoomTPT Store
Facebook Page
What do you like best about the grade you teach? Least?
"First graders are lots of fun! They are super sweet! They make me smile with their eagerness to learn! Teaching first is one of the hardest grades to teach because everything is about the proper foundation. That makes it tougher."What are your strengths as a teacher? Weaknesses?
"I am incredibly creative and relational. My students love the resources that I make for them, and their parents really like me too! :) Sometimes, because I am so wrapped up in creating things...I can forget small details." :(If you could change only one thing about your classroom, what would it be? (more room is obvious... haha)
"I wish I had more storage containers for my intermediate level books that I can't use right now because I'm back in first."How much time do you spend planning? How often?
"I spend about 20 hrs. per week in creating resources, cutting, laminating and or planning for the week ahead."What's the one part of your job that you dislike the most?
"It's hard when the demands on my time are for things that I do not enjoy...pointless meetings, etc."How do you see your role of "teacher" changing in the next 5 years?
"I think that common core is going to really change how students learn...especially in K and 1. Teachers have to be flexible and willing to adapt and change with the new demands on our profession. In our state we not only have to adapt to the new standards, but also to a new teacher evaluation system and performance based pay. It's a very stressful time for a lot of educators."If you had the chance to add a certification (or skill) to your list of credentials, what would it be?
"I would add a Reading Endorsement, and a Gifted Certificate."If you weren't in education, what would you be doing?
"I would be Eponine in the Broadway Revival of Les Mis!" :)Favorite Quote:
"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires."
Morning person or night owl?
"Night Owl" How do you keep your sanity? Or do you?
"Coffee and quick two day trips to ANYWHERE with my sweet husband, Chris."The most valuable piece of teacher advice I've received...
"Your happiness in the workplace is contingent on you. Find a way to be happy no matter what. " :)Some of Tamara's Products I like:
Close Reading: Chick & Duckling
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Giveaway Time!
I hope you all have enjoyed getting to know Tamara! She's become a great blog buddy.
Now it's time for a giveaway. 2 winners will receive Tamara's Marvelous Morning Work and my Umbrella Clipart Set! All you need to do is enter via the PunchTab box below. The giveaway will end tonight (Monday) at midnight (Pacific time), so be sure to enter before then! Good luck! I'll announce the winners in next week's post.
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Giveaway Time!
I hope you all have enjoyed getting to know Tamara! She's become a great blog buddy. Now it's time for a giveaway. 2 winners will receive Tamara's Marvelous Morning Work and my Umbrella Clipart Set! All you need to do is enter via the PunchTab box below. The giveaway will end tonight (Monday) at midnight (Pacific time), so be sure to enter before then! Good luck! I'll announce the winners in next week's post.
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