I’ve been asked quite a few times by various people, “So, do you like the new job as an ITRT?” Overall, I think it’s been a great fit for me and had a fantastic year! Not to be a Negative Nancy, but here are a few things that I’ve missed this past year:
- My own set of kids. Wow, I knew I’d miss the kids, but this was tough! Not having my own community of learners to call my own was probably one of the hardest parts of the year.
- A grade level team. I miss having a close connection with the teachers on my grade level. It’s difficult to be a “lone wolf” and not have a team at your building.
- My old school. Before becoming an ITRT, I worked at an awesome school with fabulous folks (admin, teachers, students). It was hard to leave that environment that was home to me for many years. (But, luckily I was placed at another great school with the new job.)
- Recess. OK, not that major, but I missed being able to get outside for part of my day. I always enjoyed the fresh air and watching the kids play.
On the whole, the positives of the job have outweighed the things I missed and I’m happy with the change. It’s been a refreshing change of pace and a good challenge to stretch me!
Alison Harper 