Credits

Author Biography

Jennifer Black
I Didn't Know I didn't know that years of school and a college degree would be of little consolation when facing a room of bright little eyes on the first day of school. I thought I was ready... I didn't know that five minutes can seem like five hours when there is idle time and an eight hour school day far too short for a well-planned day of teaching. I didn't know that teaching children was only a fraction of my job. No one tells you about the conferences and phone calls, faculty meetings and committees, paperwork and paperwork I didn't know that it took so long to cut out letters, draw and color pictures, laminate-all those for bulletin boards that were always "just there" I didn't know that I would become such a scavenger, and that teaching materials would feel like pure gold in my hands I didn't know that an administration and co-workers that support and help you could make such a difference I didn't know that there would be children that I loved and cared for and stayed up late worrying about, who, one day, would simply not show up, and that I would never see them again I didn't know that I can't always dry little tears and mend broken hearts. I thought I could always make a difference I didn't know that the sound of children's laughter could drown out the sound of all the world's sadness I didn't know that children could feel so profoundly. A broken heart knows no age. I didn't know that a single "yes ma'am" from a respectful child or a note in my desk that says "You're the best!" could make me feel like I'm on top of a mountain and forget the valleys I forged to get there I never knew that after one year teaching I would feel so much wiser, more tired, sadder and happier, all at once. And that I would no longer call teaching my job, but my privilege. 2007-2008 was my first year teaching, however I have always had a love and passion for children. I have been told that I am a jack of all trades, but a master of none. But I can now say I have a piece of paper that tells me I am a Masters of Education. I graduated from University of Phoenix in December 2006. Prior to that I received a BA in Graphic Design from the Art Insitute of Phoenix. I was born and raised in Arizona. In my free time I like to spend time with my daughter and family. I also like to scrapbook, window shop and home improvements.

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