In this pistachio colored house is where I teach! I took this picture today after running with my students in running club!
(I dress professionally when I teach! - I promise!)
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I’ve been pursuing this dream of becoming a teacher since I was in the third grade. I can’t believe that I am actually in a classroom, teaching my own set of students! I got to decorate my classroom; something I’ve been dreaming of since this dream of mine created a life of its own in my mind. I am beyond grateful that God has allowed my dream to come true; even beyond that, He’s blessed me with so many different gifts related to education and with an unbelievable school with an amazing community of people.
I never imagined that I would ever obtain a special education teaching credential, yet alone a Masters emphasized in special education. I have always wanted to teach at a low income school where I felt the students needed me the most; however, God placed me here at IME (http://imemexico.weebly.com/) , a school primarily for pastor’s and missionary’s children. These parents do not necessarily get to “shop” around for a bilingual school in their districts. This is one of the few bilingual schools here in Mexico City. Furthermore, I learned that I am one of the few trained teachers here at this school.
I’ve honestly tried to postpone writing this blog because I have experienced so many great moments that I have tried to collect all of them and write all of them here. However, day in and day out, these amazing moments are never ending and always a great surprise.
I shouldn’t compare schools in the state and my school here, but it’s so hard not to when IME has been beyond exceptional.
First of all, on my first and second day of school, I received gifts from my students! Within a week, I had the pleasure of meeting all of my student’s parents. On top of that, I was invited to their houses for dinner! Furthermore, I got to meet the other parents involved in the school. The parents are required to help in one way shape or form so that the school can continue running. Some of the parents who speak English teach various classes, and the other parents who speak primarily Spanish teach the elective and Spanish classes.
So many parents have extended so much grace and shared valuable knowledge about Mexico City with me. Mrs. Lisa and Mr. David welcomed with so much love on my first day. It happened to be their son and daughter’s first day as well! Furthermore, there were times where parents were concerned for my well being, they went out of their way to make sure I was safe. Mr. Dario, one of the parents and the security personnel for the school, walked me to my bus stop. He then had his son text me just in case I needed help during my trip home. Mrs. Violeta, one of the parents and teachers, drove me home because it was getting late. I couldn’t really give her directions, but I had my address on hand! I’ve also had a chance to share my testimony, my story, with Mr. Ray and Mrs. Erin, both parents and teachers at the school, on separate occasions. Mrs. Erin, one of the parents of one of my 5th graders, shared so many kind words, and honestly, I feel so privileged to be teaching and serving her son.
This past week, we had our parent-teacher conferences! I only had great things to say about each of my students! Mrs. Erika, one of the parents of my student, is a teacher at a local school here in Mexico. Being that she’s a fellow teacher, she pointed out all the things that I had done for my students. She noticed the time I took for lesson planning, creating the projects for my students, and the rubrics that I made. All her kind words took me by surprise because we were there to talk about her child, not me! :)
I currently teach mathematics, science, and spelling to my three 5th graders. They are such awesome students! I also teach physical education once a week! For those who know me well, I love to run! In one of the P.E. classes, the students did several abdominal exercises as well as other whole body toning exercises! The next day, I got a text from the director of the school saying, “I don’t know what you did with the kids yesterday, but they can hardly walk today! I keep hearing groans hahaha I say it’s a job well done. Keep it up! :)” Haha! The next day, even the parents were saying, “Keep up the good work!”
Talking with some of the students, I learned that one of the students had to leave his cross country team back in the states when God called his parents to Mexico. I loved cross country when I was in high school! Although I was not too fond of the after school practices, it’s the bond that my teammates and I shared as we trained together, ate together, stretched together, suffered together, and the list goes on! I asked a few students if they would be interested in joining, and a few showed some interest. This week has been the third week of practice, and the turn out has been awesome!! I’ve got several of the students, teachers, parents, and even dogs running twice a week! We are training for our March 19, 2017 Rock and Roll 11K! Wish us luck! 3
It seriously is a privilege to pour into these kids and these families. I’m not just saying that because i’m here, I truly mean it!
Thank you for reading! Please let a sister know that you’ve been here on this page by commenting!
Un abrazo y besos! 3