After-school activities = a must

There are a few pieces of advice I would give to a new teacher coming in to a new school...one of those being GET INVOLVED.

I think part of the reason I'm having such a positive experience is because I got involved in extracurricular activities right away at my school. I was coaching softball right away from the time I got to my school, and now I'm full swing into basketball. It is SO NICE to have something to go to after school that isn't directly related to the classroom. It is a great reprieve from the typical day because even though you're still in charge of students, they are not confined to a classroom and they are doing something they love!

Being out on the field or the court with my students is also nice because I get to interact with them on such a different level. A lot of them act very differently after school than at school, and it is really fun to see them open up and be able to joke around with them a little bit. It's also nice to be able to have more of a personal impact on the girls. I think more life-lessons can be taught from a coaching perspective than in a classroom.

I have definitely had many memorable moments with my players that I'll never forget!

It has also been nice to be involved for the sake of getting to know parents and other faculty members. I have met so many more parents, faculty, and staff members because of being a part of extracurricular activities. ALL of the teachers and students know me because I can be seen outside of the classroom. I think I've earned a certain amount of respect for being around outside of school for different activities. I wouldn't have it any other way, though. I need it, and I LOVE IT!!!