TBA'S OPEN HOUSE FUN - MONDAY MEET ME!

Hey y'all . . . it's Open House on TBA!  This week is going to be filled with lots of goodies from oodles of different bloggers.  So, grab a beverage, get comfy, and pony up to your computer for some awesome linky fun :)

Many of you already know a little bit about me . . . but, let me open up that crazy Dolling book just a bit more for ya today.  (Please note, you have been warned . . . hehehehehe!)

I am a first grade teacher in Northern Cali.  This is my 6th year as a teacher and it "fills me up" each and every day.  During these glorious six years, I have taught a round in K and 2nd, but my heart is in first.  

Let's see . . . I am 32 (knockin' on 33's door) and have a wonderful hubs that keeps me giggling and grinning.  I am one lucky lady.  We have not YET been lucky enough to be blessed with kiddos of our own, so our dog has masterfully taken the spot of "baby" in our home!  We heart Tilly :)

Staying on the personal side of things, my favorite color is red, pizza absolutely rocks my socks (although it ain't on my doctor mandated GF/Diary Free diet), and I have a random love affair with rodeos.  Don't ask me why, but I dig 'em so!  If I could only shop in one store for the rest of my life, I would pick J. Crew without hesitation.  Football consumes my life in the fall (NFL and College) - you will hear me hootin' and a hollerin' most weekends - and I am playing in TWO fantasy leagues this year.  Hot and tropical are my favorite types of vacations, but one of these days I hope to make it to Prague, Portugal, and Spain. Someday . . . sweet Europe . . . someday . . . 

On a more school note, there are a couple sides to me.  But, I really ain't all that complicated.  I must first admit that I am known as the "crazy teacher" or the "loud one" on campus.  One student this year didn't even know my name because he and his family (I teach with his grandmother) referred to me as the wild one all last year.  He still kinda just grins at me when he needs something.  

Despite this rep, my teaching style can be summed up by the three f's . . . firm, fair, fun.  My kids know I mean business and you bet your bum that I make them tow the line, but I am lovin' them up every chance I get.  We are a team in good old Room 13 and my goal is to help them become awesome independent learners.  

Oh, yeah . . . and my marketing background (1st degree and 5 years in the field before returning to Chico State to get my credential) helps me sell the "sizzle" of each and every lesson.  I am all about disguising learning as play every chance I can get.  Emotion drives long-term learning . . . and fills your room with contagious smiles.  It's the best way to go in this educator's book :)

What a life we get to lead, huh?  Teaching.  What a magical journey.

Thanks for visiting sweet friends.  Be sure to check out the fun over on TBA this week.  I will see you soon with results from the Top Teacher Fantasy Football Draft (there are 13 fantastic bloggers participating in this year's fun).