Making time for family

Ever since I was a little girl, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher. I had many wonderful teachers that inspired me to succeed academically and more importantly, learn how to LOVE learning. Teaching was what I was born to do. This I know to be true wholeheartedly! I love being in the classroom and I love the relationships that I have formed with my students. I still keep in touch with my students from my first year of teaching. For many years, teaching was more than just my passion, it was life! With Kyle working as often as he did, it was easy to spend every weekend developing fun lessons and spending hours revamping lessons and teaching methods. Once I became pregnant with Andrew, it was agreed that I would continue to teach and be a full-time working mom. A hefty title I know, but one I was prepared to handle and own! I knew that I would have to modify my commitment to the classroom as I had to put family first. I was optimistic that I could balance the two and not sacrifice my family for the sake of my teaching career.

After 8 years of teaching in the classroom, and absolutely loving it, the last 3 years have been a challenge. I have struggled to keep the balance of being a GREAT mom and wife and a GREAT teacher. While I was able to keep my professional commitments and excel in the classroom, my attention to my family and friendships was beginning to suffer and being neglected. And if you know me, you know that my family and friends are everything to me.

At the start of this school year, I spent an hour looking back at several of my blog posts and finished my session in tears. I realized that Andrew was going to be three this year and I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed at the thought of how fast this time has gone. At the end of every school year, I organize and host an Eighth Grade Promotional Ceremony for my students. Every year, I have the same conversation with my families that they can't believe how fast the time has gone. It seemed like just yesterday, their student was Andrew's age. I often received the same advice, "Enjoy it Mrs. Wallace, it goes by faster than you think! Trust me, my son/daughter is going to high school next year!" For many years, I shared the tears of joy and accomplishment but it wasn't until this year that this advice hit me hard and like a dagger, shot straight to the heart.

I believe that everything happens for a reason. The day that I had a near meltdown reminiscing over the early blog posts was the day that I was approached about a position in my school that allowed for flexibility and more time for family. And I wouldn't have to commute to Riverside on a daily basis anymore. I could still encourage my families and students but be more available to my family. It sounded too good to be true. The world of an ES (Education Specialist) was growing to be more and more appealing. With every conversation I had about transferring to this department from current ES's, I realized that it was a coveted position, one that I had to have! With determination and perseverance, I am delighted to announce that I have accepted an ES position. I am thrilled!

After thanking my family and friends for being "patiently impatient" with my career, I have decided to take a step back, step out of the classroom, and make more time for family. The thought of not being in the classroom and teaching my students the Wallace Ways in math or making ice cream for my states of matter unit saddens me. The thought of not being able to greet my kiddos in the morning with a fist bump and share in the stories of their lives, saddens me. However, the thought that Andrew is going to be three in 2 months and I can't believe that it literally went by in a blink of an eye, saddens me more. I know that there is always a place for me in the classroom but at this point in time, my family has to come first. I can always return to the classroom setting but I will never get back the years of my son's life, and hopefully more little Wallace's one day soon (soon people....don't be jumping to any conclusions...yet!)

I am excited to embark on this new adventure in my life. I don't know what the journey will hold or the challenges I will face but I know that I am making a decision that is best for my family. I am eternally grateful for the time I have had in the classroom. The memories, laughs, tears, and relationships that I have formed with my students, families, and co-workers are ones that I will forever hold dear in my heart. More importantly, I am very appreciative of the support and encouragement I have received from my families. Knowing that I would not be returning to the classroom next year to teach their child, my families have been wonderful and emphasized the importance of family. They have been so encouraging of my decision, further solidifying that being an ES is the next destined chapter in my life.

Many of you that read my blog have either been an influence in my professional career or have been a student or family that I have had the honor of teaching. Truly, it has been an honor and I am so thankful for the time I was able to spend teaching your child. Your support, encouragement, dedication, and creativity have helped mold me into the teacher I am. To my classroom teacher pals, thank you for your love and support you have shown me in my career. Your friendships and guidance have proven to be invaluable. I am certainly a better educator thanks to the influence and encouragement you showed me. And above all, to my family and friends, thank you for loving me and being patient with the demands that were placed upon you. I am so thankful for your kindness and for the time and sacrifices you made. My hopes are that my next post will be of excitement and raving reviews of my finally being able to find the balance between my personal and professional life. I am confident and excited to know that it will happen...soon! From the bottom of my heart to everyone, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Courtnie Wallace
Wife, Mom, Daughter, Friend, Classroom Teacher turned Education Specialist

Dream Team Reunion

After starting the Mosaic Program 6 years ago,  I have taught 5th-8th grade. I have had many teachers move to other grade levels or accept positions elsewhere. For the last 3 years, I have had the honor of working with the most cohesive, same goal-oriented group of women. When we first began our partnership as the 7th/8th grade combo, Lindsey was the only teacher with children. Now, we have quite the crew!

We have realized that oftentimes we have to make choices and sacrifices for our family. This year, three out of the four of us have decided that this would be our last year as a Mosaic Middle School teacher. Not wanting to lose touch, or separate these kiddos- as we are a small family in itself, we have organized get togethers with the kids...and mommies too!

 

My team teacher Lindsey and I were given a celebrity name from our students: Wallister. This picture is pretty accurately described as little Wallisters! Not to mention that Andrew has taken quite a liking to these little ladies! Boy, I am in trouble!