On the Other Side of the Blackboard

Just a few months after losing my teaching contract, I started to write down all thechanges that I was facing. In all honesty, I was a creature of habit. I always hadeverything ready for work the following day. From my lesson plans, clothes, lunchand supplies. My dear friends, Myrna Almas and Gonzalo Moraga were graciousenough to store all my precious teacher supplies until a job would come my way.I dont know what I would have done without Don Campbell, another great friend.He became my editor in chief, technology guru and dear friend throughout thisadventure. I must say that my first few months were difficult and unfamiliar. I trulydid not think that I would be able to make it, either financially or emotionally. Witha mortgage, car payment, and insurance to worry about, I began my adventuresin substitute teaching. It has turned out to be both a blessing and a learningexperience. An experience that took me out of my box and into the lives of children,parents, administrators and teachers that I would have never met otherwise. Mostimportantly, I learned that I can still touch a childs life even if I am on the otherside of the blackboard.