First month as a Middle School teacher part 1

Well, I am about to start my fourth week teaching Special Ed at a middle school in the Central Valley. This is only my third year teaching - a second career for me. My preliminary California credential is in the works after two years on an intern credential. I graduated in 1988 with a degree in Business Admin. and a focus in Marketing. Now I am in my third year of an internship program in Special Education, working towards a master's degree and considering a double credential in Mild to Moderate and Moderate to Severe Special Education. This all began just before my 40th birthday. This is much more than just a mid-life crisis; it is a whole new journey in a totally different field for me.

Four years ago I was entering the work force full time again after taking some time off to be a stay-at-home mom with my wonderful children. My youngest was going to be starting Kindergarten and my oldest starting High School the following year and so I was looking at going back to work for a career, not just a paycheck. After less than a year back in the accounting field, I decided that I did not want to continue in that field. I wanted to do something more life changing, something that would make more of a difference in the world. I wanted to grow and learn. I also wanted to use my life experiences more. Being a parent for more than 13 years had taught me much about children, learning and how the two are connected. I also had gone through many life changing experiences that made me reevaluate my priorities, goals, passions and values. God had brought us through some tough times, many changes, and some incredible growing experiences and now it was time to find out where He was planning on taking us next. What did he have planned for me, Ron and our family?