Meet the Teacher Monday

I am linking up with other bloggers over at Blog Hoppin. Here is a little more about me!

Tell us a little something about you...

My name is Luanne Lewis. I teach kindergarten at a Core Knowledge Magnet School. I am married to a 8th grade American History teacher and we have one 4 1/2 year old daughter named Amelia and a daughter due in December. I was born in upstate NY but moved to Florida a long time ago. I graduated from Florida Southern College in 1999.

How long have you been teaching?

This is my 13th year of teaching! WOW. I guess time does fly when you are having fun. I have always taught at my current school under the same principal so I feel right at home. My first 5 years I taught in a self contained varying exceptionalities classroom. I loved it but I felt like an island out to sea and I wanted more collaboration and support. I was feeling burned out after having the same students year after year and I wanted a change. When an opening in kindergarten came up- I jumped at the chance to make a change but still stay at my beloved school. This is my 8th year teaching kindergarten. I am sure that one day I will go back to being a special ed teacher, but for now I just LOVE kindergarten and my kindergarten team. During the summer I teach extended school year (summer school for students with disabilities) so that helps me stay connected to my special ed teacher roots. 

What are you looking most forward to this school year?

I have decided to start the Daily 5 in my classroom. It will be pretty modified at first until I get up to speed. I am excited because I have reduced the "fussiness" of my literacy centers (which is less planning and less "fluff" for my students). I think that by using the Daily 5 my students will be more focused on the learning goals I they need to achieve each week. We will see how it all works out. I have been bookmarking ideas from other bloggers like crazy all summer.

On a personal note, I am looking forward to meeting my new daughter! I am due in December and will be taking about 12 weeks of leave. I am so sad that I cannot afford to spend more time at home with her- but I am planning on cherishing the 12 weeks I have at home!

What do you need to improve?

Math. We adopted a new curriculum last year so I used the pacing guides and curriculum pretty much as is while getting used to the new series. This year I plan to make changes and improve centers and small group work. 

What teaching supplies can you *not* live without?

A computer, projector, and document camera. I am SO jealous of those of you with a smart board! I really want one! I also LOVE sharpies in all colors and books.. you can never have enough books!