How long have you taught/what grades/subjects?
I am still very much a novice. I've been teaching for the past three years and have been involved in education for 4. I co-taught in a Waldorf 4th grade classroom then shifted to public ed. I have taught kindergarten and now 3rd grade. I really love the Waldorf method of looping (one teacher with the same class from 1st-8th grade). I would love to experience that at least once in my life, whether at a real waldorf school or a public charter waldorf. We'll see.
What are your feelings on homeschooling?
I'm not sure how I feel about homeschooling. Ultimately, I feel like everyone should make the choice that feels right to them. As far as ever choosing to homeschool my family, I doubt it. I really like the idea of my own children being around lots of different kinds of people. I know this is possible if homeschooled as well, but I think I would have a tendency to isolate more than reach out if I were in that situation. Plus, teaching for me is a career. I love it and I want my practice to continue to grow. I love the challenge that every year brings. I think that I would miss that if I were only teaching my own children (although I admire parents who choose this route). Ultimately, I hope that we can find a school that I will feel as good about my kids attending as I do teaching at. This will surely take compromise as there are many schools that I can adapt to teaching at, for the sake of the children I hope to serve, that I would not feel so great about my own kids attending. Right now I have my eye on several new Waldorf charter initiatives that are trying to blend waldorf pedagogy with accessibility for all children regardless of race, class, or culture. I have really enjoyed bringing my background in Waldorf education to kids in public schools who have never seen anything like it. They love it!
What does your husband do?
My husband is not a teacher! I agree, that would be far too crazy. The 60-70 hour a week demands that teaching places on me is enough for the two of us! My husband right now does engineering work in the building science industry. His main focus is on energy efficiency in both residential and commercial buildings. However, he is currently in the process of gearing up to change careers. He hopes to start a masters in architecture program next summer.
This is your first child, then?
Yes indeed! We're so excited!
What has been the best parts of pregnancy so far? the worst?
Honestly, between teaching full time and attending a full time Masters program, this pregnancy feels like it is flying by. I've been doing my best to appreciate it and drink it all in. I have really enjoyed being pregnant so far. I like feeling the little one floating around and watching my body change. I find it absolutely amazing. The first trimester was really rough for me. I was unbelievably exhausted and threw up at least twice a day for about 6 weeks. I am happy for that part to be over!
What are you most concerned/worried about regarding birth/labor/postpartum? Most excited about?
I am most afraid of having to transfer to the hospital. I know that if this happens we will be making the best choice for the baby, but I have a strong aversion to hospitals (as does dh). I am hoping everything goes well and this won't be necessary. I am really looking forward to giving birth. I am sure this sounds naive, but it is something I have always looked forward to. There are of course things that I fear, but all of those things seem to be overruled by my genuine excitement to go through the process with my LO and DH. I can't really imagine anything more amazing.
On a side note, I am nervous about the transition after the baby is here. I am going to be at home full time, which is something I haven't ever done. I'm afraid I will get bored or restless and won't be able to appreciate the time with our new baby the way that I should. I am such an active person who always has a million things to do out of the house, it's going to be a real switch.
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