Teachers We Love With Christina DeCarbo- Let's Keep It Real

Do you ever compare yourself to other teachers? 

You think: they have more followers, cuter products, better blog posts, and a prettier classroom.

Instead of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, you are keeping up with them.

I did this. I still do.

I wanted to be just like Cara Carroll, Babbling Abby, and Amy Lemons.

Who am I kidding?  I STILL want to be like these amazing teachers.  

Back in my first years of teaching, I would wonder 'How do they make it look so easy, cute, and perfect?'

My anchor charts ended up in the trash.  Students cried over my craft-ivities.  I cried over Power Point.  

I would teach a full day and stay up all night working on TPT products. I was forcing something that wasn't happening.

In all the comparison to others, I forgot to be me.

Long story short, I burned out quickly and my life became unbalanced.

Teachers will always be smart, crafty, talented, creative, funny and amazing.  That includes YOU TOO!

Be human. Share your insecurities and imperfections. Celebrate your unique talents and successes.

Simply put.  Be real.

Christina DeCarbo from the blog and TPT store Sugar and Spice, keeps it REAL. 

Christina manages newlywed life, a successful TPT store, a blog overflowing with ideas, and a classroom.

In today's episode of Teachers We Love, Christina is all HEART.

Here is a sneak peek! (below is the entire interview)

Christina shares how to stay balanced in a relationship despite a stressful career.  How to laugh at yourself when you make mistakes.  She puts TPT in perspective with helpful tips.  She also tells us how to shop a clothing sale.

   

Teachers, Tweet and Pin The Happy Out!

Tweet: Things are going to go wrong. You have to laugh at yourself and laugh with your students. Christina DeCarbo @sheilajteaching #edchat

Now I want to chat with you!  What is your favorite subject to teach?

Leave your comment below and take a few seconds to read and respond to a comment left by another Sheila Jane Teaching community member.   You never know how your comment or reply could brighten a day and make a difference.

Thank you so much for watching.  I look forward to seeing you below in the comments.

Sending you love and happiness,

Sheila Jane

Meet The Teacher: Who is Sheila Jane Teaching

I heard there was a Meet The Teacher Blogger Party going on over at Falling into First.  I think I am WAY beyond fashionably late.

 

I hope there are still some wild party animals out there! Anybody?!?!

Instead of typing my questions in blog form, I like to think of this post as a remix.  I took the questions and video taped my responses.

I like to call it: Get To Know The Teacher VLOGGER.

Think of vlogger as a cross between video and blog.

I hope you enjoy my video!

I promise you lots of cheesy singing and a big announcement.

Also, don't forget to comment below and let me know your favorite song!


   

Confused, Overwhelmed, and Unsure About How To Meet Special Education Student's Needs? Listen To This.

Discover Education Internet Radio with Sheila Jane Teaching on BlogTalkRadio

I have often said that Special Education might be my true calling.

The greatest teaching ah-has, successes, insecurities, and sleepless nights have come when I think outside of the box to meet a child's needs.  These students keep me on my toes, make me laugh and grow as a teacher.

As much as I am drawn to this realm of education,  I too am overwhelmed by the numerous acronyms, concerned parents, paper work, confusion, frustration, transitions, trial and error etc.  

I sought out an expert in the field to help answer our questions and give us successful ideas to implement for these students right at the start of school.

Gabrielle Dixon has served students with a range of special needs.  She has run her own resource room and has co-taught with several teachers.  She is currently an elementary Autism teacher.

In this podcast Gabrielle will simplify the world of Special Education.  She will be that boost of confidence and provide just the tips you need to ensure all your students succeed this school year!

Today's show notes are located at the bottom of the post.  Everything Gabrielle mentions in the podcast is linked and ready for you to access!



Teachers Tweet It Out!
Tweet: A child with special needs will inspire you to be a special kind of person. @teachhappynow http://ctt.ec/1j480+


Gabrielle and I want to hear from you!

Share with us a treasured memory of when you taught or interacted with a special education student and witnessed light bulb go off.

We need your comment below to create a loving community of teachers who support one another by sharing experiences.

You never know the positive impact your comment could have on a teacher that really needs a boost.

Be sure to share this podcast with your teacher friends.

Sending you love and happiness always,

Sheila Jane


Show Notes:

-What made you decide to become an Autism teacher?

  

http://www.teachingspecialthinkers.com/search/label/A%20DAY%20IN%20AU

-What does your daily schedule look like?  Do you have any schedule recommendations for and autism class with 4 year olds.   Nap time?  

http://www.autismclassroomnews.com/2013/08/making-zoning-plans-work-for-everyone.html - Great explanation of zone planning

-How do you take data?  Do you have a special system, app that you use, way to keep track of the data?

http://www.teachingspecialthinkers.com/2013/05/be-proactive-using-google-docs-to.html (has an app for Ipad)

OR http://theautismhelper.com/graphing-ipad-numbers-app/ (IPAD users)

http://www.autismclassroomnews.com/2013/09/data-collection-in-autism-taking-data.html - Zone DataSheet

http://www.amazon.com/Basic-Skills-Checklists-Teacher-Friendly-Assessment/dp/1932565752/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407850174&sr=8-1&keywords=autism+basic+skills  Pre-made Basic Skill Checklist book for students with autism/special needs AKA the best book ever!!

http://theautismhelper.com/data-behavior-data/ BEHAVIOR

http://theautismhelper.com/data-academic-data-iep/ ACADEMIC

-What are your favorite apps and technology that work effectively with your students?

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/guide/special-needs - I use this website to “shop” for apps for my students based on their needs. Although I try not to use the Ipad or the computer too much.

-For classroom teachers what is the best way to track accommodations made for a specific student?

http://www.teachingspecialthinkers.com/2013/05/be-proactive-getting-to-know-your_28.html (IEP cheat sheets)

-How does a school and classroom teacher help parents become informed advocates for their special needs child? 

Educate them through websites, parent nights, etc. I list a lot of different websites here: http://www.teachingspecialthinkers.com/2013/05/be-proactive-getting-to-know-your_28.html