For the U.S. History Teachers teaching the Great Depression

A big part of what I think about on a daily basis, is how to use my new graphic design skills to

a) help people
b) make myself happy
c) be successful possibly working from home
d) incorporate my teaching skills

I created this Great Depression info sheet for my sister, who is a seriously awesome new teacher.  I asked her to try out this idea with her class to see if anyone liked it, and to see if it was helpful.  So I thought I'd post it here in case it can be helpful to any History teachers out there in the world! 

I know FDR looks pretty weird, but you know... any attention grabber with high schoolers is probably a good thing. 

Fingers are crossed that if you click on the image, you'll be able to print it full quality.  But if not, please let me know and I will gladly email you a high quality PDF.

Happy weekend!



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Thrifty art purchases including my favorite print of all time

 First purchase:  the set of Andy Warhol inspired Campbell's soup cans from Target!  I mean honestly, they only cost 75 cents each!  My plan is to cut off the labels and frame them as prints, and I'm so excited to see them up on the wall!  Beautiful and so so fun.

Second purchase!  When my friend Erin was visiting, we decided to peruse some local vintage stores in search of wedding decor for her reception... but look what I found for myself! 

 Holy oh my gosh!  I picked it up and did not put it down until it was resting safely in the bag after I bought it.  I don't often make impulse purchases, but I just HAD TO HAVE this!  Look at that sweet child's face all glowing... with that lighting... and that bright book cover... I can't look away!  It was like it had the strongest Earth magnet inside and attached itself to me.  An amazing print to encourage children to read?!?!  Um, could I love anything more?!?! 

Here's what was written on the back.  To add to my love for this print, it was from the year my grandma was born.  I can't even take it, I love it so much.  Jon Brubaker, you are a genius.

So before I decided to stop teaching, I had just started my master's program in Reading.  I loved loved loved teaching reading.  It was my favorite part of the day, and I was hoping to one day be a reading specialist and really help students and a school in a broader way.  But then... well, you know how that story ended...  But just because I left my teaching career doesn't mean I stopped loving kids or caring about literacy.  I love reading, look forward to reading with my own children one day, and hope to be involved with children and literacy in some way in the future.  Like maybe designing reading program layouts/ graphics?  Illustrating children's books?  Working for a company that is child focused?  Designing educational websites?  Fingers are crossed starting now until my dreams come true :)

You can read more about Children's Book Week here.  Please help promote literacy!


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today I am not a teacher. part two

Today I am not a teacher.

This morning I didn't know if I was happy or sad.

But today, I was happy.  Only happy.

So today, I know I made the right choice.

I drove by school and saw the parking lot full of cars, and I was thankful it wasn't me.

Today I didn't feel the pressure of being responsible for little lives.

I didn't feel worried or overwhelmed.

Today I felt free, knowing that my responsibilities for the next year will not include students, parents, administrators, the school district, or state.  

Today I was filled with anticipation and excitement for a new year.  But this year it will be for me.

Today I went to campus and bought my design books.

And even though I was surrounded by people a decade younger than me, I didn't care.

I ate lunch while reading about designing with type, and I was so excited I thought my heart might leap from my chest.

Today I drove all around town searching through thrift stores for my next project.

Today I went to the library to rent season two of Arrested Development, and when we watched it tonight, I laughed so hard.

Today I read magazines at the bookstore and treated myself to Starbucks.

Today I created a new fabric design.

I loved today.

Today I  know that being a teacher isn't the only way to be a good person.

I know I will find other ways to be helpful and caring and to make a difference.

I can still be who I was as a teacher.  I didn't give up myself when I left that career.  I am still me.

Today I am happy.

Because today, I am not a teacher.



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today I am not a teacher

School started today.  And today I am not a teacher.

Today I did not wake up before 7:00 a.m.

I did not pick out my first day of school outfit.

I did not pack my lunch.

Today I am not filled with excitement and anticipation for a new year.

I am not meeting my new students.

I am not introducing myself.

Today I am not surrounded by kids.

I can not see their smiles and hear their laughs.

I am not helping to label folders and organize lockers.

Today I am not explaining schedules, routines, or rules.

I am not memorizing names and faces.

Today I don't know if I'm happy or sad.

I don't know if I will miss it.  

Today I won't be able to explain how I feel.

I don't know if I have lost a little bit of myself, or if I am now free to be myself.

Today I am still me, but today I am different.

Because today I am not a teacher.

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A Letter to my Students

Dear You,

I am writing to let you know a few things.  I want you to know that I did not leave teaching because of you.  No.  You are the reason I was a teacher, and you are the part of teaching that I will miss.  While one year may not be such a long time in the grand scheme of things, it was long enough to meet and know each of you.  It was long enough to care for you more than you know.  It was long enough to be so proud of you and your accomplishments.  And it was long enough to never forget you.

I have many wishes for each of you.  If you are reading this tomorrow, I hope you are enjoying your summer vacation.  I hope you are spending time with family and friends, and I hope you are reading.  Find some good books at the library and get lost in that world.  Play outside!  Ride your bike and wear your helmet.  Enjoy life! 

And if you are reading this in five years, some of you will already have graduated from high school.  Wow, congratulations!  I know you worked hard for that!  I hope you are doing well in college or in your career.  I hope you have big dreams for yourself and believe that you can achieve them.  I do.  Some of you will be in high school.  I hope you have lots of good friends who are positive influences in your life.  I hope you are careful while you drive.  I hope you are doing your best in school even when it's hard.  Even when it's overwhelming, I know you can do it.  I hope you know you can too. 

And if you are reading this in ten or even twenty years, some of you may be married with a family of your own.  I hope you have met many goals you had for yourself, have set new ones, and are working toward those.  I hope you are happy with whatever it is you choose to do.  You deserve to be happy.  Know that I remember you.  Know that I am proud of you now.  Know that I am still thinking of you.  I wish you well always.

Yes, you are the reason I became a teacher.  You are the reason I loved teaching.  You are the reason I will look back at that time in my life and smile.  Really big. 

Love,
Me


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