Blog 1
I have wanted to be a teacher ever since I was in the second grade. I just knew it was what I was meant to do, help and teach children.

Fourteen years later of teaching…. I still feel like it was what I was meant to do. I love coming to teach every day. I look forward to teaching my students every day, and seeing that light bulb go off, and they scream “I get it!”

A huge impact on me in 2009 was creating my own teacher website. I made this website for many reasons. I wanted to keep my parents well informed, my students excited about learning, motivate other teachers, and to have a way for my former students to find me and keep in touch. I formed a page where my former students can come back and share memories of me and our class. It has been so motivating to see how many former students, even as far back as 14 years ago to students from last year. It is amazing what they remember, and how I made such an impact on all my students.  http://teacherweb.com/GA/AshfordParkElementary/Sobel/apt8.aspx 

I have a motto, “Once a Schear (my maiden name) Sobel student ALWAYS  a Schear/Sobel student. I had a reunion this past December with my first few classes. It was incredible to see my students all grown up, and hear what they were doing and how I impacted their choices. http://teacherweb.com/GA/AshfordParkElementary/Sobel/apt17.aspx

It is also motivating to witness the number of visitors that have visited my website. I started my website in the end of August and as of today; I have had over 25,000 visitors come to my website. Teaching is a very special and rewarding job.

This post is part of the MAT@USC: Masters in Teaching Hope for the holidays event. Did you have an experience or witness something in 2009 which gave you hope for the future of American education? If so, please see this post for more information on how to share it.

Blog 2
Teaching Jobs Portal: “How to land a Teacher Job”.

“I landed my first teaching job by…”

I went to The Ohio State University, and I researched all of the school districts in Columbus to find the best school district for me. When I found the perfect district for me, I knew I was going to have to get involved and get my name out there. I took a job as a day camp councilor at that district's Park and Recreation Department. With in a few years I was the Day Camp Director. The camps were run out of the schools, and where they placed me to be the Day Camp Director is where I ended up gettting my first teaching job. I  made sure I student taught in this school district. I had the principal at that school observe me and write up a formal observation to add to my teaching portfolio.

“I landed my first teaching job because I possess these qualities…”

 I am very enthusiast. I love getting up and going to teach everyday. I am organized, creative, work well with others, and have a natural desire to be a teacher.

“Finding a teaching job can be hard, but here is some advice to make it easier…”

 Try to stay positive and enthusiast. Continue to get  as much possible experience with children. For example, tutor, work in a day care, or an after school care program. I volunteered and tutored unprivileged children. I babysat for a variety of families. I worked in a day care center. I worked in a teacher supply store. I worked my summers as a camp councilor and day camp director.

 My name is Sara Sobel. I have been teaching for 14 quick years. I have taught at 4 different schools, so I do know about the interview process. Currently I am teaching 2nd grade at Ashford Park in Atl, GA .

I have a website that I have created. It has some great ideas. If you have any questions you can contact me through my website.

http://teacherweb.com/GA/AshfordParkElementary/Sobel/index.html

Good Luck!

This post is part of the Teaching Jobs Portal: “How to land a Teacher Job”. What was your journey like to become a teacher? If you’d like to share your experience with other aspiring teachers please see this post for more information