Back-to-school...as the teacher this time!

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt 

Hi, I'm Rachel and I'm a planner. I struggle with uncertainty and fear the things I cannot control. This year really threw me off. 

Working at Lab school was awesome. I had an amazing supervisor who was invested in the professional development of staff. My job as an aide for a little boy with autism turned into the most fulfilling work I've had thus far. He is my little buddy and he made so much progress this year. It was only supposed to be a few hours a week to make ends meet, but it evolved into part time and so much more.

I was supposed to move to Florida and I worked my ass off applying to schools, going to conferences, and flying to interviews. It felt like a failure to stay in Chicago when I so desperately was seeking change. I am such a planner that I decided it was too risky to go, so I stayed. And then I received an offer from a key school in Florida and several emails back with interest in pursuing the hiring process further. But it was too late for me.

To add insult to injury, I was still receiving rejection emails from Florida schools. Like one or two per day. Don't take things personally. I can hear Carol's words now (see below). Wtf is wrong with me? Anne Lamott would say this is my shitty first draft. I don't have enough experience. I'm a bad teacher. All my friends have jobs and I don't. I'm going to have to substitute teach again...blah blah blah.

Then all the hope came rushing back when a position at Lab school opened up. I went on last minute interviews and then was lined up for the position. They ended up hiring someone else on the spot. There I was, lying face down  on the arena floor. I tried to pick myself up, but this one stung. I went on 3 more interviews and received one offer. I needed about .01 seconds to decide to accept it. A 5th grade math position at a CPS turnaround school on the south side. That is about as cray as it gets, folks. I was ashamed. Like I said, I was more relieved for a job than celebratory.

During my summer nannying gig, I met the most wonderful woman while letting the girls splash around in the Crown Fountain. Carol sat next to me, and mentioned she was a teacher. She taught for 38 years-holy cow! She taught fifth grade (like I will). Naturally I asked if she had any advice. Without missing a beat, she said, "Here are the four things you need to know":

1. Be honest. Tell the truth. I took this as being vulnerable with students and not being afraid to show your humanity. It makes you more relateable. She said it's also about being honest with students about how they are doing.

2. Do your best. You will make mistakes, but you're not perfect, Carol said. Boy, do I know that to be true!

3. Don't make assumptions. This is a hard one for me. We make assumptions simply because we are human and trying to gather so much information. We end up grouping people because it's easier, but that doesn't make it right. I have my own ideas about what my class will be like and where my students come from, but their stories are so much richer and meaningful, and it's my job to know them.

4. Don't take things personally. Carol made me repeat this after her twice. I think I'm pretty good at this, but I do worry I will get worn down. As a teacher, you're constantly on display and it's wearing to always be patient with others.

Then Carol did something amazing. She patted me on the back and said "I am so thankful you got a job. Congratulations!"

It took me a second to figure out why I was taken aback by this. Then I realized she understood what I'd been through. She got me. We talked about how it was a teacher's market back in her day, but I was struggling to find a job, even with many diverse experiences. I told her about my excruciating application process and all the rejections. I hadn't even celebrated. Even if I'm not exactly at the type of school I want, I have worked very hard, and it is an accomplishment. I had been so busy comparing to other teachers in fancy schools, those with more experience, and so focused on not getting what I wanted, that I neglected to be grateful for my unique journey. 

In Rising Strong, Brené Brown talks about how to pick yourself up after a failure after you have dared greatly in the arena. In some ways I am still in the arena with this new teaching venture. In others, I am picking myself up from what seems like a failure. But Carol proved it wasn't a failure at all. It was a piece of my puzzle and part of my learning about resilience. And for that, I am truly grateful.  

Though I have had many teaching experiences, this is the first time I will have my own homeroom, and I am SO FREAKING READY. Happy back-to-school!!

PS I think 5-year-old me knew I wanted to be a teacher 20 years before I did!

Full Circle

Many of you know how much I loved my public relations job at Easterseals (previously it was Easter Seals). It was a position where I could write, and feel good about working for a cause--helping people with disabilities. I worked on the best campaign, which was around advocating for early intervention and for young children at risk for developmental delays. I wrote their stories about overcoming adversity and how Easterseals therapists helped them achieve their goals. I met amazing children and their resilient families.

This year, one of the moms I babysit for mentioned her son needed some extra help at school. She wanted to know if I was interested in this as a part-time job. At first, I thought of it as temporary, additional income, but it quickly became so much more than that.

I am passionate about providing early intervention for this little guy with autism (let's call him Max). Max quickly became my buddy, and is making so much progress every day. He is only three, and he knows his colors, numbers, shapes, letters, and letter sounds. He has a brilliant speech therapist, a wonderful occupational therapist, and a mom who is his greatest advocate.

I can honestly say this is the most fulfilling experience--to see a child grow; to learn to cope, communicate, eat with a spoon, wash his hands, and play. There is nothing else I'd rather do than spend my weekday mornings with Max. 

Travel Tips for Teachers (or anyone, really)

I was inspired to share some of my travel and money savings tips with you. Though it's not quite directly related with teaching, travel is something most teachers take advantage of in their time off during the summer. I realized my 2016 Eurotrip was a "last hurrah" before I settled into a regular fall school schedule and now my longest period to travel will be in the summer months. Rather than learn the hard way like I did, here are some (hopefully) useful, tried and true tips from a fellow teacher/travel enthusiast:

1. Pack lightly. It's all over the Designated Tip Lists of the Interwebs, but seriously. You don't need as much as you think you do. Only pack clothes you are comfortable wearing. You won't wear something if you can't walk in it all day. Every piece of clothing counts.

The top of Arthur's Seat hike in Edinburgh (free activity!)

2. Bring your own water bottle. (Just don't forget to empty it before going through security! I have been impressed at how much water I've needed to chug at a frantic moment's notice, though, hehe). My friend BreAnna, aka Crafty Coin attests to this, too. Don't pay for bottled water-it's better for the environment AND your wallet.

3. Map your route beforehand using Google Maps so you know if a taxi driver is taking the best route. If traveling internationally, you can also follow your location on the map this way to navigate without WiFi.

4. Bring bar soap and powder laundry soap so they don't count as liquids in your carry on baggage. This is if you're a savvy non-bag checker (or just refuse to pay the ridiculous fees).

5. Open a credit card like CapitolOne that offers no foreign transaction fees. Did you know credit card companies charge for changing over currency into USD?

6. Order local currency from your bank to avoid fees and get the best exchange rate. And order more currency than you need-many banks will change currency back to USD for free. Often, too, there's a significant ATM fee when withdrawing abroad.

7. Carry on. Do not check baggage *because of aforementioned ridiculous fees*. Embrace budget airlines, but beware of the hidden fees. I learned this the hard way, and also by reading tips from smart girls like Curiosity and a Carry On. I hope you feel the same exhilaration I do of packing everything you need for two weeks in a carry on.

8. Don't be afraid to take public transportation in a foreign country. Ask for directions at the bus or train station, as many employees speak English. It's so much cheaper than taxis! More beer money!

9. Take red eye flights or trains so as to not pay for lodging on a night between destinations.

10. Wash clothes while traveling. Buy a drain stopper, clothesline, and powder laundry soap to wash in the sink. This way, you save on room in your suitcase or time/coins at the laundromat.

11. Download travel god, Rick Steve's walking audio tours. There's an app for that! These free, guided tours save you from hiring and tipping a guide. Plus, you can stroll at your own pace.

I am enlarging this fave photo of Széchenyi Thermal Bath
in Budapest, Hungary as a souvenir

12. Plan a layover in a city of interest. If a layover is inevitable, you might as well make the most of it! For my Eurotrip, I had a five hour layover in Berlin while en route to Budapest. It was just enough time to see a few highlights, drink a good German beer, and stretch my legs before sitting on the plane again.

13. Make pictures your souvenirs. I hate feeling like souvenirs are inauthentic or not meaningful, but I still want a token to remember each place I've visited. Take your best photo and blow it up into a poster and frame it. Voila! New art for the bedroom and a great memento.

14. Use a Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour as transportation. These tours are offered in many cities, and I loved that it doubled as transportation. I got off at a stop and would take the bus route again to drop me off near my Airbnb or next destination.

15. Go to the grocery store. Pack a lunch for the day, but try authentic food and treat yourself for dinner. Breakfast and lunch items are easy to buy and much more cost efficient than eating out for all three meals.

16. When using a credit card, pay in the local currency if given a choice. This will give you the most accurate exchange rate, and sometimes banks charge a fee to change the money back to USD. See #6, above.

17. Use Airbnb (and get $35 off your first trip by using my referral code!). You will usually get a better deal than a hotel, and with amenities like a kitchen, shampoo, or breakfast included, it can save a lot! The hosts are also very helpful in recommending sights to see and places to eat in the area. You will automatically be connecting with a local who has insider information.

Stunning view of Vitosha Mountains from my Airbnb in Sofia, Bulgaria

18. Ensure time is on your side. Let's say it takes 15 minutes longer to take public transportation than a taxi. You will be more likely to opt for the dough-saving route of time is on your side. Same with allowing for grocery shopping and standing in lines versus their queue-skipping, costly ticket counterparts will help save money and allow for a more enjoyable experience.

Homemade Czech meal.
Best meal of the trip!

19. Research. Trips take tons of planning. You need time to research which options will save you money and which aren't worth the hassle.

20. Get lost. Don't plan too much or you will feel super stressed to fit everything in your schedule. Allow time to wander and stumble upon your own treasures. Also consider getting out of the city. The countryside of many spots is more authentic and less touristy. And cheaper! The best decision was to rent a car in Prague and drive three hours to the country. We had the best homemade Czech meal of our lives and breathtaking scenery!

21. Take M&Ms. It's chocolate that won't melt and they make you feel at home. :)

I love planning trips. If you are thinking of traveling, but don't want the hassle, let me do it for you! Email me for a quote at racheltalen@gmail.com.

Summer Lab

I meant to post earlier about my Summer Lab experience, but started traveling soon after the session was done.

I really had a blast with this group of 3rd and 4th graders. Going to work didn't feel like work. My head teacher was so knowledgeable and had been teaching this course for nearly 10 years!

Nature Detectives mostly involved kiddos showing me insects they discovered. Kidding, but really! We caught a lot of bugs to study them up close and then released them. We learned about what animals need to survive, food chains, and food webs. We explored Botany Pond on the U of C campus, learned about beehives, dissected owl pellets, glued together real vole skeletons, and went on a couple really cool field trips-a nature walk at the Little Red Schoolhouse, to a Nature Preserve in Lake Forest, and to the Field Museum.

It was exciting to see the kids so enthusiastic about science and nature. They LOVED to read, and just ate this material up. 

I often find myself to be a student of my students.They teach me so much. During Summer Lab, they reminded me to be curious, and it's OK to get nerdy excited because that means you're passionate!I find myself noticing and appreciating nature more, and saying things like, "LOOK at that fascinating spider web," and "Oh my! Those mushrooms are oddly shaped." As an adult, I am constantly learning, thinking, and growing.

I couldn't have asked for a better summer experience. These kids rock!

Year of Zen

Learning to let go should be learned before learning to get. Life should be touched, not strangled. You’ve got to relax, let it happen at times, and at others move forward with it.

-Ray Bradbury

The offer to teach at Lab is the culmination of many experiences, applications, odd jobs and uncertainty this year, as I really didn't know what I would do or where I would be post student teaching in India. After subbing in charter, public, and private schools for a year, I realized (after wrestling with and challenging my longtime idea of teaching internationally and to low-income students) the private school setting is my best fit. Though a homeroom teacher position would be my ultimate goal, I am over the moon excited to start at Lab.

This summer I'll be a TA for Nature Detectives, a course offered at Summer Lab. I'm nerdy excited to explore the outdoors with 3rd grade, my favorite age group, and because science is my favorite subject to teach!
No one knows exactly how difficult and how wonderful it's been this year, living life not dictated by a schedule. It kind of felt like the slower pace of retirement, but undeserved without a lifetime of work, productivity and contributing to society. Without the backbone of a 9-5 (or let's be honest, for teachers it's more like 7-6), I was left all jiggly, with muscles and brains and had to figure out how to support myself.

I went to the gym and morning classes and I ran along the lake. I didn't worry about when I'd be back, just listened to how far my body wanted to take me. I even let myself get lost a couple times. Once, Jake the pup and I stumbled upon the Japanese Garden.

I finished my ESL endorsement. 40 hours of schoolwork per week for 3 months. I enjoyed reading and learning because I had time to read and learn.

I nannied for cuddly little Lincoln and watched as he rolled over, ate solid food, giggled, and grew over 3 months. He still remains the only human who will tolerate my singing. I babysat, and truly had fun with the kids, not worrying about what time the parents were coming home on a Sunday night because I needed to be in bed for work the next day. I took my time. I blogged for Twist OP because it was fun and because I got paid for it. I spent time with my feelings, which was really scary.

I cried because I wasn't working full-time and didn't feel productive and I cried because I was so happy I wasn't working full-time. I cried because I had to face who I truly was and how I really felt and what I really wanted in life. But I also laughed a lot, too. I think that means I embraced life's highs and lows, and sometimes both at once.

In my moments alone, I listened to my body and paid attention. I was diagnosed with mild ADD and actually had time to go to appointments and do health-related things.

I taught art and music and all subjects in between; I taught students with little faces and big faces, middle schoolers with lanky arms and kindergarteners who ask too many questions to substitute teachers. Now at least I know I don't want to teach kindergarten. I interviewed for jobs that I felt no pressure to accept...unless I felt that love connection deep down in my soul that it was right.

I wrote poetry for the first time in five years. It made my brain hurt, but it was the good kind of hurt. I got up early for not having to work. But not too early. I barely needed my iPhone alarm. I drank wine and got caught up in silly TV shows. I didn't need naps. Some days I didn't get out of my pajamas; some days I was running errands morning until night. PS, Grocery shopping and errand-running midday is 4829937483 times more enjoyable.

When I saw friends or visited family, I was fully present-not tired, stressed, or time-pressed. I enjoyed their company. I went on a few first (and last) dates and tried (not that hard) to put myself out there.

I went on more than 18 trips, national and international-Nashville, St. Paul, LA, DC, Detroit, Grand Rapids, up and down western Michigan's winery trail.

I went to India to student teach. It was dusty and tough, but the people are colorful, and hey, now I can cross that one off my list and at least I got to see the Taj Mahal. I toured the Scottish Highlands in the fall and the countryside of Ireland. I went to The Dominican for a friend's wedding and didn't worry about taking time off of work. Planning and executing my sister's bachelorette party to NOLA as her MOH and was a blast! #SwampSquad #AlmostStrandedInTheBayou

I balanced my budget, made ends meet and still ate pretty healthy. I spent less money and had fewer expenses but wasn't less happy.

It's hard to simplify, but I did it. I sold shoes and books on eBay and donated clothing. It's just stuff, anyway. I got used to the way I look without makeup. My Facebook friend count is down by 500.

I learned to cook, to care for Jake and Tabby, the best pets in the world, and earned their affection in return. Oh, and I learned how to run a household-it's really hard. Dishes, grocery store, cooking, walk the dog, dishes, vacuum, dishes, dishes. Dishes.

I was hungover every once in a while, and without consequence to my work. I explored churches, I explored Hyde Park. I stepped back from my faith and am slowly coming toward it again, allowing for the ups and downs that come with a God relationship, any relationship. I stepped back from friendships and acknowledged that some run their courses. I meditated on what these precious relationships had given me, that they met my needs when I so needed it. I thanked them for wonderful memories, grieved these losses, and then celebrated new additions to my life.

I bonded with Julie, a new and wonderful friend, who loved me and taught me important things, like to advocate for what I want in life. She listened, and I had time to talk. And her daughter, my surrogate little sister, Ellie. I got to be an older sister again and give advice, now tried and true because I'm a little older. I went on vacations, to Christmas parties and dinners. I became part of their family. My Chicago family.

At the end of the Year of Zen (doesn't that sound like it belongs in a Dr. Seuss book?) I finally learned how to be zen. Be your own kind of zen if you can. You can be more you, and that's what the world needs.

Year of Zen

Learning to let go should be learned before learning to get. Life should be touched, not strangled. You’ve got to relax, let it happen at times, and at others move forward with it.

-Ray Bradbury

The offer to teach at Lab is the culmination of many experiences, applications, odd jobs and uncertainty this year, as I really didn't know what I would do or where I would be post student teaching in India. After subbing in charter, public, and private schools for a year, I realized (after wrestling with and challenging my longtime idea of teaching internationally and to low-income students) the private school setting is my best fit. Though a homeroom teacher position would be my ultimate goal, I am over the moon excited to start at Lab.

This summer I'll be a TA for Nature Detectives, a course offered at Summer Lab. I'm nerdy excited to explore the outdoors with 3rd grade, my favorite age group, and because science is my favorite subject to teach!
No one knows exactly how difficult and how wonderful it's been this year, living life not dictated by a schedule. It kind of felt like the slower pace of retirement, but undeserved without a lifetime of work, productivity and contributing to society. Without the backbone of a 9-5 (or let's be honest, for teachers it's more like 7-6), I was left all jiggly, with muscles and brains and had to figure out how to support myself.

I went to the gym and morning classes and I ran along the lake. I didn't worry about when I'd be back, just listened to how far my body wanted to take me. I even let myself get lost a couple times. Once, Jake the pup and I stumbled upon the Japanese Garden.

I finished my ESL endorsement. 40 hours of schoolwork per week for 3 months. I enjoyed reading and learning because I had time to read and learn.

I nannied for cuddly little Lincoln and watched as he rolled over, ate solid food, giggled, and grew over 3 months. He still remains the only human who will tolerate my singing. I babysat, and truly had fun with the kids, not worrying about what time the parents were coming home on a Sunday night because I needed to be in bed for work the next day. I took my time. I blogged for Twist OP because it was fun and because I got paid for it. I spent time with my feelings, which was really scary.

I cried because I wasn't working full-time and didn't feel productive and I cried because I was so happy I wasn't working full-time. I cried because I had to face who I truly was and how I really felt and what I really wanted in life. But I also laughed a lot, too. I think that means I embraced life's highs and lows, and sometimes both at once.

In my moments alone, I listened to my body and paid attention. I was diagnosed with mild ADD and actually had time to go to appointments and do health-related things.

I taught art and music and all subjects in between; I taught students with little faces and big faces, middle schoolers with lanky arms and kindergarteners who ask too many questions to substitute teachers. Now at least I know I don't want to teach kindergarten. I interviewed for jobs that I felt no pressure to accept...unless I felt that love connection deep down in my soul that it was right.

I wrote poetry for the first time in five years. It made my brain hurt, but it was the good kind of hurt. I got up early for not having to work. But not too early. I barely needed my iPhone alarm. I drank wine and got caught up in silly TV shows. I didn't need naps. Some days I didn't get out of my pajamas; some days I was running errands morning until night. PS, Grocery shopping and errand-running midday is 4829937483 times more enjoyable.

When I saw friends or visited family, I was fully present-not tired, stressed, or time-pressed. I enjoyed their company. I went on a few first (and last) dates and tried (not that hard) to put myself out there.

I went on more than 18 trips, national and international-Nashville, St. Paul, LA, DC, Detroit, Grand Rapids, up and down western Michigan's winery trail.

I went to India to student teach. It was dusty and tough, but the people are colorful, and hey, now I can cross that one off my list and at least I got to see the Taj Mahal. I toured the Scottish Highlands in the fall and the countryside of Ireland. I went to The Dominican for a friend's wedding and didn't worry about taking time off of work. Planning and executing my sister's bachelorette party to NOLA as her MOH and was a blast! #SwampSquad #AlmostStrandedInTheBayou

I balanced my budget, made ends meet and still ate pretty healthy. I spent less money and had fewer expenses but wasn't less happy.

It's hard to simplify, but I did it. I sold shoes and books on eBay and donated clothing. It's just stuff, anyway. I got used to the way I look without makeup. My Facebook friend count is down by 500.

I learned to cook, to care for Jake and Tabby, the best pets in the world, and earned their affection in return. Oh, and I learned how to run a household-it's really hard. Dishes, grocery store, cooking, walk the dog, dishes, vacuum, dishes, dishes. Dishes.

I was hungover every once in a while, and without consequence to my work. I explored churches, I explored Hyde Park. I stepped back from my faith and am slowly coming toward it again, allowing for the ups and downs that come with a God relationship, any relationship. I stepped back from friendships and acknowledged that some run their courses. I meditated on what these precious relationships had given me, that they met my needs when I so needed it. I thanked them for wonderful memories, grieved these losses, and then celebrated new additions to my life.

I bonded with Julie, a new and wonderful friend, who loved me and taught me important things, like to advocate for what I want in life. She listened, and I had time to talk. And her daughter, my surrogate little sister, Ellie. I got to be an older sister again and give advice, now tried and true because I'm a little older. I went on vacations, to Christmas parties and dinners. I became part of their family. My Chicago family.

At the end of the Year of Zen (doesn't that sound like it belongs in a Dr. Seuss book?) I finally learned how to be zen. Be your own kind of zen if you can. You can be more you, and that's what the world needs.

Tough Goodbyes

This week consisted of students reviewing for their exams, packing, and saying my goodbyes.

This weekend, my cooperating teacher had Andrea

and I over for dinner. She made delicious masala dosa (because she knows it's my favorite) and fried rice. We hung out with her family and met her youngest daughter, two-year-old Anu, who is a chunk of cuteness. It was so nice to just sit, talk, and truly enjoy everyone's company.

Onam is a South Indian festival celebrating the new year (but it's not actually celebrated at the beginning of the year), and it was so special that I got to celebrate it with my cooperating teacher and her family on Sunday. We dressed up in saris, saw a traditional dance, and ate off of a banana leaf in true Indian fashion-with our hands!! It took a second to get used to, but within a minute, I was a pro! We had rice and various curries, many of which were made with coconut. So good!

My favorite English teacher was sick and could not be at school for 10 days, so Sunu, Andrea, Shruti and I (my Indian squad) went to visit her. Usually when someone is ill, many people will visit their home. She brought us tea and her son played a classical Indian instrument for us. She was so upbeat despite being sick. Then, the squad went out for tacos at Dominoes. Yes, the pizza place. No, they were not Mexican tacos, but the Indian-ized vegetarian version. They were sooo good!

On Tuesday I had to say goodbye to class 3F. Again,

they showered me with cards and gifts. I will miss every face and personality. They said, "Ma'am, why do you have to go back to your country? Just stay!" And the teachers showed me the newspaper ad for job openings at DPS. Though it pains me to leave my students and new teacher friends, there is so much to learn in other countries before settling. I am not done learning, traveling, or seeing new places.

Today, I had to say goodbye to my teachers. It was a holiday, so there were no students; teachers use this as a collaboration day. So I said goodbye to the English staff room four times and did not leave my cooperating teacher's side all day. She was my hardest goodbye. In her card to me was a quote: "Goodbyes are not forever, goodbyes are not the end; they simply mean I'll miss you, 'til we meet again."

The connection with my co-op was so special. She taught me so much, but insisted that we learned from each other. She mentored me at school professionally and also became a close friend, whom I will miss dearly. But I will be back to visit.

I am truly thankful and am celebrating the memories. I have experienced friendships that transcend language and culture. It's possible to deeply love people so different from yourself. We have more in common than we think, yet still so much to talk about and learn from each other. How cool is it to have friends halfway across the world! I told them, "You're only a 15.5 hour flight away!" Maybe it's not that comforting, but whatever.

Today I also said goodbye to my roommate, travel buddy, and partner in crime. We too, have an amazing connection and shared love for teaching internationally and traveling. She is a brave and adventurous spirit, and totally understands me! What a blessing to have had her by my side throughout this journey.

I feel like I am leaving home to go to my other home. A piece of my heart is in India, and I have grown; I will never be the same.