From Teacher to Mom to Blogger: What I Learned
It's the blog's birthday! That's right-- Chocolate for the Teach has dug little roots down on this spot on the web for a whole rotation of earth around the sun. And just...
Charmaine
Journalism school + editing + university newspaper 2010-2013
Education grad school + full-time teaching internship 2013-2014
Teaching elementary grades + Substitute teaching 2014-2023
4 Surprising Ways Teaching Prepared Me for Motherhood
"Are you a mom?" one of my first graders inquired. "No," I replied. "Do you shop?" was her follow-up question. I answered in the affirmative. Yes, I do participate in the economy...
From Teacher to Craft Business Owner: Shauntavia’s Journey
If anyone is creating her own path, it's Shauntavia Johnson. She started out teaching math and has built up a full-time income through tutoring and the sales of her crafts. Shauntavia is...
Want to Know What Really Goes on at Your Child’s School?
We all want better education for our kids. But there seems to be a major disconnect between the politicians that get to set the rules for schools, the educators having to enact...
Why Subbing is Great for the Family Building Phase
My focus in the past few years has shifted. For so long I was a people-pleasing career builder, grasping to be the perfect teacher. (Can you tell I was a straight A-...
5 Habits for Saner Substitute Teaching
"I know..." she shook her head and mustered a pitying smile at me when I suggested substitute teaching as means for occasional extra income while raising little ones. "I just could not...
What It’s Really Like Subbing as a Former Teacher
"Nice try-- I was born at night, but not last night," I explain coyly to a student trying to pull a fast one on me. How, you ask, are you a substitute...
9 Habits for Better Motherhood
You know that frustrating gap between wanting to get something done and actually getting it done? What are our main obstacles between Wishdom and reality? Can we lessen that gaping discrepancy with:...
How Learning Habits Changed My Life
Just as I set it to the night before, my alarm rang like a distant gong chiming its early morning call. I didn't move a muscle. "Noooo!" my brain was screaming. I...
7 Things I Love About the Early Toddler Stage
While there's (understandably) much fanfare surrounding baby milestones, like dedicated baby book pages and dedicated doctor questions, I can't help but feel like the firsts of the early toddler stage fade into...
How to Chain Stitch a Name on a Swaddle
Last spring, I embroidered our friend's name on a knit pullover for her first birthday present. After learning how to chain stitch, I'm happy that the method remains a popular and pretty...
How I Like to Help New Moms in Postpartum Recovery
I could've wept when I scooped up that warm, golden broth of love dropped off by a dear friend. I probably did weep-- I don't remember. But I vividly recall the way...