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-...
Charmaine
Journalism school + editing + university newspaper 2010-2013
Education grad school + full-time teaching internship 2013-2014
Teaching elementary grades + Substitute teaching 2014-2023
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...
From Teacher to Comedian: Gaspare Randazzo’s Exciting Side Job
Welcome! Maybe you're here to get more behind-the-scenes info on fan favorite Gaspare from Netflix's "The Trust." I had the opportunity to ask him how he balances it all: teaching, standup and...
A List of the Best Substitute Teacher Quotes
Surely you've seen various mementos and trinkets cutely embellished with quotes like "Teaching is a work of heart" or "Teachers who love teaching teach children to love learning." Maybe you've wondered, like...
Why I Quit My Teaching Career for Pregnancy
I quit my full-time teaching job to be a stay-at-home mom to my child. Except the child wasn't even outside her amniotic bubble yet. I know to some, the route may seem...
How to Pump Breastmilk as a Substitute Teacher
In the throes of a time-bending newborn haze, among sinks full of bottles and tops and pump parts, during a remixed sleep schedule and learning all of the exciting features of your...