Life is changing

Life is flashing before my eyes....I remember my parents always saying not to rush through high school or want to leave, because when I do, I will be a grown up before I know it....How true is that?? I have been out of college for two years...am a State Certified Teacher, and am also a National Certified Montessori Teacher...how did that happen?! Not to mention it is the year 2011...doesnt that just sound so weird?!? I remember saying that the year 2000 was weird and I was only 13 going on 14....I just cannot believe where I am today and every path that has gotten me here...
I have been kind of going back and forth on what to do with my teaching career. I have been talking to co-workers, friends, Montessorians, traditional teachers, family, and anyone else who wanted to listen to what I had going on in my head. I am an emotional and sensitive person, and really, really try to rationalize every choice I make when it comes to my life and the people in it. I also tend to worry a little too much about everyone else and their opinions, and therefore do not listen to myself and how I feel about things very often. What can I say? I got into the teaching profession because I care so much about giving back and other people, it is just who I am. Well, I realized this past weekend and today, that I shouldnt listen to everyone else when it comes to my career and me being happy. I need to be happy with the choice that I make because it is ultimately what is best for me! I have been contemplating going back to districts, then I think "but wait, Montessori is so great!" I have not formally taught in a district on my own, so who knows I might think that is great as well, I do have some experience with it through college and student teaching, so I kinda know how things run, but still cannot say that I have had my own classroom and know what it feels like to teach in a traditional school..
What I do know, is that when I graduated college, I stumbled upon Villa Montessori School. I came to work on the first day not knowing what to expect. I was hooked that first week. The love, respect, and knowledge that the people working at Villa have, totally opened my eyes to a new teaching philosophy. I have been working at Villa for two years, and this will be the second summer that I have applied to districts and thought about going somewhere else to teach. Why?  I DONT KNOW! I think it is because I am so desperate to have my own classrom, and change the futures of kids, and just start my career...I have come to the realization that I have my whole life to work, I am changing kids lives doing what I am doing now...I work in the field and with the age that I want to be with, I inspire kids to love themselves and the earth, I teach them respect and patience, and best of all I get to open their eyes to a world of cultures and people that you just dont get to do in a traditional setting. We have had talking birds, chickens, a cat with no tail, a ferret, and a dog all visit our classroom for show and tell. In a traditional setting,you have to send permission slips to even have that! Montessori kids learn first hand about their world through these amazing experiences. There are no wrong questions, and there is no pressure. I guess what I am saying, is that I think I need to stay where I am at. Who cares if I dont have my own classrom yet?? I love my job! How many people can say that they enjoy waking up every morning at 5AM to be at work at 7AM with 3, 4, and 5 year olds? I can. I love that.
Montessori talks about the four planes of development...the fourth plane is described as young adults 18-24 years old. She said that young adults in this age range are still figuring out their place in this world. They are starting to figure out who they really are and what they will contribute to this world. I will be 25 this July, and I think I know in my heart what I am supposed to do....TEACH MONTESSORI! I went into my principal's office today and talked to them about my choice and I started to cry. I think I just feel so passionate about my choice, and I know that in the end I will not regret it. My heart and my eyes have been opened so wide in the past year through my training and my experience. I will stay Montessori and I will be great.