Hi Everyone!  I know that I have some faithful followers out there that check my blog daily for new classroom inspiration and I have to admit, I’ve neglected my blogging responsibilities!  I’ve been quite busy with my day job (teaching my sweet 1st graders) and working on my classroom themes in the evening.  Even though you haven’t heard from me in a while, I am still here WORKING behind the scenes. 

I know that you are waiting anxiously for new photos of my latest theme.  They should be ready any day now.  Just like you, I can’t wait to see them!!!  As soon as I get them, I will work hard to get them up ASAP! 

In addition, I’ve made a BIG life decision…I’ve decided to resign from my teaching position.  This has been the HARDEST decision I have ever made.  My whole adult life has been about school, my students, and teaching.  After 15 years of being in the classroom, I still love it.

So, why am I leaving? 

Schoolgirl Style has taken a life of it’s own.  I could literally spend hours upon hours answering emails, designing, staging rooms, and shopping for upcoming photo shoots.  Most of you know that in addition to working two jobs, I have three children.  I’ve decided that I can no longer do it all.  I am struggling to maintain a healthy balance.  After TRYING to do it all for several months, I knew that I had to let go of either Schoolgirl Style or teaching.  I took long walks and cried my eyes out while I thought about the possibility of leaving the profession that I loved so much.  I struggled and struggled with the decision.  Ultimately, I chose to continue with Schoolgirl Style.

“INSPIRE”

I have heard this word over and over in your emails, on my Facebook page, and in your sweet comments.  I began to realize that Schoolgirl Style is more than just pretty rooms, it is about inspiring all of you.  Teaching is hard.  It is the hardest job out there.  Teaching is lonely.  Teaching is stressful.  Teaching is draining.  Sometimes we get so caught up in the stresses of the job the and the rigorous curriculum, that it begins to suck the life out of us. 

I’ve found that classroom decorating is a little “brain break!”  Isn’t it fun to think of surrounding yourself in your favorite colors and things that you love?  The classroom environment is SO important (just as important as the curriculum), but we tend to overlook it.  Not only is the environment important for our students, but it is just as important for YOU! 

I’ve heard from teachers about how they feel inspired for the first time in years.  When I get emails like this, it really can bring tears to my eyes.  It makes me so incredibly happy to hear that I am impacting the teaching profession and helping all of you!

So, leaving teaching is sad, but at the same time, if I can inspire teachers and put some excitement back into teaching, I am impacting the profession on a larger scale.

I’ve decided not to worry about my blog this week and to just enjoy my last week with my students.  I am enjoying being a teacher for a few more days.  I am packing away and hauling everything home for the biggest teacher garage sale you have ever seen!  *I bet you wished you lived by me because you could get some great deals!

So, with my new full time Schoolgirl Style job, you can expect more blog posts, more inspiration, and a few more changes to the blog coming soon! 

Exciting times ahead!

~Happy Decorating~

Melanie