Allie is a Teacher

Over the summer, our director reached out to the majors who were signed up to student teach to see if they were interested in changing to an internship. With an internship, you actually have your own classroom and teach all year for half salary. It takes the place of student teaching. Allie decided to go for it. She figured she didn't really want to student teach and be in someone else's classroom; that she was ready for her own classroom.

She worked all summer on lesson plans and setting up her classroom at Diamond Fork Middle School. She teaches foods, sewing, and teen living. She's been there almost a month and she LOVES it. She says she loves her junior high kids way more that she thought she would. In the first 4 weeks, she's broken up a fight over a stolen cell phone, had 3 kids come out to her as gay or transgender, had kids ask if they could eat lunch in her classroom (she said no, that she eats with faculty - she needs a little break), and has dealt with discipline issues like a boss. She's doing so great.

BYU School of Family Life had its annual awards banquet last night and Allie spoke on behalf of the undergraduate scholarship recipients. She did a great job. All four of us were there. Mel was also a recipient. Keenan was Allie's guest and I was Natalie's guest. Dr. Brasher, my professor from my college days, was there. She's in her 90's and still drives, serves in the temple, and heads up a service project to make teddy bears for the Children's Justice Center. That's been going on for over 25 years. It's nice to connect with her, especially with my girls. Allie was so cute and complimented her on her sweater. "I like your sweater, Dr. Brasher."

Hunter East is also a first year teacher, 5th grade. Sarah East Christesen is the admin to a principal at a Jewish High School in Irvine, and Bekki is finishing her PhD in hopes of teaching. Mom and I have worked on a project for all these teachers. We've rounded up stuff from uncle Mike for each of them to have for their classroom. Allie will get a ceramic piece that an at risk student made for Mike in the 80's. Hunter will get a paper weight given to Mike by a mom of an at risk kid in the 80's and the other educators will get a sign that says Mike Sears that hung outside of his office or on his desk. I even get one. Mom interviewed Mike and is transcribing his life/career story. We'll give that to the kids, too. I'm so glad Mike wanted to help us out. These kids will be a great influence for good. I love teachers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!