Hi There!
I’m Ashley: Teacher from 7-3, Mommy from 3-7, and Wife somewhere in between.
First Belle primarily revolves around the “TeacherMom,” (moms who are also teachers) and even more specifically those of us who are relatively new moms.
I know I am not the only woman experiencing the guilt of choosing family over classroom, and vice versa. We are a special breed, us TeacherMoms, and I feel fortunate to be a part of this exclusive sorority.
Currently, I am the general education teacher in a co-taught inclusion 5th grade classroom. I LOVE what I do! My classroom is one of my favorite places to be, and I am always striving to be a better teacher.
Additionally, I have recently added “mom” to my resume. Now I am trying to be the best Mom I can be to my daughter, Belle, while still trying to be the best teacher I can be for my students. First Belle is a place to share ideas that connect working moms and remind us that we are not alone, as well as share things that make my life as a TeacherMom easier, more efficient, and more fulfilled.
My Story
I began my teaching experience at a Title 1 school in its 2nd year of academic probation, with a new administrative team…and I was planning my wedding ( to take place 3 months into my first year). The answer to your question is, “No, I don’t know what the hell I was thinking.” I thought I could do it all and more. Spoiler alert: I cannot. I had a rough class that year, but it molded me into the teacher I am today. It took every ounce of me to make that classroom run and I am proud to say we made it through.
During my second year of teaching I got pregnant, and my third year was spent struggling to find my stride as a #TeacherMom. By the end of the year, I felt much more confident and had made some adjustments to my classroom.
My family is my top priority and I am finally at peace with that decision. Through this blog I will share what I have learned to make it all work!
Please join me on this journey! Subscribe, interact, and share what you think or what you would like to read more about. Thank you for visiting First Belle!