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Thursday, June 19, 2014

Back to School

Time for a life update! As many of you know, I transitioned out of a Ph.D. track graduate program in January. I cashed in my 4 years of graduate studies for a Masters in Biomedical Research to pursue my dream of teaching at the Middle School - High School level. 

I am now in an intensive teacher training program where over the course of this Summer, I will be teaching Summer school and working towards my teaching certificate. What this looks like on a daily basis is this: I teach 3rd grade Math for 5 hours, & then go to teacher school for 7 hours, to learn the skills that are going to make me an effective teacher starting on day 1 this Fall. I look forward to teaching 7th grade Science during the next school year and working towards closing the achievement gap in Nashville. Seeing the lightbulbs shine over my scholars'  heads when they realize that the content IS within their grasp is magical, and what keeps me going during this grueling schedule.
{ What I Wore to teach: dress ℅ Of Mercer // J.Crew Factory top // ShoeMint pumps // Michael Kors watch }
all photos | Zipporah Photography
This is not easy. I am changing my entire life to make this new career choice a reality. I work long, hard days. Often dealing with crying children, implementing new skills in the moment, taking aggressive feedback, & creating ALL of the materials that I need for my classroom this Summer.

After 12 hours of teaching/learning, I come home to practice my skills, & write lesson plans based on what I learned each day. Tyler & I have had to take up new roles in our relationship. Transitioning from working together in grad school and sharing similar hours, to me now coming home hours later than him, tired to the bone. He has been such a huge support for me (I get emotional just typing this because I am so thankful) - he is on pug duty morning and night, he cooks & then forces me to eat when I am too busy to even glance up from my computer, he lets me vent about teacher stuff that I'm sure he doesn't much care about, and is just generally my biggest cheerleader.
I am dedicated to making this blog space happen, but I might be more absent from commenting on your blogs, hanging out on social media, & possibly even posting everyday like I currently do. I thank you for your support & continued blog visits as I figure out this new life of mine. I am excited about sharing more of my "teacher style" and bringing you along on the journey as I figure that out!
First up on my "teacher style" journey: taking my graduate student wardrobe to a teacher worthy closet, without breaking the bank. In all my infinite free time (teacher jokes), I enjoy finding new boutiques that offer stylish but professional options. One that I think is doing a superb job of this, is Of Mercer. I am in love with their beautiful basics - sheath dresses, high quality accessories & blazers - and totally enamored with the special details they craft into every garment. This dress is my first acquisition from them, but I'm sure it won't be my last!
It's back to school for me… in more ways than one.
I just adore the leather paneled top, and fit & flare silhouette. Because I don't feel as professional baring my shoulders to my 3rd graders, I layered a button down under the dress. I love this polka dot number that makes the whole look appropriate yet fun. In the Fall, I am excited to play with layering this dress, including bringing some blazers & sweaters to the mix!
Has the function of your wardrobe shifted recently?
What pieces would make your closet more functional for your life from work to play?

If you are looking to build a foundation of professional attire, be sure to check out these picks from Of Mercer:


19 comments:

  1. It sounds like I got my teaching certificate the same way you are doing...I did an intensive program to get my certification while I was teaching! Good for you :) And you look fabulous!

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  2. very cute dress! love reading about your career journey too! major props to you for all that you're doing!!

    ladies in navy

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  3. I'm not sure how you do it all! It's inspiring to see young women blogging alongside having a demanding career, you rock :)

    26 and Not Counting

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  4. I love this outfit - I know I could definitely make something like this from my closet. Best of luck with your career transition!

    Sarah

    aroseinthecity0.blogspot.com

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  5. I love your look! The polka dots are fantastic, great pictures. I hope you love teaching. It is definitely a tough career, but I couldn't see myself doing anything else. I teach high school math!

    Jessica @ Sunny Days and Starry Nights

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  6. transitioning from a college student wardrobe to a full-time working professional wardrobe was not easy, but it's fun to expand and change your style every so often! i love this look!

    xxoo,
    nikki

    www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com

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  7. Best of luck in this new stage! I happen to know a little something about making major educational and career changes. If I survived, so can you. ;)

    ~Sarah of Sarah's Real Life

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  8. Teaching, esp. the first year, is *tough*, so that's great that you have some good support at home! The best way to learn is by doing, so I bet this program is going to be great in the long run! Plus, do not know how you can stay so stylish - this dress is too cute!

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  9. Freakin LOVE how you styled this!!! Wow, sounds like you'll be working hard this summer!


    http://asequinloveaffair.com

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  10. Wow, sounds like you have been working so hard...it will all be worth it in the end :) You look perfect!

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  11. OMG!! Amazing look! Beauty tips its really Such a so cute outfit!

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  12. I'm lucky enough that my work clothes often overlap with the rest of my wardrobe, but my office is pretty casual.

    This dress you're wearing is absolutely stunning and it fits you like a glove! I'd feel so ready to tackle any client meetings in that outfit!

    xo Jackie

    Something About That

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  13. It's so inspiring to see you pursuing your dreams -- and you're hands down the most stylish teacher!

    Bedknobs & Baubles

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  14. I just wore almost this exact outfit 2 weeks ago! But your version is better with the leather panel and the bigger polka dots. Great teacher style.

    -AJ

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  15. I'm not a teacher. I'm a social worker, they are really about the same. We encourage and inspire everyday. You are the perfect person for this job. Keep up the great work you are making a difference daily in people's lives. What could be more important.

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  16. Adorable combo, I love the dress too. Your schedule sounds exhausting, but just know it will all be worth it in the end.


    Kristina does the Internets

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  17. I see father's lined up outside the door for a parent/teacher conference.

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Thank you for your comments, they make my day!!
xx