Instead of leaving my 4th grade teaching position upon graduating in 2012, I stayed on as the TA through the end of the school year. The school then hired me as a 5th grade teacher, so I was lucky enough to work with the same kids for another year! I've been teaching 5th grade ever since. After teaching every subject (and more) for a few years, we departmentalized. Now I teach ELA and US History and serve as a SIT member and PLC lead.