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Saturday, June 2, 2012

What is going on with Fran?



Are you going through any changes next year? Is anyone else leaving kindergarten for other jobs or grades? Too bad. Kindergarten rocks! It is the best grade ever. Just saying...

48 comments:

Learning with Mrs. Parker said...

What a loss for your school.....but what a wonderful gain to your district. I hope you love it. Change is so hard and I know this decision must have been a difficult one. It is so hard to say good bye to the place you called home for so long. I understand. Good luck on your new journey. I will be thinking of you. If you ever are in the San Diego area and need a kinder fix, my classroom is open. :)

Kindertrips said...

Fran, I feel like I can call you that because I have been visiting your site EVERYDAY for the past year or so. I am so excited for you- do you realize how many more children whose lives you will/can change in your new position? WOW! Please continue to post. I have learned so very much from you.
Jennifer
www.kindertrips.blogspot.com

Camille said...

Fran,
I am so proud of you! Yes, change is hard. (SO HARD!!!!) But you will be impacting so many more children this way. Plus, you will be helping so many teachers. I actually started screaming when I saw that you would be writing curriculum for TK teachers. Will your district let you share with other districts? Or sell it on TPT? (Oh, there is a 75% chance that I will be teaching a TK, thus the screams.)

I have made some major changes in my teaching career. It was always bittersweet. What helped was having something planned right away so that I wouldn't be moping at home. Go out to dinner with your husband that night and/or your partner. Have something amazing planned for the next day. Plus breathe a lot. There will be tears - LOTS. But that is good. Far better to have given your heart so completely, than to walk away thrilled to be done with a job you hated.

Take care my dear and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
Camille
An Open Door

Mrs. Scoma said...

You're going to be awesome at this new position! What an honor that the Higher Ups saw how wonderful you are and the great ideas you have... and they want you to share all of that with others :-) Good luck and enjoy!!

~Laura
Www.firstgradeFUNdamentals.blogspot.com

Fran Kramer said...

I love all of you for giving me so much support. I feel very emotional about leaving a principal I call my friend and my partner who is like family to me. My team is made up of my closest friends who I love dearly.I alsolove the families I have served for so many years. I will share all the TK materials I create on this blog and give you a view of other classrooms and stellar teachers. I want to celebrate all the amazing educators I know and love. Wish me luck...

Sarah Plum said...

I can't imagine the range of emotions you must be feeling, but I can tell you that as a new teacher I would feel so blessed to have you as a mentor. You are going to impact so many more students at once by virtue of helping teachers improve and writing curriculum that matters -- it's really wonderful, and I can't wait to hear how much you really do love it because I know you will.

I look forward to reading about and seeing your new adventure! I'm taking a huge leap myself... I have my first job! I'll be a second grade teacher next year and wow, I can hardly believe it after all these years of working toward it.

Lisa R. said...

As hard as it may be, you are destined for great things!! You are such an asset for anyone to have. I look forward to continuing to follow along & hear all the wonderful ideas that you are developing along the way. Best of luck!
Lisa
Learning Is Something to Treasure

Heidi said...

Congratulations and good luck on your new journey. Transitions are very difficult, but from what I have seen here on your blog you will make the transition well and be a great asset to your district.

Take care,
Heidi
My (Not So) Elementary Life

Ms. Lopez said...

Wow I got emotional for you just reading your post! Sniff :') Wishing you good luck. The teachers in your district are sooo lucky to have you. Sounds exciting, Fran!! I'm so glad you will continue to share your fabulous ideas with us too.
Can't wait to see you in Vegas to give you a hug!!!

Kathy
Coloring Outside The Lines

Heather said...

You will be truly amazing in this new position and think of all the new (and veteran) teachers that you will help! They are so blessed to have you, as we are so blessed to have you through this blog. You have given me so many ideas and helped to make learning fun when I didn't know how I was going to do it. Thank you for everything and can't wait to follow you on a new journey!

Heather (heathernnance@yahoo.com)

tnt mom said...

Fran, WOW congratulations! Thank you for all you have shared I am an avid follower. After 22years of teaching (8 in kinder),I too am leaving my kindergarten job, partners, and school that I love dearly for a new intervention position. It is hard to pack up my stuff not knowing if I should keep some of it or pass it on. I know how you feel about the emotions getting to you as you dig through drawers and cupbards.
Good luck with your new position, your district is so blessed to have you.

Kreative in Kinder said...

You're right. Kindergarten is the best grade ever. Fran, you will do GREAT! You are a rock star! I am so excited for you and your new position. Teachers will be so lucky to have your guidance and genius ideas. I can't wait to meet in Vegas!!!
<>< Crystal

Fran Kramer said...

Crystal,
I can't wait to meet the adorable lady behind your wonderful blog. I am dying to give you a big hug so get ready!
Fran

Lorena said...

I applaud you for being so brave and extending your experience to others. Kinder is where my heart is and I long to go back to teaching it so I can see how it can be tough to change but I'm sure you will excel in your new position.

Lorena
Little Treasures

Annie Moffatt said...

Oh Fran!!! This is PERFECT for you and for all those teachers who will be blessed to be under you! What a great opportunity for you and more so for all those teachers who you will help mentor. You are such a sweet encouragement and this position is so right for you! Wow! This is WONDERFUL news and I am sure you are a little sad too! Big hugs to you sweet friend!

Rachelle said...

YOU WILL BE SO AMAZING!!!!!! Your district is so lucky to have you there to mentor other teachers! Congrats!!!! I'm sure your school will miss you do much and I know those little kinders will miss you dearly. You are so great at everything you do!!!!!! I can't wait to see you again when I giro Vegas!!!!!!!!

Stacy said...

Fran,
Congratulations on your new position!! I think that this will be the perfect place for you. I'm so jealous of the teachers who will get to work directly with you each and every day. Change IS hard but remember, your principal, partner and team will ALWAYS be your friends regardless of if you see them everyday.

Thank you for always sharing such wonderful ideas and for being an inspiration to me. I'm looking forward to watching you continue to grow throughout the years.
Stacy
simpsonsuperstars

Cindy Del Valle said...

Congrats on your new position! I am leaving my school after four years in the same classroom and relocating to New York (my family is there) where I don't have a job yet. This decision was bittersweet for me and telling my students was difficult. I am firm believer that everything happens for a reason and everything will work out for both of us.


Cindy
Primary Reading Party

Unknown said...

Hi Fran,

I just started blogging about 2 months ago and your website is one which I frequent. Whenever I needed ideas or more information, like how to utilize thinking maps in the classroom, you're a great resource. As a mentor you will provide guidance and much needed support for many teachers.

May your new journey bring about many rewarding and fulfilling days as you have had in the many years within the four walls of your classroom as a teacher.

Lovingly,
Fawn

Unknown said...

Fran, I am so happy for you. You are going to wonderful at that position. It is amazing the amount of memories that are created in a classroom. I have been in the same classroom for 19 years now and I couldn't even imagine packing it up. I think I would have to have someone do it for me because I would be a blubbering idiot. However, I have ventured out into district responsibilities in the afterhours (assisting in writing district curriculum maps using CC, mentoring other new Kindergarten teachers in the district, attending state conferences regarding CC standards). All of these ventures have been exciting and extremely resourceful for me and others that I have had the opportunity to share with. I know my district is preparing me for my future outside of the classroom but I don't believe I am ready just yet. I am not sure how I will feel when that day comes. Again, congratulations and I know you are going to do great because you possess such a caring and sharing attitude; and you put children first.

:) Ann

Casey Shea said...

I am leaving Kinder after 4 amazing years and headed to 2nd grade! Excited, but there is no place like a Kindergarten classroom! Good luck Fran... I know you'll be amazing!

A Special Kind of Class said...

Wow Fran,
What a wonderful opportunity for you. It must have been such a hard decision to make. I know you will be great and you will be able to impact even more children.

Mandy
A Special Kind of Class

She (Sprinkle Teaching Magic) said...

Such a touching post Fran. Congratulations on the next stage of your teaching journey. I am not surprised at all that the district wants to snatch you up. The teachers in your district are incredibly lucky to have you not only as a mentor but rolling out the CCSS. You are such an innovator whether you know it or not! I look to your blog when I need curriculum for my kinders that is effective, field tested, right at their level, and educationally sound on all levels. Thank you!

I remember one day Camille (An Open Door, we teach at the same school) and I were chatting in the teacher's work room about the popularity of brace maps spreading all over the teacher webs. We were stumped as to their effectiveness, the background behind them, and why they are so gosh darn popular? We both agreed that we needed to contact you to get to the bottom of the brace map popularity mystery. Sure enough Camille forwarded me the email you sent her with your explanation. As I read your response a smile instantly was on my face. I remember thinking YES, now THIS is what I am talking about a teacher that knows her stuff. There is no fluff with you Fran. You are the real deal and inspire me more than you will ever know.

I remember when my mom left the classroom after 20 + years of teaching and was asked to become a BTSA mentor for the district and lead their GATE program. She had similar feelings but has now spent the last 10??? years mentoring new teachers AND becoming a BTSA leader. She is in her element! If you have any questions or need support my mom is an incredible resource I would love to connect you two.

Anyways, this comment has gotten a bit long and full of rambles. I think you are fantastic and can't wait to hear tales of your new adventures.

She
Sprinkle Teaching Magic

Laura said...

Good luck to you as you enter this new chapter! Your district will certainly benefit! How lucky are those teachers?? I know this time must be bittersweet for you! You will be in my thoughts and prayers!

Laura
Peace, Love, and First Grade

Kristin said...

Wow! That is so exciting! The teachers that you get to mentor are so lucky!!!!!!

beagle2love said...

As I get ready to accept a new challenge of teaching in a kindergarten classroom, I hear your news! I am excited for you! I want you to know that as I considered the move to K, I looked at all I have learned from you and your blog and I realized that I could make the change and be successful because of you and all you have shared! You are an amazing inspiration to all of your followers and you encourage us to grow and change...and we thank you!

Miss Marcy said...

Fran,
I am so excited for you. Even though I am a first grade teacher, I visit your blog regularly and have learned so much from you. Yes, you will miss your little ones but the influence you will have inspiring kindergarten teachers will directly benefit so many youngsters. You are amazing and your district is very lucky to have you. Good luck and enjoy your new challenge!

msdora162 said...

You are very brave to try something new. However, you have been sharing and training all of us, so you will be just fine. Your district is very lucky, I hope they appreciate you. I hope you have time after your Vegas conference (I so wish I could go) to publish your mentoring work that you did this year with the fifth grade and your kinders. Good luck and God Bless.

Todd said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Todd said...

Fran ~ Congrats on your new position...and kudos to your school system for stealing you from the classroom! Teachers deserve to have someone as dedicated to little kids as you are to teach them, especially in implementation of the CCSS. Wishing you the best of luck (though you don't need it). Hoping to see you blogging about your new endeavors soon!
~Tracy

Laura said...

My only question for you is do you have any openings in your district!! They are so lucky to have such a wonderful resource to support teaching our kids! You do not need luck because you are amazing, so how about a cyber hug! I look forward to reading about your next adventure!

Anjanette said...

I taught k for 4 years and then quit teaching for 14 years to raise my own kids. One summer I got a call from the principal at the school I had taught offering me an interview based on the good things other teacher I had taught with had said and my experience with Title 1 kids. So one month later I was back teaching k in the same school. I never would have dreamed I would come full circle. You never know what amazing opportunities lie ahead.

Giggles and Squeals said...

I am sure you will be a fantastic mentor! It is hard to walk out and see that you are leaving your "normal" behind, but you are going to be able to touch so many more students by helping teachers. You help me more than you know!

Good luck and I will be thinking of you! You'll still help us too right? This blog isn't going away is it?

Unknown said...

So excited for you Fran! My big change came last year when I left a school I'd been at for 8 years. It was the best thing that has happened to me in my kindergarten teaching career! This will be great for you.

Laura
Kinder Kraziness

Pam said...

What a wonderful opportunity for you and future kids you will touch. I will miss all the wonderful posts. I hope your district will continue to let you share. Your work is such an inspiration to even us who have taught 20 years and some. Good luck on your new adventure. Please keep us posted. You are amazing!!!!!!!

Doodle Bugs said...

Best of luck! But, you won't need it.. you will be AWESOME at your new job! I can not wait to hear more about your new adventure!

Kacey
Doodle Bugs Teaching
Doodle Bugs Paper

Kristen said...

Oh Fran, I feel for you. What a hard thing to go through. You are going to be such an amazing impact for so many teachers though, and they are very lucky! I agree with Kacey, I can't wait to read more about your new career phase!

Idalia T. said...

Congratulations and Best Wishes for a future just as wonderful as it seems your years of teaching have been. I have been following you for so long I feel as if I am losing teaching partner. I will probably not have the honor of meeting you in person so I will take this opportunity to say THANK YOU for re-energizing my teaching and inspiring me beyond what you can ever imagine. You have made me not lose hope in what I do and for that I will be ever grateful. Many Blessings be upon you always!!!!

keri said...

Wow, how exciting and how sad! You are an incredible gem and I know this next stretch of your teaching career will be good. Just think of all those teachers as little kinders! lol
Best of luck to you! You are a truly amazing woman!!!
Keri :)

Chrissy said...

Congratulations, Fran! You will always carry kindergarten in your heart. :-)

May your summer be peaceful and productive!!
ReadWriteSing

Natalie Alexander said...

I am gonna tell you it will be something you miss but you will see another entire side of teaching to appreciate. I moved last school year from 10 yrs of kindergarten to working as the RTI teacher at our elementary school. I know God wanted me to touch the lives of these struggling reader and he wants you to guide those teachers into becoming the best they can be. I am a huge fan of yours and I can think of no better person for the job they have given you. It's gonna be a blessing!

Freckleteacher said...

Wonderful News Fran! I know you are scared and it must have been really emotional to pack up your classroom, but you are ready for this. You are a born leader and as you can tell from your many followers, you are an excellent montor teacher. You will still be touching the lives of many children through supporting teachers and creating curriculum. As Pete the Cat would say "It's all good!"

I can't wait to see you in Vegas! I hope we have a blogger meet-up. My vote is for the night of the 9th, since it is the only night I am there! Lol! I will give you a big hug and can't wait to hear about all of the amazing changes in your life.
Get some rest and I will see you in Vegas baby!

Meredith said...

Fran, everything you do, you do with great enthusiasm and professionalism. Congratulations on your new position. The best is yet to come, for you!

jalove said...

Hi Fran! Congratulations on the next phase of your teaching career! I must say after attending one of your workshops this summer, your amazing ideas were soo inspirational and gave me such a NEW view of teaching kindergarten!! You are truly a wonderful person and creative teacher. Your students will miss such a positive role model however, just think how many teachers you will be helping!! I look forward to seeing and checking out the changes you have in store for us!! Thank you!

Cindy said...

Fran,
I've been busy saying good bye to my classes and packing up that I haven't had time to check in here. My heart quaked a bit as I read your post. I KNEW you were leaving the classroom, but to see it in print...it still caused me to pause in sadness. I hope you will continue to share your ideas here with so many of us that have gotten TREMENDOUS inspiration from you. I know you will bring TONS of enthusiasm and expertise to your new position. How fortunate for the teachers who will have you supporting them,
And I agree with what someone else posted here...you will (and already do) touch the lives of HUNDREDS of children all over the world through their teachers.
PLEASE keep in touch and say visible in the blogging world! Love you!

Fran Kramer said...

These comments bring tears to my eyes and the reality of this move is hitting me hard. I promise to continue this blog through a slightly different lens. I could never leave all of you. I want to post more freebies and information about the common core. I promise to keep it super simple and REAL. Thank you for all the support during a time that is so challenging for me. At least I can say I loved life in kindergarten. When assessments roll around in my district I will be in classroom helping teachers... I pinky swear!
Fran

Albertateach said...

Your district is very lucky to have you as a mentor. I have been following your blog for a year now and have learned so much from you to add to my practice.
I too after 11 years in one town, 8 in K, am being move. New town and Grade 3! So I too understand your emotional roller coaster.
Best Wishes for the new job and thank you for the inspiration the past year!

Kerri and Lindsay said...

WOW!! What an exciting time for you! I left my last school after teaching Kindergarten in the same room for 10 years, and it was the hardest thing I have ever done. But, after 2 years teaching first grade at my new school, I can honestly say that it was actually the best thing I ever could have done.
You will be AMAZING in your new position, I just know it!
Love,Kerri B
teacherbitsandbobs
P.S. Are we having a bloggy meet-up at your pad this summer or what?? :)