So I don't want to retype everything so here's an email I sent to my friend Elise who left Madison to teach in China. I'll make my blogging notes in black.

Hi ____

Work is going really well. I am overwhelmed learning the technology and the curriculum. We use dropbox, webinars, conference calls, BrianPop, Discovery Streaming, other web games and sites, and a school software called Connexus. It’s a lot of tech to learn. Wow when I listed it out like that is it a lot to learn. I have added another tab to my password spread sheet. I am still learning when we use each piece. Then I teach all subjects seventh and eighth grade. They have textbooks, novels, activity books, lesson manuals and answer keys that I have to read through so I know what the parent is teaching the child.  But I don’t have to create anything. Right now I do phone calls to parents to make sure they are in the registration process. Then I answer all my emails about problems. Then I learn the curriculum.

Working at home is different too. I can work for a couple of hours then run the kids to a friends house. When I have meetings then are done through conference calls or webinars. We are still working out code words for when we will be using webcams so we know our hair and makeup need to be done. I am starting to get the new rhythm of working at home. I keep realizing how much better this will be for my own kids. The phone calls are fun. It's like having conference with the parents all the time. I worry about the self discipline working at home will require. I don't want to gain more weight because the kitchen is always there. I don't want my looks to go to hell. but yet I am enjoying working in yoga pants and a hoodie right now. 

Next year the program will be high school. In March the Michigan laws capping cyber school expire. I can see this having a big future.

So have you had your first day of school? I think you are teaching middle school math, right? Is the math that different?

I hope Joseph starts enjoying his school better.

Take care!
Julie 

Ha ! I just spelled checked this entry. There are seven words that the spell thinks are wrong but they are right they are just techie words like webinar. Opps! there's another one "techie". That's one thing I love about this job!