Well, now that Im not running around like the proverbial headless chicken for a few minutes, I can give you all an update on my first year as a teacher so far. As far as the school community goes, its fantastic. The principal AND vice principal are both personable and supportive. My coworkers have all been helpful anytime Ive needed anything and are generous in their advice and encouragement. The students, teachers, and administrators are all well acquainted with one another, knowing, embracing, and balancing one anothers strengths and weaknesses. Its a fantastic environment to be a part of. I inherited a first year teachers dream. My classroom has two small windows, tables for students that are all the same size and type, a smart board, two whiteboards, three bulletin boards, a surround sound system, a built-in bookshelf, a small closet for personal classroom storage, a thermostat that works like its supposed to, three file cabinets (two normal-sized, one half-sized), and a classroom set of netbooks in a big computer cart. BUT WAIT! THATS NOT ALL! The former teacher, who did not retire but did shift roles to become the librarian, also left a small printer for personal or small print jobs, a small scanner, a computer mouse, a lava lamp, a basket of headsets for students if needed, an entire box of classroom supplies (staples, Expo markers, Sharpies, sticky tack, etc.), HER ENTIRE CLASSROOM LIBRARY, **and** nearly all (if not all) of her resource books. She also kindly left me the model curriculum. Oh, and a bunch of educational posters to choose from if I want any. Like I said: a first-year teachers dream! I am so blessed. Whats transpired so far: 1. I got sick the night before open house and had a wave of nausea hit DURING open house, where I very professionally had to kneel beside the trash can in front of parents for a few moments. Hi, parents, Im the new English teacher! 2. Made it through my first day of teaching (and every day following, to date), although all I remember feeling by the end of Day One is like I was in a daze. 3. My mom surprised me on Monday by stopping by after school after her work trip in Lebanon, MO. Its nice to see your mom when your life is crazy. Im REALLY enjoying this adventure of teaching. I think I will enjoy it more the more I do it, but Ive finally gotten to the place where Im not quite so freaked out anymore. Dont ask me what were doing next week (or even tomorrow) because I dont know yet; right now, Im taking one day at a time because thats all I can handle right now. Im having a blast, but the only way I can relax is if I focus on today and no more than that. Today is a full day with a full plate. If you want to talk about tomorrow, talk to me tomorrow, and well have a lovely conversation. My kids, by the way, are fantastic. Im looking forward to sleeping in on Saturday.
Posted on: Fri, 22 Aug 2014 01:41:49 +0000
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