Yesterday was my last day of teaching. After four years of teaching... approx. 720 days, 5,400 hours, 120 students...give or take... I. Am. Done. (for now) These past few weeks have been so much fun. I 'll admit, it was hard for me to go back to work after my 9 week maternity leave; however, once I got into a groove (and perhaps coupled with the knowledge it was temporary), I was able to really enjoy the kids and just have a good time.
On Memorial Day Andrew and I went to my classroom to pack up and move most of my stuff. Then, it happened. I found a note from "Ryan R."...(from my first year)... and I lost it. I think Andrew was surprised by my sudden break down, but I had to get it out.
I have been touched by so many special children, my students. I have been taught by them. loved by them, laughed at by them, hugged by them, and humbled by them. Kids are great. Oh, I have had plenty of days when I would lock up room 137 and wonder what the heck I was accomplishing... or why I even bothered trying to teach. But, looking back now, I know that I was doing what I needed to do. My patriarchal blessing is very specific about my involvement with teaching the children of this earth, which is why I know I will someday teach again, and I look forward to it.
A teacher can be the grumpiest person alive (I think I may have meet some of grumps, and perhaps been one of them on occasion) but as I reflect and look back on ALL I have learned and all the wonderful kids I have had the privilege of getting to know, I am so so thankful for each and every day in that classroom.
As I hugged the kiddos good-bye one last time I was in denial (the only way I didn't leave with mascara dripping down my cheeks) and pretended that I would see them all next year when they came to visit... and that everything would be the same. But it won't. And that makes me cry.
Kids are awesome. Even 32 of them... in one classroom for 7.5 hours a day. :) I tried to make a little list of things the kids do that I LOVE...
1. Call me "mom" on accident and get super embarrassed. haha
2. Draw me really cool pictures. (even my 5th graders did this)
3. Write me notes. (even better when the words are spelled right)
4. Tell me I am pretty and that I have cute clothes. (where will I get that extra boost?!)
5. Lie to me (about stupid/unimportant things) and try to keep a straight face when I call them out on it.
6. Make me crafts... like magnets and cardboard collages.
7. Invite me to their birthday parties, baptisms, plays, dance recitals, band concerts, baseball games, and basketball games. (I tried to attend as many and I could)
8. Several hugs- daily.
9. The quirkiness of kids in general.
10. Hearing about their personal lives. (Parents should be aware that teachers know A LOT about them and their home life!)
11. Watching them grow- emotionally, academically, physically.
I am going to miss a lot about teaching. But, I look forward to the next chapter in life.
wow, I cannot believe you have been teaching for 4 years! I am sure you have made a HUGE impact on the lives of so many kids. My elementary teachers are the ones I have the best memories of- you know many of those kids will remember you for the rest of their lives. What an awesome experience.
ReplyDeleteAww you will make ME cry! What a sweet post. Those kids sure are LUCKY to have had you as a teacher. You have always been a teacher and incredible with kids- now it is your own kids who get to enjoy you as their teacher! (and of course mother!) :)
ReplyDeleteOk... i've NEVER wanted to be a teacher before... until i read this. you are such an amazing woman and, i've said this before, but I'd LOVE it if you were my 5th grade teacher! I know every one of those kids are going to cherish you forever... you're fabulous!!
ReplyDeleteI guess that you got your teariness from me, as I cried a few crocodiles as well in reading this post. You surely have had an impact on all those you have taught. Love Paps!
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