I can't believe that it's been two years since I've sat down and typed up anything about teaching. Then again...yes I can.
It has been hard. Ignore any other post I ever made about teaching being difficult. This is the one.
Eh, maybe I'm being dramatic. I chalk last year's difficulty up to being pregnant for most of the year and returning only to pack up my classroom. Not that I didn't have hard behaviors because I did. I had some behaviors that I had never dealt with before and had no idea how to handle. We made it through, however.
This year has been...interesting?
Interesting is really the only, um, nice way to put it.
Have I wanted to call in sick like every day? Yes. Have I tried to talk my husband into letting me stay at home? Also, yes. Did I run out of PTO because my kid got pneumonia and HFMD (THREE TIMES). Yes, correct.
These kids are wildin'. I don't know how else to say it. I don't know what to say. Anything I say y'all will think I'm making it up. Unless you work with me then you know I'm not making it up and your class is probably just as bad as mine, if not worse.
I feel like after eighteen years in education I would not be surprised by behaviors anymore. That maybe students would be more respectful, understanding of consequences, and follow directions the first time they are asked to do something.
None of those things happened this year. Instead, I was frustrated, annoyed, and angry most of the time. Now, we had some good moments and good times. I had some wonderful students that I absolutely adored.
I also tried very hard to start each day with a clean slate and the understanding that they are just children. Their brains and bodies are still growing, they are still learning.
Apparently, so am I.
It's been eighteen years and I'm still grateful that I get to learn something new about teaching every damn year.
Next year, I'll be learning a lot of new things because after eighteen years at my school I will be leaving it. I am sad, excited, and so very nervous. I have been processing this decision since my son was born. I love my school, but I love my family more and I absolutely hate spending 2-3 hours in the car every day.
I'm excited about the possibilities of learning new things, meeting new teachers and students. Hopefully I have some good ideas to share, too.
Until then, I'm ready for summer with my sweet (and somewhat feral) boy.
Also, I'm retheming so if you'd like to help out, I have a new Amazon list. ;)