Here we are in the second week of another new school year. I have always loved the fact that I have a job that every year I get a fresh start to do all of the things I wish I had learned the previous year. We never stop learning and wisdom definitely comes with age. I always think back to my first class of first graders I had and hope that I didn't mess up too bad considering all of the learning I have had since those days. This year we are in another new year, with all new things, but this time MUCH different. It has been a challenge like no other. I think all teachers have felt like first-year teachers again. It's hard, it can be scary, it can be exhausting... but OH the rewards of being back in the classroom are like none other. Students have a way of lighting up your life and filling it with pure joy, despite a crazy world going on. I learned this for the first time a few years ago when we had a tornado suddenly change our school life with no warning. I remember feeling exhausted, confused, and wondering how to continue on and still yet trying to put everything back together in a weekend. Amazingly, when the students walked in on Monday it was like every care was gone and they were just kids, and all the stuff going on didn't matter. Yes, we were in a gym. No, we didn't have walls. Yes, we had three grade levels in one gym. It was loud. It was uncomfortable to teach like that. However, through all the chaos, students were still able to learn. Overall, they recognized how much we loved them and care about their well-being and future. That is a calling like no other. Yes, it's hard some days but it is going to be ok. A new normal will return and the students will still learn. They will always, above all, remember the way you care for them every single day. So teacher friends, keep on showing up. Keep on doing what you are great at...LOVE your students every single day they are with you. You will not see the wave in the ocean right now but I promise the ripple matters. EVERY MOMENT MATTERS!
As these uncertain circumstances continue on I want to share snapshots of our classroom for the first two weeks. We may have different protocols, we may be wearing masks, we may sanitize A LOT, but the learning and love....it NEVER stops.
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