The countdown is nearly over! The end of the school year is here. In some ways, it went quickly—it seems like just yesterday I was debating where to put the bulletin boards in my classroom. In other ways, I thought the end would never come—I’ve been dreaming of my summer plans for weeks!
I still have a few days left before I can close up my classroom for the summer, though, and there’s so much still to do. I get to move my classroom yet again and my principal is still mulling over the grade level assignments for next year. Change never ends!
This was a rough year for me. Not only did I have a major professional change at the beginning of the year, I faced personal hurdles as well. My class was a challenge throughout the year, causing me to question my professional choice on more than one occasion, something that likely no one is immune to. And if you are one of those lucky ones to never question your profession of choice, I’d love to shake your hand!
But throughout this trying year, I can look back and revel in the positive:
- That student that hasn’t smiled in the three years I’ve known her? Yeah, I got her to laugh out loud on more than one occasion.
- The student that came to me with such a speech impediment, I couldn’t understand him on his first day? He and I shared an exchange of knock-knock jokes the other day.
- The class that scored an average of 40% on their beginning-of-the-year math assessment? Yep—they scored a 75% average just the other day.
- The parent that everyone shies away from because she’s so abrupt? All it took was a few nice notes from me and she’s completely supportive—my new BFF.
- The job that I hadn’t planned on this year, but was forced into because of budget and staffing cuts? Once I got over my “woe is me” attitude, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I think my students did too.
All in all it’s been a good year. I don’t have a great day every day, but when I think about where I’ve come from in August, I can’t complain. Add to that the fact that I definitely have a job next year and I’m a happy camper. Now let’s see how much change there is next year. Until then, I’ll take some family road trips, relax by the pool, and read some great books. Oh, and I’m sure some summer lesson planning is in store for me too!
