Back to the Classroom I Go! (Revised Version)

This is my first week  back to my own classroom after a long, long  hiatus. I worked as literacy coach on a campus and at the district level for many years. I left that world to join the confraternity of self- contained teachers of 4th graders learners. How did my first week go? I came home today and crashed. I was overwhelmingly tired and my head was spinning. I felt completely and utterly tired. It was a good tired, though. After many years as a literacy and Science coach, I became tired of the same ole, same ole. I wanted to get back to teaching students, my students on a day to day basis. I wanted to get out of the long-winded meetings that I didn't have the patience to tolerate. I kept thinking about the classroom. The classroom...where I could let my creative juices flow and be me. The classroom...where I could work with wonderful children who want to learn. The classroom... where wonder and curiosity abound. Finally, the classroom....where I could try out all of the endless ideas that I have been bouncing around in my head for years. Yep, the classroom. So how did it go? Was it everything I thought it would be? Good question.

There are some fringe benefits to being in the classroom that I did not completely grasp until the past two weeks. I never really thought too much about my team and how important being a part of a great team could be. I knew that when I accepted the 4th grade position at my school, I would be completely comfortable because I knew everyone very well and they were fun people. I never knew just how much I missed the camaraderie of being with a grade level team again. They have totally supported me in so many ways. I enjoy planning and joking with them. We plan very well together. It all runs so smoothly. Lastly, I am grateful for such a team that really cares and helps me adjust to the schedules and meetings. I am getting used to the routines because of them. If I make a mistake and forget that it is time for specials (I lose track of time sometimes) they send little reminders and wait for me. They have shown me the ropes from picking up the grade level kids in the morning, to lunch duty, and dismissal. Oh, the craziness of dismissal!  Those darn dismissal tags! Where did I put the dismissal tags? Again, they wait and give me the little tips that I had long forgotten. Truly, my first week would not have been as rewarding if it weren't for them. They have no idea how much they have helped me. Now I am feeling somewhat in a groove. Thanks, fourth grade team. Y'all are dynamite!

I attend  numerous meetings, collect and fill out a ton of paperwork, walk out in the blazing Sun during fire drills, clean up spilled milk, watch students declare states of restroom emergency, collect and disperse numerous dismissal tags, and tolerate unforeseen interruptions. For what? These are a part of my job and necessary, but not my favorite. I can get through all of these tasks because of nineteen  young learners. I have never been so happy as to be back teaching. Some colleagues of mine thought that I must be crazy to want to go back to the classroom because of the endless paperwork, planning and workload. It was perceived as an inexhaustible energy drainer. Those things can truly be exhausting. I won't deny that, but... I get to teach! I get to work with students all day!  I get to see the light in their eyes. I get to see the synapse fire! I get to see wild readers emerge and  reluctant writers become crazy-confident-writers. I get to see the wonder, excitement, and sweet creativity...everyday. I know that some days will be better than others and each day will hold its challenges and magic. Today my magic moment was when the students took time for ludic reading or reading for enjoyment. Afterward, they debriefed about their books in peer groups.  They were so engaged as they spoke about their books that they were currently reading.While they were talking, I heard a knock at my door. My colleague was reminding me that it was time to line up for specials. I completely forgot! We were so into reading and discussing that I lost track of time.  My students promptly lined up and we were on our way! No biggie!

Still another highlight of my week was when we went to the computer area in the library. The technology person from my school is a close friend of mine. She is easy to work with and we team taught the lesson. I am going to rely on her a lot this year, as I have lots of ideas that I would like to try out. With her lead, we helped the students log into their Google accounts. They then found me on Google along with my photo. They all laughed when they saw my photo!  That photo was a probably one of my best. I don't take great photos ever. You should see my official badge photo. America's Most Wanted comes to mind. The students found a way to email me!  When I looked at my phone after school, I had a zillion new emails from them. There were lots of great little messages from them, along with cute little emojies. So very sweet! It made my week. I can put up with all the other things that I do not find invigorating about my job, if I get a little slice of heaven like this from time to time. Those little moments take up a big part of my heart and make all the hard work and endless hours worth it.

My first week?  Not too shabby! I know I will have many more days, weeks, and months to enjoy, problem solve, and create alongside my young learners. There will be peeks and valleys. I am not worried. Why would I?  I have a great team to rely, share ideas and joke around. In addition to that, I have nineteen wonderful students who always know the location of the dismissal cards and my coveted keys! Their smiles abound! Here's to a great year!

How Things Change

Driving in from work, I got to thinking about how time has flown by.  Looking at a building where I have worked for so many years, doesn't look that inviting anymore.  In fact, it feels more stoic and dismal than a place of wonder and joy.  Boy how things have changed! But...change happens. As we all know, change is inevitable.  People move on, organizations change.  I must also move on and change. It is definitely the perfect time and I am so happy to oblige myself.  It is funny how what I once thought was my niche, my home away from home, has now become so foreign to me.  I know why. It is not the building that has changed.  It is not the parking that has changed.  It is not even the walls and floors that have changed. The people that I have worked with make it a great place to be. These people that I hold near and dear are gone or will be leaving.  It is the relationships and memories that I cherish the most in this building.  They will stay with me, but I must move on too.

I went into one of my close friend's work area.  In fact, two years back we used to share this small work area.  We had some great conversations, venting sessions, brainstorming blitzes, and shared a few pizzas and Murphy's Deli sandwiches.  Who likes the vegetable pita with Grandma's Peach Iced Tea?  Who keeps the caps of these teas as a souvenir? My friend and colleague.  Oh, the memories.  Now this cherished work space is an unused office with a few leftover posters of the Texans begging for her return.  Being without her and others is just not the same.  Never will be.

As I walk down the hallway and into my ex-boss's office, I get teary-eyed.  The memories of the Monday meetings and cinnamon tea permeate my senses.  I long for the laughter, conversations and intense planning sessions.  It was synergistic!  Never will come my way again.  Never.

As I entered the building, I knew in my heart that this once sacred place had lost its frill and meaning.  Grateful I am to have had such wonderful camaraderie and collegiality for so many years.  It is true what some people say, "You never know what you have until you lose it."  I do know this now, but I never wanted it to end.  I definitely feel blessed to have been a part of such a great team!  Being and working with this team has been nothing short of spectacular.  Maybe in my next job, I will be able to capture some of that teamwork and synergy.  It is possible.  Did I say never?

Change is good and always  inevitable.  This couldn't have lasted forever. I look forward to the next chapter in my life. I know it will be great.  Funny how things change.  Things that looked so desirable, now hold nothing for me.  Bring on the change!