And no, the title isn’t referring to Tropical Storm Isaac (which hopefully won’t strengthen and hit New Orleans). I’m referring to the sleepless night that I and many other teachers in my district will experience tonight. Though, based on how tired I am now, sleep may not be an issue. Students report tomorrow. I’m excited. I’m nervous. Not the scared nervous. Just “butterflies-in-the-stomach-I hope-I-don’t-mess-up-too-many-students” nervous. I’ve done this gig for six years and it still amazes me that I get butterflies. I know teachers who have taught for 30 years that still get nervous. I honestly have no idea why this happens. But I guess I should get used to the idea for as long as I teach.
I just want to wish all those that teach the best of luck. As the year goes on, remember why we do what we do. The kids. When you’re stressed about all the assessments we have to give, the time crunches we face and all the other stresses, remember why we do what we do. It’s not about us. I feel the pressure too. But this job is rarely life and death. It just isn’t. I’ve been in the “witnessing life and death on a daily basis” business. This isn’t it. Try to take that prospective when you feel like you have had more than you can handle.
Don’t expect any immediate life-fulfilling rewards for impacting a student’s life. You may never have a clue the differences you make.
Go into the class, try your best and accept that it won’t be perfect or pretty. There will be days that will be really bad. There will also be days where you hit every cylinder. Reflect daily and try to improve. Sound like I’m reminding myself? ‘Nough said.
Photos of the day feature a street shot from my son and some photos from my nearly empty school.
USA
Calm before the Storm
It’s Go Time!
Doorway to Education
Until Next Time,
Peace!
