Well today I realized two things:
1. I am truly going to miss being in the classroom. I spent yesterday having an end of year party and enjoying my last few moments with "my" students. After I read the The Kissing Hand aloud, we all cried and hugged each other, as if we were NEVER going to see each other again. I also enjoyed reading their messages they created on their desks, with their making words tiles. :) The smiles on their faces and the encouraging and kind words from their parents reminded me of the reason I chose education.
2. It's CRAZY how much "stuff" one can accumulate in 16 years of teaching. My partner, Leah (who is a first year teacher), laughed at the many hidden treasures she found buried in my stuff. Some of these hidden treasures really "aged" me. Our top two favorites were: the package of transparencies and a "fancy" chalk holder. We both giggled as she pulled them out of a tub of school supplies. At that moment that I realized that I have been doing this quite a long time. :)
I will definitely miss having my "own" students. I will also miss the great intrinsic rewards that come from being a "teacher." With that said, I embrace my new role and am extremely excited about the great things to come. Today is definitely "bitter-sweet." On one hand I am sad, but on the other hand, I am ready for the next chapter of my career to begin.
Bring on the "coaching." :)
I'm beyond excited to have you as our coach! We, as teachers, will grow immensely, but our students will be the ones who truly benefit.
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