If you would have told me when I retired that I would not only return to teaching but return to an exceptionally challenging position I would have laughed and blown it off. I had worked tirelessly for 25 years to reach the moment of retirement and felt in no unreasonable terms that for all intents and measures my teaching career was over.
Yet here I sit, researching, analyzing, and mulling plans for this new adventure. It seemed like an easy decision when I applied to teach at the new internet-based school in my district. The thought of having the freedom to do the projects and not the lectures lured me back into the classroom like the smell of chocolate wafting in the air sends teachers in a stampede towards the lounge.
My return was typical. I attended the required workshops, filled out the endless paperwork, and provided all necessary documentation. All throughout the process I just wanted to hurry and get to the business of working with students. Finally, 3 weeks later, I began to meet my new kiddos.
The students didn’t disappoint! They were ready and eager to try this new way of learning. Day one participation in discussion, listening, and activities was a level I haven’t seen in over 15 years. By the end of the first day with both groups I was positive that they were here for the right reasons and it was my job to see that they weren’t disappointed.
I’m looking forward to my next week. I will be in training one day for the online teaching program, but have already begun updating my website, finding project resources, and putting together a plan to meet the needs of this multi-level classroom. I think this is going to be a great year.
Yet here I sit, researching, analyzing, and mulling plans for this new adventure. It seemed like an easy decision when I applied to teach at the new internet-based school in my district. The thought of having the freedom to do the projects and not the lectures lured me back into the classroom like the smell of chocolate wafting in the air sends teachers in a stampede towards the lounge.
My return was typical. I attended the required workshops, filled out the endless paperwork, and provided all necessary documentation. All throughout the process I just wanted to hurry and get to the business of working with students. Finally, 3 weeks later, I began to meet my new kiddos.
The students didn’t disappoint! They were ready and eager to try this new way of learning. Day one participation in discussion, listening, and activities was a level I haven’t seen in over 15 years. By the end of the first day with both groups I was positive that they were here for the right reasons and it was my job to see that they weren’t disappointed.
I’m looking forward to my next week. I will be in training one day for the online teaching program, but have already begun updating my website, finding project resources, and putting together a plan to meet the needs of this multi-level classroom. I think this is going to be a great year.
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