It's a Process

Back-to-school brings mixed emotions for everyone, teachers included!

Even though this is my fifteenth year in education, not including a handful of years in classified positions, I still feel  a mix of excitement with just a hint of anxiety. I'm excited to see my coworkers and students. I'm ready to get back in the daily routine. I'm nervous about the year going the way I hope. Sure, I will miss sleeping in until I wake on my own without an alarm clock, and I won't be able to slowly read through an absurd number of novels. But that's okay because I've already started wondering about the return to normal: Will my first day activities lay a foundation for community in my classroom? Will the way I've structured the outline for the year help my students be better prepared for state assessments, college entrance exams, and (most importantly) life after high school? Will new administrative policies leave enough time to adequately plan and grade? How will district level changes impact my students?

I have spent all but six years of my career working with at-risk students, which makes back-to-school even more important. I know that my students, like all kids, come to school with their own stories, but unfortunately the lives of my students are all too frequently splashed on the front of the local newspaper. Though I frequently wonder how the majority keep their struggles hidden behind tightly closed doors or their homes and the guarded walls of hearts hidden in pierced bodies and colorful hair. Each student in every class has their own story. While I will make sure they know I'm available to help direct them to the resources available to navigate these tumultuous events, my biggest goal is give them hope. I work to provide a sense of calm in their day. I strive to share a positive outlook. I overload them with lame jokes and make sure to call every child by their correctly pronounced name every single day. I notice when they are absent. Then I ask about it - and listen - when they return. I send home positive notes every chance I get. Perhaps most importantly, I stay calm and remain consistent. I tell myself it's for the kids, but deep down, I know it's for me too.

Working in education is a mix of emotions all year, not just at back-to-school. Staying calm and consistent will help all of us.