No matter how many years pass, the start of the school year always feels like the beginning of something new. The sound of locker doors slamming, the energetic chatter filling the hallways, and the sight of so many faces filled with curiosity are all welcome signs for the months ahead.
When I was a student, I looked forward to the beginning of the school year with excitement and wonder, seeing my classmates again, buying new school supplies, meeting unknown teachers, and following a different class schedule. …
As a teacher, I look forward to a new beginning every fall, and I am in awe of future challenges. I get to meet new students and teach some of my old ones, I have a different schedule, and I learn to adjust to changes in curriculum.
The thrill of a new school year never gets old. I woner: Which class will be the most rambunctious? How will I compete with video games and electronics to keep my students’ interest alive? What dilemmas will I be presented with on a daily basis?
After teaching for almost 40 years, I still feel butterflies in my stomach thinking about the first day of school. I plan for the first week: We need to create a sense of belonging and community, a team spirit of working toward a common goal and a sense of purpose for success (we all know the importance of social-emotional intelligence in the school setting). As I thing about it, my heart pumps faster and faster, recounting all my expectations to reach every student and make this our best year possible.
Quote byAlicia Bata , Vice President of Education
I feel lucky. In this profession, we get a fresh start every fall. As educators, we have the opportunity to make things work better than they did in the past. If something did not work well last year, we get a do-over; we can challenge ourselves to learn from our mistakes and improve.
The anticipation of putting into practice pedagogical research I learned in classes or read about during the summer keeps me on my toes. I am certainly thankful for a profession that not only offers us a window of opportunity for renewal but also encourages us to interact with young minds. Yes, kids keep me young. They are my best instructors in technology and the lexicon of the day!
Whether you are new to the profession or a seasoned educator, I wish you the best for this school year. As you create a sense of community in your classroom, in the cafeteria, in the gym or on the school bus, I hope you share with me that sense of pride in helping forge the future of so many young lives. Here’s to learning from last year’s lessons, both big and small. Let’s make this school year our best one yet!
