Today was our final staff day with brunch, milestone awards, saying so-long to teachers retiring or moving (once an Eagle, always an Eagle!) grades due, and general classroom shut down.
My dear friend Rebecca graciously brought me darling yellow tulips in a beaker, because she’s a science teacher. Of course!
Most of the soccer jerseys have been returned, and it was time to close my classroom door until August.
I renewed my teaching license after hours of classes and professional development, so I don’t need to attend any sessions over the summer.
It always takes a while to process the school year. So much goes unsaid but resides in my heart and takes time to process, consider, and sift through. Much is unsaid, and just part of the role educators live for ten months a year. All which encompasses a singular day of school is vast and varied.
The school year was a great challenge at times, including one class of 25 chatty boys and 7 girls (bless!), but seeing each students’ metamorphosis to become more capable and independent learners has been rewarding. Even teaching 9th graders again has its own special sense of humor and grace. The students who motivate me to reconsider everything about my classroom or curriculum are the ones who remain in my mind for years to come. Seeing graduates thrive is amazing!
On a personal note, this school year I navigated empty nest and the moments of silence and loneliness which emerge from radical life change. I found a better rhythm and pace, allowing myself time and space to celebrate the graduation of childhood, grieving changing seasons, while embracing exciting things ahead.
Seeing my three daughters thrive in college helped me let go and support them in healthy ways. I found so much joy and purpose in volunteering for men’s soccer in the fall and women’s soccer in the spring.
I think my favorite event this year was being a chaperone on the women’s soccer retreat, and learning more about the heart of such an incredible program endeared me even more.
As I conclude my eighth school year teaching at this incredible high school, I look forward to the next school year, but will savor family time this summer break!
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