The last two weeks I had the opportunity to participate in a grant at my school, hosted by some wonderful people at the University of Kentucky. While I will admit I was a bit skeptical at first since I have had very little time to "rest" or slow down this summer, it ended up being an incredible two weeks! I was able to spend some much needed time learning new teaching strategies and dreaming up possibilities of how I would use them in my classroom. For the duration of the two weeks we were paired up with someone from our school to collaborate and create a 90-minute "demo" or lesson that would show use of literacy skills (reading and writing) within the social studies curriculum. We were essentially merging the two contents to create one lesson, which we presented and "taught" to our peers as if they were sweet little middle schoolers. I was unsure about how this was going to turn out, but it was amazing. I learned so much from the other teachers I was able to work with, and was challenged as I experimented with new teaching strategies and ideas. It was great to work with people in my school, as well as meet people from other areas in Lexington. We had a pretty incredible group of teachers there, and I am so thankful to have been a part of it. Not a day went by that we didn't laugh at someone or something ("Honey, if you believe in your heart..."), or learn something new. In fact, every single day I left with at least one new idea (usually several) and felt refreshed and inspired; my passion for teaching and kids was completely renewed - it was truly a blessing.
I have never wanted to be anything other than a teacher (after my childhood dreams of WOWing the world with my singing skills, or hosting a baking show, of course). I was reminded the last two weeks of exactly why I choose to do what I do... I love kids and seeing them succeed. I love to see a student achieve something they thought was impossible; set a new goal and reach it. I love being a light during what can often times be the darkest and toughest of years (seriously, did anyone like middle school?!). Middle schoolers are just beginning to think on their own, figure out what they believe about the world, and decide who they want to become... I love being a part of that. I love seeing my students learn - anything! I love laughing with my students and we laugh A LOT. I would definitely argue that as a 6th grade teacher I have the best deal. Not only do I see my students progress throughout their 6th grade year, but I get to watch them grow up into (somewhat) mature adults throughout 7th and 8th grade, so it feels like we've spent three years together and not just one. This year my first class will become freshmen in high school (I still cannot believe it!), and while I'm excited for this adventure for them, I'm a little bit sad that I won't see their sweet faces walking the hallways in a few short weeks. I have come to realize that as much as I disliked being in middle school, I absolutely love teaching in a middle school.
As if on cue, on the last day of our conference, I went to my classroom to organize a few things before heading home and came across an old notebook from college when I was studying to become a teacher. This particular notebook was from my methods writing class (teaching me how to teach students how to write). It was one of my favorite classes in college because it was a group of about 8 students (all girls- heck yes!) and our professor, whom we all adored. I sometimes get lost in time going through old notebooks, journals, and photos, and as I sat on a table in my classroom I found an note from this professor, one of my favorites...
This was dated from my fall semester in 2009. It was so great reading this and remembering why I started pursuing this career in the first place... I just love kids. I want them to know they are valued for who they are, important and loved, and capable of great things if they are willing to work hard and believe it. As the school year nears, I am anxious and excited, and joyfully anticipate when I will meet my new students... the ones I have been entrusted with for the next 180 days. Of course, my to-do list hasn't grown any shorter in the last two weeks (but in fact longer), my days are currently consumed, and I haven't finished prepping my classroom. However, I have been reminded of what a blessing this job is and the incredible role I have been given as a teacher, so despite not having my to-do list completed yet, I think the most important thing is prepared... my heart.
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