The end of the school year is fast-approaching, and with it, my quiet afternoons! I have cherished these afternoons by myself - time to catch up on housework, yard work, VBS work, blog work - you get the idea! Normally, I would tell myself that next school year, I'll have my afternoons back. I can make it through summer and get caught up again next school year. I can't say that now.
A few weeks ago, I accepted a teaching position at our middle school. I'll be teaching Language Arts to 6th and 7th graders. Ironically, I never actually saw myself teaching at this level. In fact, I was always slightly intimidated by middle schoolers. But this year, I found myself working with those very kids. Every morning. In language arts. Just one hour a day. But I found my fears waning. I even came home one day and told Chelan, "If that ELA job ever comes open, I could see myself teaching that!" A few months later, and here we are.
I'm excited! I have ideas to try, kids to mold, reading and writing and grammar to teach.
But I'm also terrified! I haven't done this for 12 years. Will it all come back? Will I make a difference? Will this really be a good fit for me? How is this going to affect our family life?
I guess part of me is sad, too. I feel like I'm grieving the loss of a life I have known for 12 years. I've been taking care of children at home all this time. And now they're not here - they are all in school! I just don't have small children anymore. I see moms with toddlers and baby carriers at the store and I realize that part of my life has passed. I need time to mourn, I suppose, and these quiet afternoons are helping with that.
I'm excited, I'm nervous, and yes, a little bit sad. Hopefully, these emotions are within normal limits. I've never been good at big transitions (or even small ones) - so prayers through this BIG change would be appreciated!
On to a "new" life!
A few weeks ago, I accepted a teaching position at our middle school. I'll be teaching Language Arts to 6th and 7th graders. Ironically, I never actually saw myself teaching at this level. In fact, I was always slightly intimidated by middle schoolers. But this year, I found myself working with those very kids. Every morning. In language arts. Just one hour a day. But I found my fears waning. I even came home one day and told Chelan, "If that ELA job ever comes open, I could see myself teaching that!" A few months later, and here we are.
I'm excited! I have ideas to try, kids to mold, reading and writing and grammar to teach.
But I'm also terrified! I haven't done this for 12 years. Will it all come back? Will I make a difference? Will this really be a good fit for me? How is this going to affect our family life?
I guess part of me is sad, too. I feel like I'm grieving the loss of a life I have known for 12 years. I've been taking care of children at home all this time. And now they're not here - they are all in school! I just don't have small children anymore. I see moms with toddlers and baby carriers at the store and I realize that part of my life has passed. I need time to mourn, I suppose, and these quiet afternoons are helping with that.
I'm excited, I'm nervous, and yes, a little bit sad. Hopefully, these emotions are within normal limits. I've never been good at big transitions (or even small ones) - so prayers through this BIG change would be appreciated!
On to a "new" life!
Beautifully written! You are going to be such a great teacher - they are so lucky to have you!
ReplyDeleteRemember to reach out to fellow teachers. We are here to help you make that transtion.
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