And... We're Back

Let's be honest. As teachers, our first day back to school often feels a little bit like someone died. Chris Christie, please don't quote me. Sure, I love my job. Sure, I love making a difference. And sure, I am feeling pretty lucky to be in a brand new district this year with a supportive staff and kids who won't take off their earrings and attempt to fight me in the middle of class. But there's something about not having to worry about the lives of 60 teenagers everyday that makes me feel relaxed and stress-free. Call me crazy.

Trust me-- I know all you nonteachers out there are not going to attend our annual pity-parties. You will ignore our facebook statuses which urge you to join us in our mystifying quest to find out just where did those glorious summer months disappear to? You will not feel sad for us. You will mock our ten-month work year. You will feel elated today at the thought of our alarm clocks waking us at 6AM with the rest of the universe.

But the fact is, IF you ARE a teacher and you DID return to work today, you realize that all the depressing status updates, sad faces, and fading tan lines are all very serious to us as we step through those doors, see the shiny, waxed floors and bravely take on another year in education.

You see, teaching is different from any other profession. Each year is completely different from the last. If you spend twenty-five years in education, no two days will be alike. There is no comfort in knowing exactly what the day will bring. Sure, you can expect a smart-ass, a clown, a brown-noser, vomit, B.O. after gym class and at least one parent who will stalk your life, but the truth is no year will never be like any other you've ever experienced. This alone, can cause anxiety for even the most experienced classroom vet any given September.

This is very true for me--especially since I have changed districts three times in the past four years. I am definitely feeling the shock of summer coming to an end, and grateful for the time I got to spend doing what I love (any guesses??) but this new beginning feels very different for me this year. This is the year I am hoping to make a permanent home for my career as an educator. It's extremely frightening and exciting all at the same time to think I might spend the next twenty-five years in this building. I am eager to continue learning and writing about my experiences as a teacher--even though my challenges will be very different in this new district. But don't worry--you might be able to take the girl out of isle 12, but you can never take isle 12 out of the girl.