Like a child waiting for Christmas, I am a teacher anticipating the beginning of a new school year. There are new school supplies in a box on my kitchen table. I stepped into my classroom last week. The whiteboards are shiny, the floors are clean, and there is not one piece of paper on my desk….yet.
I login to my gradebook hoping for a peek at my rosters (Yes, I know nothing is set in stone…yet) I see a whole list of new names. I think of the potential of relationships formed with 100 plus teenagers that I haven’t met yet. This is as exciting as the man in the red suit coming down the chimney!
Our department met yesterday to begin planning. We had blank nine-week calendars, and a fresh look at standards, units, and new ideas. What new things did we learn this summer? What will we try? What worked well last year? What do we need to change? Let’s unwrap this new year like a brightly wrapped Christmas present. I can feel the excitement!
Teaching is a calling and a career that offers the unique concept of a new start every year. New classes, new groups of students and new chances. Chances to make an impact, offer hope, and build confidence in our students. The summer has washed away the end-of-the-year exhaustion that comes from doing our best to reach every student every day. Now it’s time to start again. Like a kid at Christmas, I’m excited!
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” Colossians 3:23 NIV
Wonderful! I know the feeling and you expressed it perfectly.