I am excited to say that I am back in class. Perhaps not in the way that you think. I am not going back to school for a degree. I am not simply talking about the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year. I am talking about my very own 2017-2018 school year.
After 15 years as a campus administrator, I am heading back into the classroom!
I am extremely pumped about teaching 4th grade this year. After much thought and discussion over the last year, this is definitely the right move for me at the right time!
During my interview, one question almost threw me for a loop! "Where do you see yourself in five years?" I love this question! I think it is important for educators to consider it frequently, along with a consideration for two years and ten years. Five years ago, I would not have guessed that this would be my path. The last three years have been quite a ride and the path I am currently treading is as bright as ever!
Of all the things I am currently thinking about, I wonder the most about the perspective shift that will happen. What will I see differently as a teacher than I did as a campus principal? Most principals I know were good teachers and most say that they have not forgotten what it is like to be in the classroom as a teacher. I believe most of them. I am a good teacher in many ways, but I have a TON to learn!
But teaching is different now. It is not the same craft as it was 15 years ago. Heading back into the classroom is not the same. I already know that I will be forgetting to prepare for oodles of important classroom procedures, activities, expectations, and more. For example, I have seen hundreds of good teachers handle their Friday folder with great success. I haven't thought about how to set one up until today. Because they go home in two days! I guess I need a system!
Stay tuned. This is gonna be fun!