As the 2010-2011 school year comes to a close, I find myself with a mixture of feelings. Those feelings range from happiness, relief, and hope to pure sadness.
I am happy to see the progress that ALL of my babies have made (including my NEW babies that I received in March). They have all come a long way this year and have worked so very hard to meet all of my expectations. At times, I think that they are just as smart of some adults that I meet. They have gone from overactive 6 year olds to polite, well-mannered little adults that receive compliments from even the strictest of teachers. They have read more books than could be imagined and outsmarted even the smartest of fifth graders :) They have truly put a smile on my face each and every day we have been together.
I feel relief in the fact that another hectic school year as come and (almost) gone with no MAJOR hiccups along the way. I feel relief to know that I will have a job come this fall while so many other teachers' lives hang in the balance due to the budget cuts being enforced across the state. I have hope that someone will finally get a CLUE and realize that making cuts in a child's education will only set the stage for bigger problems to come. We will all need these children in the future (ie. doctors, lawyer, etc.) and I, for one, want one that has received a TOP NOTCH education.
Last, I am filled with sadness. As I watch my babies move on to bigger and better things, I can't help but shed a few tears in the fact that I will no longer be blessed with their addictive laughter and curiosity for new things on a daily basis. Come fall 2011, I will be faced with a new challenge - a new set of 6 year olds, eager to learn what I have to teach them. I can only hope that I will be able to touch the lives of these new babies as much my old babies touched mine :)
Okay, Ashley - where's the Klennex?! That was truly a touching post. I'm sure your children will make the special trip by your room and say hello every chance they get! They will tell you of their accomplishments or ask about your new group. First grade sounds like such a fun age to teach.
ReplyDeleteI agree - it's such a blessing to know that your job is secure with all of the budget cuts and people in limbo. And, yes, cutting classroom teachers will only compound the problems b/c like you, I want a professional who has had a professional education!
I think all teachers feel the same way. We look forward to the summer but also feel a sense of sadness that our babies will move on. But, it's a wonderful feeling seeing some of the same kids again when they're teenagers and they can still tell you something from when they were in your class....
I had to laugh when I started reading your blog because I just posted almost the same thing. One of my students summed it up best when I tried to explain my mixed feelings one year. She told me, "You teachers are just weird!" She is probably right.
ReplyDeleteThe saddest part for me are the students who are moving so I won't get to watch them grow. I could not have had a better class this year but I do feel like next year will be even better. How many years have you been teaching?
ReplyDeleteSenate, this year makes my fifth year teaching (4 in 2nd grade and this year in 1st). I hate to see my babies move away as well but I try to keep track of them the past I can. I have a little boy that left before Christmas but he writes me almost every week to let me know what he is learning and about the new friends he has made. It warms my heart each time I receive that letter.
ReplyDeleteAshley, that is so sweet about the little boy who continues to write you. I remember writing to my 4th grade teacher when she moved away. We kept in touch many years and I'm not sure what happened or why it quit, but I do wish I still had a way to keep in touch with her. She was my absolute favorite teacher!
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