Looking Back & Moving Forward

(This was intended for last week, but got lost in the files of my computer before I could post it)

So many things have changed since the beginning of the year.  In August I was scared to death and so excited to have my own classroom.  I had tons of ideas and lots of fresh hope for things to come and plans – BIG plans.  The first day of teacher meetings, I nearly cried when I saw how small my classes were.  I’m talking small, one student, two students, four students.  Yes, I actually had a class that was one student.  The first day of school arrives and I meet my new students for the first time.  After meeting my small classes, I did go home and cry.  I had two classes of only one student.  My plans were falling apart before the year even started!  Thankfully one class doubled in size.  (Yes it’s still just two, but doubled makes it sound impressive.) and the other quadrupled.  I went home on cloud nine that day, but still wondering how I was going to handle one of them. 

Now as the year ends, I realize that God knew exactly what He was doing.  I needed those small classes to maintain my sanity.  It’s been a wonderful year and a stressful year.  Some things have worked wonderfully, others, not so much.  There are things to change and more BIG ideas for next year.  I’ve learned to choose everyday to believe in my students.  I’ve made some great new friends in my co-workers, and forged some good relationships with my students.  We’ve learned a lot this year and made the school smell wonderful along the way.  And those small classes?  Those are the ones I’m going to miss the most.  I have a week left with my seniors, and it makes me a little sad to see them go.  (And now that I’ve written this, they’ll do something next week to make me happy they’re gone.)  I’m not going to be sad though.  We’re going to celebrate next week!  They’ve survived four years of high school, and I’ve survived my first year of teaching.  Sounds like a reason to celebrate to me!