For the past twenty years, I have been working closely alongside teachers in their classrooms, helping them to think about and refine their approaches to teaching reading and writing. I have been reading research, co-authoring books about teaching reading, and leading literacy trainings. My professional life has been rich and rewarding; however, over time, I have had a growing nudge that it’s been missing something and this fall, I will finally be able to fill the void I’ve felt. I am returning to the classroom.
Prior to beginning my career as a consultant, I taught third, fourth, and fifth grade–a solid entrenchment in upper elementary teaching and learning. Now, I will be rounding out that experience as a sixth and eighth grade ELA teacher. When I think about being with kids all day, every day, my heart grows tenfold. Add to that the thought of teaching nothing but reading and writing and I am positively giddy. Part of me simply cannot wait for the first day of school.
But…
Another part of me is thinking about how I’m going to organize the desks in my classroom, especially now that students need to maintain a distance of six feet between them. I’m thinking about books and trying to figure out how to make sure that I’ve got a well-stocked classroom library. I’m thinking about curriculum and wondering whether it’s better to start the year exploring a theme like “Identity” or if it makes more sense to start with a big idea like “Vision.” My mental checklist of things to think about feels endless and I begin to wonder if I’m up to the task.
Suffice it to say, this is the part of me that is thinking I’m never going to be ready for the first day of school.
Yet, it will come. And when it does, I will leap and trust that the net will appear.
(I’m kind of hoping that the net might come in the form of really great advice from anybody who has really great advice to share!)
*If you’re interested in having me consult at your school, I have a few days still available for the 2020-2021 school year. Also, I’m starting to book for Summer 2021. Early birds get the best choices!
Wishing you lots of luck in your new position! You’ll do great and the kids will love you.💗
Thank you! I think my excitement outweighs my anxiety…but I do have my moments! I so appreciate your encouragment!
Ah! Your growing fear or insecurity or questions (take your pick!) about the first day of school is so familiar to me and probably to most teachers. I think and plan over the summer hoping to finally get it right on the first day. Then, the first day arrives and I feel so unprepared. But when students start to fill the spaces that were previously empty it all gradually falls into place. Good luck with your next adventure. Can’t wait to hear about it on your blog.
Elisa, maybe it’s the not getting it quite right that keeps teachers coming back year after year. It’s like a fun challenge to keep revising and honing our instruction. I will most definitely keep you in the loop about how this goes for me!
There are some lucky kids in Florida who are going to have you guiding their literacy lives. Good luck and best wishes!
Oh, Patti, I’m blushing!!! I hope these middle schoolers agree with you! Fingers crossed!