the return, part 1

Updates: TEACHER

Classroom:

I’ve moved into the civics portion of my school year with not enough time to really do the thing right, but I’ve finally reached my favorite part of the year for conversations with young minds that are learning to develop their own positions.

This year I have a class with two politically minded and somewhat knowledgeable students on “opposite” ends of the spectrum. Hearing them rail for or against socialist healthcare or whether or not there should be a flat tax (and the benefits or drawbacks therein) brings me so much joy. I recently reminded their class that they have a resource and learning opportunities that the other classes don’t when they get to hear these two students debate and ask questions. It was wonderful to see new hands raise, new questioners asking questions, and new engagement coincide with that new knowledge.

Team:

We’re at the end of the year and next year’s appointments are being doled out and announced. My team is starting to shape up for next year, but it still sits in some appointments are still in the “unclear” phase. Life changes, performance, and school needs can still lead to changes on my team and it has my emotions swinging in the balance.

I have had a rough year, team-wise. There’s been tension, turmoil, and turnover (as late as yesterday afternoon). As a veteran teacher who has lost many a teammate in my eight years on this particular team, I feel like I should be used to this by now. The reality is I’m really deeply desiring for a solid, stable team for next year.

The longer I’m held in suspense, the more angsty I get. It feels like going through a teenager phase as a person nearing forty and doesn’t feel great. I’m trying to take deep breaths and let come what may, but I’m struggling not to perseverate.