I'm ready

We teachers have been working hard all week getting classrooms and plans ready for the beginning of school.  This afternoon, we let students and their parents on campus to find their classes and meet their teachers.

It's always a fun day.  Even my first year of teaching, when I was super nervous and wasn't sure what to say at all.  Even though I wasn't good at small talk back then, and still am not very good at it today (but better, because I've had practice).  Even though students come sporadically, and as soon as I say goodbye and sit down to start working, I have to stand up again. It is a fun day.

I think it's fun because it's full of anticipation.  I have high hopes for what my students and I will accomplish this year.  I am looking forward to the relationships I will develop with students, and with other  staff members.  I don't know yet what challenges I will face this year, and how I will grow as a teacher and as a person.

So, I'm heading into "my last weekend of freedom," as one parent put it today, and then, bright and early Monday morning, the kids will be there.  And I'll introduce myself and start a brand new year, with new faces and new ideas and new challenges.

I'm ready.