Monday morning inspiration

Lauren McCabe writes:

I have to admit, I was dreading coming back from Thanksgiving break. I was already ready for winter break and three weeks seemed like an awful big mountain. I walked into our morning meeting on Monday, low on energy and dreading the moment when class would actually start.

Then, first period came around and one of my students walked into my classroom. He greeted me with a smile and asked how my weekend was. I was writing on the board and so I gave him a quick “It was fine. How was yours?” He sat down for a minute and then said, “Ms. McCabe, you look like you had a rough weekend.” I laughed at first and turned around and apologized for my short answer, and we talked a little bit about our Thanksgivings. As the rest of the class came in and began their Do Now, I realized how quickly that one student had picked up on my negative mood. I also realized that as soon as I saw my students walk through the door, I wasn’t dreading the work week as much anymore.

Throughout the day I heard about my students' Thanksgivings and had a smooth day of teaching.
The students are the reason I get out of bed every morning. I forgot how much I enjoy engaging them in academic discussion and hearing their ideas and realizations. They take a lot out of a person, but they also add so much to my day!

Between our vacation for Thanksgiving and the winter break, my class has to finish a novel and write and present a research paper. And although it’s going to be a hard finish to the first semester, I’m more energized to teach than ever before. Coming back from winter break may be even harder, but I just have to remember why I wanted to teach in the first place and what I’m here for: the students.

Comments

[Clay Landon]

Lauren, it's good to read that you're positive attitude has not changed. In retrospect, I wish I was the same. My first year was hell on earth. My second year was the worst year of my life but better than hell on earth, thanks for asking. Seriously, year three is going much better and I'm in it to stay. I was told by a veteran teacher last week "we need people like you to stay." This is after two years of wondering if I would ever be good at this job. I'm still trying to be "good" but I do know for sure I've gotten better. What that veteran teacher said? I'm saying the same to you. You've got the right attitude and the kids need you. So long as you can keep that great attitude, the kids will bel lucky to have you as their teacher. Good luck finishing the first semester.