The Homestretch

Wrapping up a year in public school is always bittersweet for me.  On one hand, I am a restless spirit - and jump at the opportunity to spend my days doing something outside of school.

There is a certain beauty about routine, and teaching fulfills that perfectly.  My life is sectioned out according to bell schedules, teacher work days, and holiday breaks for ten months of the year.  So, the summer is a time that I typically reserve for anything but academic pursuits, or attempting to motivate others.

But, at some point in every summer - I begin to miss the students and their excitement.  I have enjoyed a great year with most of my classes.  This year (like every year) brought a new set of challenges, and also opportunities to try new things.  The Chicago trip was the highlight of the year, bringing all of us closer together - and opening our eyes to new experiences.  Travel has a way of accomplishing that, where others experiences can not.

But in my many years of teaching, I have never witnessed such anxiety among teachers and staff about the direction of NC public schools.  Everyone is on edge about every aspect of teaching in this state, and it is disheartening.  It is my hope that North Carolina will make decisions that will have a positive impact on our schools this year.  It is too sad to think of the alternative.

We finished up with national exams (AP), State exams (NC), service projects, and mural painting.  Overall, a solid end to a good year.  I feel grateful for the opportunity to spend my days with these kids.