Hardest Part of Teaching

When I got to school, I told myself that I wasn't going to cry in front of the kids, but a letter from Reece and Caitlynn did me in.  They had me in tears within the first two lines of their letter, thanking me for everything under the moon.  Some kids were unsure of how to react to my cryie (yes, it's a word...my word) face, but the majority ran in a dog pile hug to make sure I was okay.

When 1:15 came, I called for quiet tables in my classroom to leave for the day.  I just then realized that this was the end of our year together.  As I dismissed the students for the year, with mandatory hugs at the door, it occurred to me that this will happen every year.  I will get 24 new faces at the beginning of the year, grow to love them as my own for 10 months, and then say goodbye to them at the end of the year.

I heard stories about new teachers barely surviving their first year of teaching due to work pressures, long hours, strenuous prepping/planning/testing,  but I would say that this was by far my hardest part.  No other part even comes close.

Here's to you, class of 2024.  What an incredible group of kids that I feel so fortunate have had the opportunity to know, teach, and love.  Thanks for the WONDERFUL year! <3