Another [School] Year in The Books!
My 17th year of teaching has come to an end, and after saying goodbye to my students and their families for the last Friday of the school year, I returned the following week for 2 days of meetings, filled with reflection, updates, and farewells. One moment of reflection stood out as my colleagues and I were instructed to spread out and write a letter to ourselves. I usually clam up and feel unnecessary, self-induced pressure when asked to reflect at the end of the year, but this time, after concluding my first year of being a lead, I felt excited. I couldn't wait to put into words the elation I felt. With a pen, paper and pre-typed prompts in hand, I sat on the floor against a wall of windows with nature at my back, and settled in as I watched my colleagues spread out and do the same. As silence grew over our meeting space, I removed the cap from my pen, took a breath, and began writing...
Dear Kizzy,
What an amazing first year as a lead teacher! There is still lots to learn, even though you are 17 years in, but you did a superb job! I know you started the year with a mix of emotions - fear, excitement, uncertainty, to name a few - but through it all, you did it!
One of my fondest memories of the year was observing how you made sure you recognized your students every day. You always made eye contact and greeted them with a bright and inviting smile and hug. The way they ran into your arms to give you a hug or shared the same bright smile proved the level of love and safety they felt when in your presence. Your flexibility to do and allow most "can we" (...have a sock/dance party, etc?") requests created a culture that hopefully will stay with your children as they continue to grow. That's how you make a difference in the world. Give them agency!
In the future, when investigating topics to discuss in your class, make sure you take more time to research and gather as much information as possible so conversations are always and engaging but meaningful for your students. Continue to start and maintain year with a focus on the culture of your classroom community - love, respect, understanding. That is more important than what you plan to teach, which will happen regardless. Culture gives meaning and without meaning, there's no reason to participate or engage, right?
One of the best parts of teaching in early years is the reward of watching little ones grow into change-makers and, watching you cultivate that has been phenomenal. Knowing that what you are doing to help the future of the world is something I hope you never lose sight of. More of that is needed in the world. You, too, are a change-maker!
Having the passion you have as an early years educator, and knowing every teacher is different and not as focused and invested in their students as you are, is a hard pill to swallow. The only way the world can be changed [for the better] is through consistency and reinforcement, and sadly this falls out of your control [maybe?] once your students leave your care. Knowing this, you must always remember to make as much of an impact as you can while you can. Don't miss your shot!!
Your teaching community, this year, has been great to work with. The support, encouragement, honesty and willingness to help and ask for help can't be found everywhere so be thankful for that. Next year, and every year moving forward, continue to work on being a better leader, colleague and positive role model to everyone you interact with. See. Hear. Love! It can be uncomfortable or difficult, at times, but keep pushing. The world needs you!
Love you to the moon and back! Me ;-)
I put the cap back on my pen, took a deep breath in, exhaled and smiled. I did well. I made a difference. I'm making change.
