First staff meeting at my new school this afternoon, and I am pumped!!!
Although the amount of paper and information was somewhat overwhelming, and made me realise my skills have moved in other directions over the past year and a half that I've been "out", overall, I am pretty optimistic about next year. My new colleagues seem very welcoming and committed to teaching, and there are several new hires, so that I will not be the only "new guy". Also, my new principal really seems on the ball.
I am reminded of my first year of teaching. Fresh out of teachers' college, I was keen and eager to launch my career. In a lucky, lucky twist of fate, I ended up in a school with a brilliant principal. Thelma was passionate about teaching and learning, she was well organized, and held high expectations for her students and staff. All of this came across to me as a new teacher in a very obvious and positive way at the first staff meeting I attended at her (my) school that June to prep for September. I remember walking away from that staff meeting 13 years ago overwhelmed, and very, very excited. I knew it was going to be an excellent year. And it was! (Well, except maybe for the Grade 8 Band class with 7 drummers I had to teach twice a week in addition to my Grade 7 Core package, lol!)
I am not naiive enough to think this transition back to the classroom full time will not be without its challenges, but I am for sure looking forward to a year of growing, learning and celebrating.
Can't wait to meet the kids and their families!!!
Although the amount of paper and information was somewhat overwhelming, and made me realise my skills have moved in other directions over the past year and a half that I've been "out", overall, I am pretty optimistic about next year. My new colleagues seem very welcoming and committed to teaching, and there are several new hires, so that I will not be the only "new guy". Also, my new principal really seems on the ball.
I am reminded of my first year of teaching. Fresh out of teachers' college, I was keen and eager to launch my career. In a lucky, lucky twist of fate, I ended up in a school with a brilliant principal. Thelma was passionate about teaching and learning, she was well organized, and held high expectations for her students and staff. All of this came across to me as a new teacher in a very obvious and positive way at the first staff meeting I attended at her (my) school that June to prep for September. I remember walking away from that staff meeting 13 years ago overwhelmed, and very, very excited. I knew it was going to be an excellent year. And it was! (Well, except maybe for the Grade 8 Band class with 7 drummers I had to teach twice a week in addition to my Grade 7 Core package, lol!)
I am not naiive enough to think this transition back to the classroom full time will not be without its challenges, but I am for sure looking forward to a year of growing, learning and celebrating.
Can't wait to meet the kids and their families!!!
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