I have not neglected my teacher hat by focusing on self-care and writing more consistently in other areas of interest, so today I will chat about my transition to high school. I’m undecided about writing a book about this experience. Maybe after a couple a years I may do a follow-up to my debut book.
Based on my experience in high school and having the deep rooted thought that I would be a high school teacher, it took me nine years in middle school before I leveled up to high school. I must admit that I LOVE IT! Even as I’m asked how do I feel about being at my school I tell people that’s not a fair question because I have been in my particular zone for 10 years, so these are MY KIDS!
I admit it’s a different world teaching in my area because I live 30 minutes south of my zone and it’s like night and day. But I often say that if I was anywhere else I would be bored out of my mind because my kids are very entertaining. Now much like with my first book, My Fourth Year in Middle School: The Truth About Teaching, there have been some bumps in the road, but these minor detours have been more manageable than they were when I initially began teaching in 2008. I think it’s safe to say that I have reached VETERAN status…LOL!
I didn’t know what I was embarking on when I decided to step up but I see from the whispers, uncertainty, questionable approaches, relationships, and sticking true to who I am and I how I teach…I’m Good!
Now in 2008 when I took the steps to get certified to teach through the old Georgia Teacher Alternative Preparation Program (GaTapp) I thought I wanted to start off at high school, but I’m so glad that I took my time getting here.
For starters, in my sixth year of teaching, the current seniors in my building were my 8th grade babies the 2013-2014 school term. The current juniors in my building were my 8th grade babies the 2014-2015 school term and we packed up and shut down the old middle school at the end of that year. Recombining middle schools the 2015-2016 school term, I taught some of the 8th graders through my reading connections class, then the 2016-2017 academic year I taught half of the 8th graders after abruptly being moved from the reading connections class into the English/Language Arts classroom. But that is another story for another day. It turned out to be a good move even though the way I was moved was not handled the best way in my opinion.
I knew that when I graduated from Nova Southeastern University with my Doctor of Education degree in 2016, it was only going to be a matter of time before it was time to move on. I thought that my interview went fairly easy, but to move up with my kids was a big blessing for me. I was ready for the challenge and to be a familiar face for my students that gave me a greater feeling. To be honest to see the students that have made it to their senior year warms my heart because so many students get lost along the way.
My classroom management has not been an issue since my first year of teaching so that was the least of my concerns. But building relationships and reestablishing relationships with my previous students has been so much fun. The junior class of students have a very special place in my heart. So stepping back into their lives daily even though they are not in my actual class, seeing them, and having them visit my class as often as they can has been the warm welcome that I needed for high school. It’s also safe to say that building relationships has not been an issue for me in the least bit.
This is year 10 and there is still a lot for me to learn. I enjoy being an English teacher, and adjusting to the curriculum was more of a matter of the content versus the standards. The great thing about my content is that the standards are the same, but I admit I have enjoyed the stories we read in class and the dialogue that was created. “The Gift of the Magi” and “Everyday Use” have been my absolute favorites. Aside from teaching though the only thing that blows my mind is where colleagues place their value when it comes to teaching the kids.
There is no denying the fact that I have favorite students, but what teacher after years of building relationships don’t? There are children that seek genuine support while in school and that very often misunderstood connection students establish with certain teachers is shamed. Everything is not always fair and as a teacher my only conversation majority of the time is what can I do to better myself?
Now I had a mentor teacher when my journey began and she was absolutely the best and very supportive. I have been lucky enough to work across the hall from a “football mom” and friend that I’ve known for years and she has been my rock. We truly have a safe place in her room as we “debrief” from the daily shenanigans and goings-on in the building.
The take away I have for this year is that I must continue to always take care of me first. Students are still going to twist the events of the day. Some adults around me will question, “Why I’m still the favorite?”, “Why do kids like to come to my room?”, and a multitude of other things but that will not deter my purpose for my classroom and why I love doing what I do.
I’m still trying to figure out my next move beyond the high school classroom and ultimately would love to be a Dean of Student Affairs because my strength lies in being among people. I don’t ever want to lose touch with what is going on in the classroom and trending in education period. It only takes one child to show you that you are doing something right. But when I look around at all of my students at my high school I have reached a lot and I’m glad to have had partial impact on their educational journey.
This is only year one with a few in me left to go. High school has been a hoot with 12 days left until graduation.
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