Gearing Up

In a few short weeks, I’ll be heading back to the classroom and a new school year will commence. I’m mentally trying to prepare myself for this adventure. Each school year is unique, from the variety of courses I teach, different students, and a changed building dynamic with new staff. I’m looking forward in some regards to this school year, but I also know I have some challenges ahead of me. Thankfully, I’ve had one semester at this school under my belt already and I know the lay of the land so to speak. Still, I know I’ll have butterflies the first day of school, and that once I’m there, I’ll be excited, energized and ready to take part in the grand experiment we call education.

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As I was talking to a couple of friends of mine who are teachers, I realized why it is I'm having such a hard time gearing up for school this year. It's not because I'm burned out, it's not because I dread the commute.. what it is.. is that I'm not escaping from an unpleasant situation anymore. Home is fun, safe, comfortable for me for the first time in 6 years of starting a school year. I'm not mourning the end of summer with my children, and the dread of surviving until the next summer with a jealous, unsupportive spouse. I'm happy at home, it's where I love to be. So, that makes a huge difference in the desire I have to leave here every day. I just thought I'd share that revelation.