My Twice Baked Potato

It’s been so long since I wrote a new post. It isn’t that I have forgotten about the value of the blog, it’s just been put on the shelf for a bit.

Last spring, I packed up twenty-five years of teaching into cardboard boxes. Our building, the only building where I had taught elementary students, was being torn down. A new building would serve as home. It was on the same site, but it was supposed to be new and shiny.

That packing process took more time and energy than I could have expected.  It required more recovery than I expected.

Summer was busy with family and weekend trips and I was able to push the ideas of those boxes away until…One Sunday in the middle of August, my colleagues and I were allowed in the new building.

I walked into my new classroom and was instantly hit with the realization of all those boxes. They were piled, probably one hundred of them, in the middle of the floor, surrounded by new furniture in the space.

I had no idea where to begin.

I was struck by the strangeness of being a veteran teacher (the most veteran in my school), but feeling like a newbie.

After weeks of hard work wrapped up in a roller coaster of emotions, twenty-two new learners walked in my door for first grade.

They didn’t need to know the sweat and tears that had been part of the classroom set up. They needed a prepared teacher, an organized classroom, a welcoming place.

I have returned to full-time teaching. It is both harder and easier than I expected.

I miss being home with my son. I miss many of the conversations and the teachable moments. I feel grateful that I get home soon enough to still spend time with him each day and I know he’s good.

I am mentoring a new teacher. He is so green and excited and hopeful about his new profession. He has already taught me so much by questioning why I do what I do.

Along with the new building, my new role, and new families that I’m working with, I have been busy doing other things. I am currently in the second round of editing my book about supporting 2e children. I am so thankful for this opportunity. I know this work will help educators, families and most of all, the twice-exceptional children.

This week, an anthology about motherhood was released and I’m proud to say I have a piece in that book. So Glad They Told Me is a book that shares the good, the bad, and the ugly and reveals the sometimes hidden parts of parenting.

This book is another opportunity to teach and support others and I am thrilled to be included.

I have been busy, but all of you are busy with your families and your lives too.  Anytime you read my posts and especially when you take the time to comment, I appreciate that.

Here’s to a new school year and the journey toward life/work balance. I hope I’ll be better at the juggling act and while I do that, I appreciate your patience!