Wow - it's so hard to believe, but I finished my teaching career at Crawford Elementary School today! While cleaning up my room, moving furniture, and packing up the items I couldn't bear to part with (my kiwi, personal classroom library books, my "Miss Killion" name plate), the past seven years were definitely on my mind.
I so vividly remember my first day and the feeling that even with four years of preparation, I had no idea what I was doing, yet still loved every minute of it! Reflecting on the past seven years, I'm happy to say that I still believe teaching is the greatest job ever, kids will surprise you and make you laugh every single day, and that I still often feel as though I don't know what I'm doing (although I now know where to look and who to talk to in order to find answers!). I know teaching will forever be one of my greatest passions.
As I hugged my summer school students goodbye and did the final check of my room, all I could think of was how grateful I am that I'm leaving my first real job with nothing but the best of memories - memories of wonderful co-workers who have become even more amazing friends, of students who have overcome so much, made me so proud, and taught me so many things and of how much I have learned about literacy, teaching, and learning.
I said goodbye to room 41 and Crawford Elementary with a smile on my face - grateful for the memories and excited for my next adventure that lays ahead . . .
