The End

As most of you know, I have been a teacher for 25+ years.  I work with Wake County Public Schools.  My first year, was 1985.  I was pregnant with my first child, Sarah. I had just graduated from Greensboro College the previous May.  I have been teaching with Wake County ever since then.  It has become my identity.  You know how you relate to others by being someones mom, someone's daughter, someone's wife, someone's sibling.  Well, I also find myself relating to others as being someone's teacher.  (over the past 25+ years, I've taught bunches of kids)  I even have former students go to college to become teachers.  I have even taught with one of my former first graders (Amanda Vaughn Dixon-no relation).  Shoot, my own daughter is a teacher (she teaches those BIG kids in high school).

Anyway, at this point of the year, I would jot down lesson plans in my trusty plan book.  I would plan lots of fun, end-of-year "learning experiences."  These experiences usually included outdoor activities like field day and picnics at the local park and always a "recognition awards day."  On the last day of school for the year, I'd always write "The End" in my plan book with a smiley face. 

Well, this year is no exception.  There have been a few changes all my years of teaching:  (1) I have moved from the regular classroom (K-4) to a resource classroom teaching literacy and ESL students (very rewarding) and (2) I am at one of those horrible year-round schools....arghhhh.  When I write, "The End" in my plan book now, it is only a matter of days before a new year begins.  There isn't any down time to rest, reflect and rejuvenate.  We literally close the school year and open the next school year in one week's time. 

I enjoy my chosen profession even if I am getting near "The End" of my career.  I have probably less that 5 years before I am able to retire.  Until then, I'll continue writing "The End" in my plan book and enjoying all the lives I touch.  I know my life is touched by so many in my school community.  I hope everyone in the teaching profession enjoys closing out another school year and can reflect on all the events of the year with a smile in your heart.  Try to remember the times that influenced you to become an "educator of many."