2007-2008 School Year in Review

Another school year has come and gone. It really is a strange feeling to know that I don’t have to worry about any plans for next week, grading papers, being the disciplinarian, keeping an orderly classroom…you know all the things teachers have to do…I can finally “relax” a little and enjoy some time to recharge and renew.
This year has been quite unique from beginning to end. I started out the year breaking my ankle while walking down the steps the Friday before school started. I thought at the time that this was a sign that this year was going to be quite a bear, but it was actually not that bad. I really, truly enjoyed the kids in my class. I liked seeing them everyday, getting to know them, and teaching them. One of the things I love about my job is that I not only get to teach kids about Math and Science, but that I get to teach them about our God, who created them and has a purpose for their lives.
I was truly blessed with gifts from my kiddos this year. I don’t mean that I got really great stuff (which I did, many parents were quite generous), but I’m talking about the cards and kind words I received. “You’re the best teacher I’ve ever had.” “You always made everyday fun.” “My three favorite things about you…One is that you smile all the time which makes me feel happy to be at school. Two is that you are really funny. Three is that you are someone I can look up to and be like when I grow up, like a big sister.” (I really love how she didn’t say mom) “You make me want to be a teacher too.” “Thank you for teaching our son how to be a better Christian.” “At first I was really scared about being in the fifth grade, but you have made this the best year ever.” “I really am going to miss you this summer.” “Is it too early to request you as a teacher for our other son—he just finished Kindergarten?” “Can’t you move up to 6th grade?”
There are days when I don’t feel so great about myself. I have a tendency to be rather self-deprecating and I definitely struggle with self-esteem. My students were the remedy for that this year. Each morning, I had several kids who couldn’t wait to get upstairs just to talk to me. They wanted to tell me every little thing they were thinking and feeling. They totally made my day just by coming in and saying, “Mrs. Blevins!” in that cheery tone of voice they get when they’re really happy/excited. I really am going to miss that. I’m not saying that I’m the best teacher ever—I’m not even saying that I’m really all that great at teaching at all; however, I have been able to get to know some really great kids, who taught me a lot about myself. They taught me the importance of listening and truly caring for one another. They taught me patience and self-control, even in some of the most difficult circumstances. They taught me about unconditional love and forgiveness. They taught me what it means to make a difference in the life of someone else.
May I never forget how great it feels to end a school year on a high. Not every day or week or even month is perfect when you’re an elementary school teacher, but it’s my hope that I’ll be able to remember the big picture as I go through those days when the kids just seem to talk incessantly, or I’ve repeated the same direction eight different times. All I really remember now about this year are the good times and how much fun we had growing together as a class. You know, they say child birth is the same way…it hurts like nothing else, but you forget all about the pain as soon as you get to hold your precious little baby. Well, I’ve never really fallen for that argument before because frankly, I’ve always thought it was a load of poop, but maybe there’s something to it after all…
~Blevins out!