Saying Farewell to my First Year
One aspect of this year that I found so interesting was that so many educators would approach me and question how I have been staying afloat with not only this new beginning but also because of my "heavy caseload". Everyone seemed to have their own challenges this academic year but with the ongoing and ever-changing demand that special educators are faced with, there seemed to be a dark cloud swirling over what I had been assigned with. But even with all that was thrown at me, I never saw it as a burden or an inconvenience, I viewed it as an opportunity.
The main reason I chose the path of teaching was that it's never boring. Some label it as unpredictable or impossible to balance, which it very well can be, but it's all worth it since I smile and laugh many times a day and create unique memories that I hope to always remember. Students at a young age have so much to offer and have the ability to spread joy in ways adults are jealous of. So, call this year whatever you want but I can confidently say that it didn't scare me away from this area of work... if anything it makes me more excited for what's ahead!
Through many conversations with my principal, we have both agreed that it will be best for me to stay with the same grade and still co-teach, but to be matched up with a different educator. Looking ahead, I can take this year and all that came with it, to then avoid any struggles and to focus more of my time and energy on best supporting my students. There have been so many ideas or possible lessons I wanted to try this past year but lack of confidence got in my way... my goal for next year is to limit the unreasonable doubt and push myself to do what I want!
My students were so adorable as they wrapped their arms around me and thanked me for a fun year. They only see about half of what goes into each day but it makes me feel all sorts of emotions as I watch my first class ever move onto third grade. In some ways, I feel like they still have so much to learn, socially and academically, before taking the next step but at the same time, they've all grown so much in their own ways that I feel like a proud parent.
I still wonder if there could've been more success throughout my year or the students could've made even more progress if I just figured out how to structure lessons a little bit sooner, but as always, I believe that everything happens for a reason. Just like I learned each day and had fun in the process, I hope my students will reflect on their second grade experience with happiness. For me, it's less about their reading or math ability, that's something that they can get from any teacher, I am more hopeful that each student had felt safe, encouraged and loved when they were with me. Thank you for a wonderful year to all of my students and I can't wait to do the same again next year!