I Stopped In...
I stopped in.Just to see if it looked the same.
It kinda did.
Same stuff on the walls.
Same small tables and chairs.
The wall separator was closed.
It was never closed when I was there.
I stopped into my old classroom last week.
The classroom I had for 2 years.
With my 20 students.
Ha! 20-1 ratio back then.
Not now.
I had more decor up.
But it's only the first week.
I had a paying job then.
I had no kids then.
Weird.
I remembered calendar time, shaving cream art, and Halloween parties of all things.
It's been 12 years since I had this other life.
I still do the same activities, only my class-size is 3, and I take these kids home.
Walking away from the room and thanking the current teacher for letting me snoop around, I felt the urge to cry.
Not for what I miss.
Not for the absence of a paycheck.
But for a time that I will never have again.
A part of my life that made memories that I'm sure not to repeat.
There at least.
In classroom C-4.
Or any other.
Sweet memory.
August 24, 2009 at 9:55 PM
And now, we're making new memories and having new experiences - that one day we'll look back on with those same tears in our eyes.
Great post!
August 24, 2009 at 11:41 PM
New experiences & New Memories for you to reflect upon a few years from now.
You have the cutest 3 students about this important thing called Life and how lucky they are to have you for a teacher.
P.S. Finally ordered my glasses, looking forward to getting them in. Took me long enough.
August 25, 2009 at 4:38 AM
This will be my third year away from teaching. I worked for 3 years when I had my oldest son. Although I have been back to the school I taught at to visit, I have not been able to go back to my old room. Glad to know that you are still happy with your decision to stay home with your 3 most important students :)
August 25, 2009 at 6:07 AM
Your kids are lucky to have you home! Who's to say you won't go back to a new classroom when K is in school full time? Or maybe just help out in the kids' classes? It doesn't pay as well, but you'll get some interaction time :)
August 25, 2009 at 6:49 AM
Ah, it was another lifetime wasn't it?!
August 25, 2009 at 8:31 AM
So Jen, do you think you will ever go back to teaching? Or do you see other things in your future?
August 25, 2009 at 9:03 AM
in this day and the way layoffs are happening I don't stand a chance!
August 25, 2009 at 9:34 AM
There's no reason you couldn't go back someday or maybe even substitute teach!
August 25, 2009 at 9:35 AM
I find myself sometimes looking back at times back. Not that the present is not fabulous just that part of your life is forever gone.
August 25, 2009 at 3:52 PM
And if you mess up now, you can't blame anyone but yourself. Darn.
August 27, 2009 at 6:27 PM
I can totally see how going back would be a weird experience. Good for you for doing it though! It's good to remeber where you've come from :)