It has been an interesting past two years. Teaching is something that I knew I would never love, yet I couldn't deny that it was what I was supposed to be doing with my life. Talk about a faith building experience.
During the past 2 years of teaching at C.S. Lewis Academy, I think I have felt every emotion. Yes, that includes the very bad. I'll never forget the empty pit I had in my stomach a month leading up to the first day of teaching. It was literally the most nerve-racking thing I had done up to that point in my life. I had no idea what I was doing and felt completely inadequate. But I've learned that these types of situations provide the best opportunities for learning and growth. We become very teachable when we're humbled. I've felt incredible happiness and fulfillment watching my students learn. I've felt great love for them and have caught glimpses into who they are and what they can become. They have made me laugh my head off and many times they have put a smile on my face that couldn't be wiped off. I've cried. A lot. I'm emotional as it is, but teaching provided many overwhelming feelings that then induced the tears. I cried after a break ended and I had to go back to teaching. There were even times when I'd cry on Sundays because I just couldn't face another week of teaching (Bless Robbie, right?). I tell you, the past two years have been HARD. They have stretched me and pulled me in directions I didn't really want to go in the first place, but knew I needed to. I taught at a school with a lot of problems. The teachers didn't feel trusted by the administration and communication between faculty and administration was minimal (which made for a lot of misunderstandings). Every school has its problems, but sometimes I wonder if I would have enjoyed teaching more if I would have taught at a public school. I guess we'll never know...
However, one reason I knew CSLA was where I was meant to teach is because of this girl: Shawney Tagg. We had met in a ward on condo row and became instant friends. She worked at CSLA as a 6th grade teacher and helped me secure a 4th grade position there after I graduated. I would go to her room at least twice a day to say hi or talk to her about something. She is the BEST. She moved to Virginia after my first year and I missed her like crazy this past year. She is one of my dearest friends.
Love this Shawney girl!
My mom and I were talking recently about what I would have done instead of teaching if I had the chance to go back and major in something different...yet still get the same benefits teaching has given me. I was stumped and couldn't think of anything. Teaching was definitely right for me. I feel better prepared to teach in the church, but more importantly to teach in my home to my children. I think that being able to teach so others can understand and learn is one of the most valuable skills. It is something that I will always have to work at.
Speaking of my mom, I could not have done this teaching experience without her. And I am dead serious about that. I am extremely grateful for her help and advice she gave me, and for basically handing me lesson plans and units. What an amazing woman.
Things I will never forget from my teaching experience at CSLA:
- Student throwing up on her desk within the first 15 minutes of my teaching career. Definitely didn't prepare for that.
- Leaving a student at our field trip destination. The phone call to his mother was the scariest phone call I've ever made. Thankfully, he was already home when I called. Lesson learned: take roll 14 times before the bus starts moving.
- Having a student get suspended for stomping on my foot.
- A student was being difficult and wouldn't move out of the way after I asked nicely, so I was stepping around him and somehow he tripped and fell to the ground. He went home and told his mom his teacher shoved him. I knew that would happen, so I emailed the mom as soon as school was over. Dodged that bullet.
- Dance parties with my kiddos during school.
- Writing notes back and forth with Shawney (6th grade teacher). We would have our students deliver our "very important notes."
- Having Robbie come and visit my class.
- Winning the school teacher talent show with my unicycling, after which I was doused with silly string.
- Performing a synchronized swimming act with the other teachers. I had the honor of being the one they lifted into the air, and then I flung my froggy floaty into the audience.
- Mentoring meetings with Shawney that always involved skittles.
- Being called everything from mom to grandpa. Eventually they'd arrive at "Mrs. Simons" (or Miss Bean).
- Doing 7 days worth of sub plans for our honeymoon.
- Doing cartwheels in the hallways on the last day of school (pictures to come).
I have a handful of hilarious notes from my students. Kids are just the best and I will miss them the most.
And with that, I am so done with teaching. Here's to something awesome I'm going to do in the fall that I don't even know anything about yet. It feels great.
So fun to think about what adventures lie ahead for you. One thing I know for sure is you will be amazing at whatever you do, and you'll continue to bless the lives of all you associate with (including our family)! Love you, Rachel!
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