The Retired Teacher

Yes, it has been two and a half years since I have written a thing on this blog.I thought about starting a new blog, or at the very least, renaming this blog "The Really, Really Tired Teacher." 

Seven years ago, I changed job assignments from English II teacher to English II, Speech, Forensics, and Drama teacher. The additional preps and curriculum added quite a bit to my load, but I was ready for something a little different. Then, the English II curriculum was divided into Advanced English II and Regular English II. This was another challenge. Covid hit and online school added additional challenges. Finally, the English Department was asked to stick to our textbooks to align curriculum Grades 6-12. This required quite a few changes, too. So if I was looking for something a little different, boy did I get it. Oh, and throw in that I was still directing one play a year. My brain was on overload. 

With some of the Mr.'s health issues and just wanting a schedule that allowed me the freedom to see grandkids and other family, I knew that the 21-22 school year would be my last. In fact, I started the year by saying, "Welcome to my last year of teaching. Let's celebrate it together." Every time I finished a unit last year, I knew it was the last time I was teaching it. Some of it was bittersweet, but most of it was hallelujah! I sorted and pitched and cleaned Room 502. (We'll talk about how much I carted home and dumped on the dining room table later.)

So...after 40 years in the Tiny Town school system and 43 years in education, I retired this spring. School has taken up so much of my brain, that everyone is worried that I will be lost without it. That might be true, but for the last month, I have enjoyed NOT thinking about school. 

What's ahead? I'm not sure. So far a lot of reading, relaxing, and bird watching. (Thanks to Covid--birdwatching is a new hobby.) Hopefully, there will be time (and money) to travel some. Will I sub? For the librarian--maybe; otherwise, probably not. I could tutor. And I have a couple of ideas that I am batting around.

I have loved my teaching years: amazing colleagues, great students, and lots of great memories. For the last year, K has been my principal. It has been wonderful watching her at the helm of Tiny Town High. She works hard and keeps a positive attitude. She's great at building relationships with staff and students, and she is as proud of this school as I am. I won't be there in person, but I will be there in spirit-- cheering on our school system.

I'm not sure what the future of this blog is. We'll see what develops. For today, I'd love to leave you with the video of the Retirement Speech my daughter-principal gave at the BOE Employee Recognition dinner. (Click on the link that will take you to YouTube.) She did such a nice job.

In the meantime, I'm looking forward to the return of Easy Street.