But my twelfth year of teaching is now completely. I am actually going onto the last year on our salary scale with an increase, before it becomes every three years. Today, I was able to spend time with the family celebrating my last cousin in graduating high school. It literally is like an end of an era. But in our town we have all graduated from three out of the five high schools. Essentially only four since my current position is at a high school that was built in 2019. We have all made the hurdle of high school, and each of us finding our passion in what to do next. Overall, it was nice to spend the day celebrating that.
My kiddos didn't do too well on the final, granted they did well-but I know I rushed through the last two units, so I knew it didn't sink in too much as it should. They also had a kick in doing question of the day, by asking questions they were curious about. Sometimes we forget that they are kiddos becoming adults, and that they are curious about the world around them, and how people navigate through it all. This pandemic teaching year was different. But I stuck to the things I knew how to do well, and fortunately, my students could sync with my sarcasm. I have actually read many "teaching books" that say to not use sarcasm, but then I wonder, am I being true to myself? To deny who I am in order to fit "teaching practices" is the LEAST of my worry. Not everyone is going to like you, I learned that many times in my lifetime, but for the ones that do-they keep you moving forward.
Overall, I am happy to close this year. I am actually starting my summer adventure as an admin intern (my second go at that). I know I am crazy to not take a break in my job. Last summer, I actually applied to be an admin intern, and it was taken away due to the pandemic and reduction of summer school. So really, this is just a plan of moving along. In this past week alone, I have already experienced the roller coaster of this position, as well the sounds of other opportunities. I sat in my classroom yesterday thinking about where would all my teaching stuff go, sucks to take down all my decorations, and what about the kiddos and my department. As of now, I am still doing what I am expecting to do, which is to teach math. But I also know not to let opportunities slip. A part of me doesn't feel ready, but is anyone ever ready for change?
At the end of day, I have to know what I am capable of doing, my limitations, and areas of need for growth. In CrossFit this week, I failed on a previous PR of 225# on my backsquat. Even the video looked scary-but I tried again, and got it. Then I went for a new PR of 230# and nailed it on the first try. Will I ever backsquat that amount again...I don't know. Some days are going to be the best, and some are gonna be days that do not vibe. But whatever day it is, I have to try again. That is probably where my outlook is right now. I usually like to have a plan, so this sense of uncertainty is fearful for me.
Anyway, as I venture into summer-I may or maynot continue my blogging weekly like I have during this pandemic season (which by the way is still going on despite society) but I'll try. I am working the entire summer and then picking up into year thirteen with the quickness in August. Summer will most likely go by fast.
I hope to look back at my past blogs to review how this year was. It was definitely a testimony to these times. I also had another no repeat outfit this year. Won & tied best dressed from the staff, keeping it real, and keeping the focus. Random awards, but I am glad people enjoy the weirdness of me. Let's go into summer now...