What a Week It's Been

 This week I started my next, new adventure.  I am now an English teacher for grades 9 and 12 at Grissom High School in Huntsville. And it’s a big change.

I have been told by my closest family and friends that it was time for me to get back to teaching kids instead of adults. Stubborn me didn’t listen. But then I found myself looking for a job in July and my friend from church suggested I look on the Huntsville City Schools website because she knew they were looking for at least 5 English teachers in grades 7-12. I applied and was hired 10 days later.

I am happy to be back in the classroom for many reasons.  First, I love being part of a school; I have missed being on a faculty where I can make work friends.  I love teenagers from the ones who are trying to be cool and aloof to those who are looking for connection to other kids.  The seniors in my classes are involved in lots of school activities like band, football, JROTC, art, music, theater, and more.  These amazing people also are writers, painters, photographers, tradesmen, and craftsmen.  I know all this about them because I asked and they answered.  I am reassured that the world is not going to hell in a handbasket because of our kids.

Of course, I also have two classes of freshmen.  Bless their hearts, they are trying so hard to fit in.  These kids come from four different middle schools so they are meeting new people in every class.  Finding a place to belong is the best thing they can do, but it’s so hard that first week. I have seen kids trying on new personas: new clothes, backpacks, shoes, and hairstyles that advertise who they are and what they enjoy. During my morning hall duty, the students pass my room like walking billboards. I try to make eye contact and smile and say good morning because I hope that simple courtesy helps them start their day off right.

Here are things that I have eased right back into as a teacher.

• Saying hello to the students as they enter the room

• Putting the agenda for the day on the e-board

• Using a get-to-know-you activity to share their favorite things and design a high top tennis shoe that illustrates that

• Knowing when a kid really wants to go to the bathroom as opposed to going to hang out with friends.

• Making friends with the school secretary, custodians, IT guy, and other teachers.

• Reminding the students to put their name on their paper.

Here are the things that have changed in the last 22 years since I was in the classroom.

• Knowing that everyone has electronic devices, but the kids have to keep them off and in their backpacks.  I am also following this rule to set an example.

• Learning how to take roll and leave the agenda on the e-board using the FREEZE feature.

• Using a computer to assign work to the students and have them complete it online and turn it in.

• Having all my texts and academic materials online–not much paper

• Learning how to design assignments that are AI proof

• Seeing school teams like bowling, girls wrestling, and girls flag football.

Yes, the ninth grade boys all have a scent like body spray over sweat. Yes, the senior girls wore different themed outfits every day last week. Yes, the athletes are easily recognizable.  Yes, the band kids all have their instruments with them. Yes, the kids are pushing the limits of the electronic device ban. Yes, the kids are completely ignoring the dress code.  Yes, they are teenagers just figuring out what they can get away with and what rules they have to follow. 

And after just one week, I know that I have found my people again.

Thank goodness!