Going back to a school for your 18th year is kind of like walking down the same hallways as a teenager. You’ve got all the cliques–the jocks, the beautiful people, the cool kids, the ones who think they’re cool but don’t realize what the cool kids say about them at the parties they don’t invite them to. Remember those days?
It’s the same with adults. Probably worse. By day 3, I will have students, and all the talk about how to teach won’t matter. On day 1 we are all great teachers, living in theory, understanding that article we read will guide us to be the teacher that matters. On day 1 we have a vision, a mission, and it’s always heartfelt and sounds like something we do. On day 1 we forget last year because this year is going to be different because we have a plan.
But by day 3, you better come with your game, because there’s a room filled with students who don’t care about that article you read at that conference you attended with those people who you email, hoping for ideas.
I believe Iron Mike said it best–“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” That’s day 3 for some. For me, it’s just Thursday, and I got my gloves up.
It’s teaching. It’s been happening for a while. I believe teachers really care about students and their schools. I am filled with confidence that I can reach kids who got D’s and F’s in their English classes last year. Because it’s teaching, and it comes with an honesty and reality that doesn’t stop until June.
Bob and weave.