Time to Start Another Year Again

My first contract day back at work is only 16 days away, and yes, I'm counting. Every summer seems to go by faster than the one before, and this one has been no exception. The excitement of starting another year is slightly dampened by the end of a lazy, carefree time, a much needed time.

As I re-enter my classroom, which I did this past week, I started to get a feel for the small changes I would make. There are two ways that, as a teacher, you'll start a year. You'll either be in a new room, or the same room. Staying in the same room is much preferred for me. I'm in the room that I love the most, it's off on the corner, it has carpet (not all the rooms in my school do), and I student taught in that very room eight years ago, so it has a sense of nostalgia and coming full circle to it. I've been in that room for going on three years, and have worked to make it my own space.

It's nice getting to be in the same room, because my walls and bulletin boards need less work. I already know where I want my furniture to go, and I've already set up my technology (including tossing some wires up in the false ceiling to extend the reach of the internet for my computers).

It looks like I'll have six computers this year, and have gained an extra group table space. I'm very excited for the changes that come with a new school year, but at the same time I mourn the end of summer, the extra time with my wife and kids, the extra time to do what I want, when I want. But, that's the job. You get your breaks, then you go back to work. It's almost time!