This is a year of firsts for me. It's not my first year teaching, if that's what you're thinking (It's actually my fourth). It is, however, my first year to be at the same school two years in a row! That may not seem like that big of a deal to someone who has never experienced the stress of school hopping, BUT IT IS!
This brings another set of firsts:
1. This is the first year I get to be in a classroom I am familiar with. That means I can begin planning for how I want it set up; where I want to hang which posters; where I want to post schedules and bellwork; where I can position my projector. It's amazing! Every school year before this one I would show up on the first day for teachers and be given one week to plan and organize my room. For me, that was stressful. I am a very prepared organized person and having to playing things by ear and plan on the fly is NOT my style. And even worse, the room I was given last year apparently belonged to a hoarder who had no organizational skills. I spent hours and hours the week before students arrived trying to put everything in order AND I DIDN'T FINISH! I had two bookshelves filled with JUNK that I just never go around to that stayed that way ALL YEAR!
But not this year. I know my room, I know how I left it last year and I know before I even get back into my building what I want to do with it. And it's a wonderful feeling!
2. This is the first year that I actually have some idea of what I will be teaching because I taught it last year. So I have been planning for those classes specifically, weeks before I even have to be back at school. And, because I taught the SAME classes last year at the SAME school, I get to reuse much of my material from last year. It also means that I can better make adjustments because I am more familiar with the expectations of the school (and state), the tests that will be administered to my students, and the curriculum in general. I have taught in more than one state and in both private and public schools, so there is actually a HUGE difference in each of these aspects that requires adjustment on the part of the teacher. It's nice to finally have some consistency in my professional life.
3. This is the first year that I will already know the school policies and procedures. Just as curriculum and expectations changes from school to school, policies and procedures do too. It is one more thing to have to adjust to when school hopping, but not this year! Sure, there may be a few minor changes to rules and such, but in general, things will largely be the same as they were last year. I have already made the adjustment and know what to expect. This makes planning the rules and procedures for my classroom infinitely easier. And, I've already finished! One less thing for me to do next week while I'm trying to put finishing touches on my room (that I already know how to set up and decorate!)
4. And last but not least: This is the first year I will already know people at school. As an introverted person, I often struggle with the ritual of meeting new people. But this year, it's already done! I suffered through the struggle LAST year and survived. Not only did I successfully meet the teachers in my building (and many in other buildings and departments), I feel as though I successfully forged solid professional relationships. I am excited to see those relationships continue to grow and thrive. And now that I already know my place in the social and professional hierarchy, it makes meeting the new teachers less terrifying (and even a little bit exciting)!
There are many other perks that come with teaching at the same school two years in a row, but the list could get long and tedious, so I won't go there. But, because I get to be more prepared for the start of school than ever before (and hopefully less stressed) I have decided to finally blog my experience. One more first to add to the list. Stay tuned!
Lauren
