Without a Classroom: Slice of Life Tuesdays
Posted by blk1 on August 18, 2008
Without a Classroom
I remember my life as a full-time classroom teacher. I remember August, the last two weeks of August to be exact. I was always conflicted, trying to slow time down and stopping by the mall for new school supplies. The last two weeks of August I stayed up late each night, I ate out with friends; I tried to remain in vacation mode but I could never fight the reality of a fresh start coming my way.
No matter how hard it was to give up summer, fall was luscious, a gift to start over, to be nicer, to try to be better, more creative, a new play to direct.
And yet, after 30 years of beginning again, when I left my classroom on the last day of my school year and I closed the door, I walked out into my next 30 years ,looking forward to what I could do next.
It’s been four years without an end to summer on the day after Labor Day and I have come to breathe differently in the life that lays itself out differently in the same 52 weeks we all get. What will this coming year offer?
I can’t wait to craft it and to rethink the notion of classroom, taking it beyond the finite 4 walls of room 310 at Pearl River High School to exciting collaborations at SUNY New Paltz and wait, how about here in the blogosphere where I have come to feel so comfortable.
Bonnie
August 18th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
No matter how hard it was to give up summer, fall was luscious, a gift to start over, to be nicer, to try to be better, more creative, a new play to direct
I think that why I liked the new school year, too. The idea of a fresh start was so tantalizing! Glad my post triggered this one!
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August 19th, 2008 at 6:14 am
Yes for sure and I must have dreamed about this when I finished last night.
Bonnie
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August 19th, 2008 at 6:32 am
We’re in such different places in our lives Bonnie. However, I got goosebumps reading your SOLS.
Enjoy your September!
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August 19th, 2008 at 6:38 am
That’s so cool Stacey, as you were reading my slice I was adding more to it. I wrote it late last night after a read a post by Nancy C. and then I slept on it and felt there was more to add. This is really an amazing way to communicate.
Bonnie
PS. Lots of teachers explored your blog during the workshops I presented last week and one in July.
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August 19th, 2008 at 6:55 am
Your words are so poetic. I love the analogy of fall and a time to start over.
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August 19th, 2008 at 7:31 am
Thanks Pati,
I think the same about your writing.
Bonnie
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August 19th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
….I am also without a classroom. Just finished with my degree I was on the job hunt this summer and was unsucessful in getting a contract. So I will be subbing for the year.
I had such big dreams for MY OWN classroom this fall and I guess it just wasn’t in the cards yet.
I loved your entry, it was beautiful. I wish you the best this fall and may whatever comes your way bring you joy.
Ashley
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August 19th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
And to you Ashley,
Don’t give up! Your classroom is just a blink away.
Bonnie
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August 20th, 2008 at 12:01 am
You are without a room and I am re-entering the classroom – as a new part of my work. I am quite excited for the classroom and to see what will come of this year. I feel there are doors to be opened. Isn’t that a great place to be. And yes, if I can keep getting up early, the time on the couch will most definately continue.
thanks for stopping and reading my slice
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August 25th, 2008 at 8:43 am
I was without a classroom 2 years ago – and missed it so much I returned. This year I will be entering a new classroom and definitely hear the call of starting over you write about, picking up anew.
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August 25th, 2008 at 8:48 am
For sure Tracey,
I may not be getting the jitters about the day after Labor Day but I do embrace my calendar as I get to fill it in with exciting educational challenges. I actually love the blank slate to begin with. It’s actually never totally blank, in fact, I have to remember that I need downtime.
Bonnie
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