Where Are They Now?

My journey of how I became a teacher is a pretty exciting story, but that is not the story I am telling you today. Today, I'd like to tell you about the first class I taught. For those teachers out there, do you still remember the first class you ever taught? I bet the question that comes to mind as you reminisce about them is, "I wonder how they are doing now?" I think about my first class all the time. In the fall of 2020, the world was knee-deep in the COVID-19 pandemic, and schools were in hybrid mode. This means that some kids were virtual, and we weren't in person every day of the week. It was the third grade, and we were the Turtle Crew. I was a part-time teacher and co-taught the class with the Head of School. I know that sounds like a lot of pressure, but my boss and the students were awesome. They were very accepting and approached me with ease. 

My very first time leading a lesson, I froze. I couldn't remember anything I was going to say. I just stood there staring at them as they sat there patiently waiting for me to start teaching. It was horrible. I was a deer in headlights. I had to be rescued by my boss. I practiced a lot more, and eventually, it got better. As time went on, I began forming relationships with the kids. "Judy" loved to dance and would often tell me about her dance competitions. "Mike" and "David" were best buddies and would often race to be the first to tell me about their weekend. Then there was "Lily" who was terribly shy. It was so easy to forget about her. I had to learn to speak softly to her because she would easily shut down and not share when called on. "Bobby," on the other hand, was not shy. He was very confident for a third-grader. He raised his hand for every question and knew all the answers. "Bobby" loved baseball and would tell me about his latest game. They were an amazing group of kids, and I could share stories about each of them, but then this would be a blog. 

At the end of the year, I decided to move up and teach 6th grade. Of course, this meant that I would get to teach my third graders again in a couple of years. Every time I'd pass a former Turtle Crew member in the hallway, they'd say, "I hope you are still teaching 6th grade when I am there." or "Can't wait to have you as a teacher again." I had to admit I was excited to be their teacher again, too. In the Fall of this year, we were all reunited. It was amazing to see how much they have grown as students and young human beings. "Bobby" is still confident and knowledgeable but is okay with not answering all the questions. "Mike" and "David" are still friends, but they aren't as close as they once were, and that's ok. My little dancer, "Judy" is still dancing but now the competitions are bigger. We talk often about her many performances. Lastly, there's "Lily". Of all my students, I'd say she's grown the most. She has a voice, and she shares it often by raising her hand, sharing her opinion on topics, taking charge of group activities, and volunteering to help others. I am so proud of my 6th-grade crew. It has been an amazing year getting to know them all over again in a different way. I am so excited to see them in another 3 years...hopefully!