I remember sitting on the floor in the gym for an end of the year assembly, next to one of my especially wiggly students. This was the one and only year I taught first grade, and the one and only year I left my "nest" and was at a school other than the one I am at now.
My principal at the time tapped me on the shoulder and asked me to follow her to her office. A little concerned, I followed. And when I saw the superindendent of human resources, I felt a lot concerned. He sat me down and said, "Listen, I have some good new and some bad news." He explained that he did have a job for me the following year. YES. The job wouldnt be at this school, it would be back at my original school. YES. The job wouldn't be first grade, like I was teaching now... and it wouldn't be kindergarten, which is what I taught before first grade. I guess I can work with this. The job would be 5th grade. VOMIT. (Okay, not literally, but I definitely felt a bit sick.) The job would be teaching with a new parner, Lesley. And as soon as he said that name, I could breathe again. The moment I knew who I would be working with, I knew I could do it. Welcome to 5th grade! Anyone who knows my teaching partner knows, she would never let a friend fall. And for 6 years now, she has become my "mom," listened to me cry, helped me navigate getting my masters, helped my substitutes through 3 maternity leaves, and brought me Reese's of all shapes. In my work life and in my home life, from the day I found out she would be my teaching partner, she's helped me catch my breath over and over again when I felt like I'd never make it.
5 Comments
Toni Bresnahan
3/15/2022 07:39:06 pm
I LOVE my teaching partner. Having a partner that you can rely on and truly go to for help is the best.
Reply
Lesley
3/16/2022 04:38:05 pm
You warm my heart, partner. Thank you for making me smile...and get teary eyed!
Reply
EugeniaKouts
3/16/2022 10:50:40 pm
I love that she never lets any of us fall! She's amazing! And just know you can count on all of us in the intermediate wing! You definitely go lucky with your partner, and she got lucky having you.
Reply
Megan Gaafar
3/17/2022 08:39:04 pm
Such a sweet message, she’s a very thoughtful person. You guys make a wonderful team!!
Reply
Lynn
3/18/2022 04:41:08 am
So glad you came back!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Author5th grade teacher, wife, mama to my 3 magical babies, ally, advocate, doggy foster mom... just stumbling on. Archives
March 2022
Categories |