Back To School — Part 2

It’s been a year since I retired.  It’s the second time back to school ads were a not so subtle reminder that summer is almost over. (Those ads start way too soon.  Don’t you think?) And it’s the second August that I’m missing that back to school excitement tinged with just a little bit of dread.  Even after all my years as an educator; I’d have a hard time sleeping the night before the first day of school.  My mind would race as I planned the first week of school.  Last August, I actually cried the first day of school.  Maybe it was because it felt like I had been replaced so easily.  Maybe it was because I felt like I was forced out of education (more on that some other time) and maybe it was simply because I loved my job.

Just like any educator, I can present a long list of the things that I don’t miss about the education system and being an educator. However, there are so many more things that I do miss.

My list of Things I Miss About School

1. I miss the excitement of seeing the kids on the first day of school– and the second…
2. In fact I miss seeing the kids everyday — all the way to the last day of school.
3. I miss their smiling faces —
4. And I miss  their hugs.
5. I miss those few who’d stop by the library to beg to check out a book even though the library wasn’t open, yet.
6. I miss seeing the look in a student’s eyes when they finally understand.
7. I miss students asking me what to read next…
8. And a student running in to tell me they loved a book.
9. I miss book club.
10. I miss sponsoring student organizations.
11. I miss pep rallies.
12. I miss buying school supplies.
13. I miss getting my classroom or the library ready for the first of the year
14. And decorating bulletin boards (or walls).
15. I miss snow days.
16. I miss the time right before the first bell would ring and a student would drop in just to say hi.
17. I miss the quiet at the end of the day when the students were gone and I knew I got to do it all over again tomorrow.
18. I miss teachers dropping by the library to chat for a second.
19. I miss the chance to help students and staff.
20. I miss the opportunity to make a difference to someone every single day.

This is by no means a complete list.  I’m sure I’ll think of a few more as the week goes on.  If you’re a retired educator or an educator who changed careers; please share the things you miss about school.  I’ll add them to the list.