During the last few hours of school, it was still hard to believe my year of teaching 20 amazing first graders was ending. I woke up that last morning, with last day jitters, as I’m sure the students in my class did. How did the entire school year pass already? Would I be able to say all my goodbyes? Would I have tears in front of my students?

Although we ended the school year on a half-day of school…the day went by way too quickly.  I was so excited to see the children in the morning….yet so sad at the same time.  They rushed up with hugs and flowers and little hand-written notes. I clung to each smile, conversation and story. The children were watching my reactions to the hugs and cards, wondering if I’d be sad or happy.  I chose to put a positive spin on the day…remembering all our good times together and thanking them for their incredible patience through difficult situations and their optimism in our great learning experiences.

While lining up with all the other teachers to do our annual “wave goodbye to the buses’ I flashed back to the first day of school in September 2009.  I remember their young, tan, eager faces walking into my classroom. Somehow, 170 days of teaching, learning, laughing, crying, projects, volunteering, singing and friendship passed in a flash.

I have the best job in the world! I get to help these wonderful young students grow in confidence and skills, and they help me grow as a teacher. Oh, and we all get the summer off!