Teachers, my friends, my heroes

As most of you know, I spent 30 years in a classroom of either 2nd graders, 3rd graders, or 4th graders. It was in those classrooms that I met my dearest friends... some were and are still teachers, some were and are parents of my students, and some were students. This continues today.... What you may not know, friends is that I have returned to the classroom...well, on a voluntary basis for three days a week.

My friend, Anita is teaching her final year of third grade, preparing for a wonderful retirement. She has had some health issues that would have forced anyone else into an early retirement, but she perseveres. Now, before my friends, who are colleagues, shake their head in wonderment....she had finally been assigned that dream class...the sweetest and smartest.....enough said!

So, Anita has graciously allowed me to share in her good fortune...I get to come in 3 days a week and just help her do whatever she needs me to do...I've been grading papers, collecting candy money and forms and getting them into the right hands, taking lunch choices and count, re -explaining directions, making lists, passing out Pizza Hut reading award certificates, re - explaining directions, helping with computers...and so on and so on...trying to do those things that would give her a chance to just TEACH! That is something that most teachers would love to have the time to do....:)

The children are awesome...God gave me the talent...But, my friends....after 8 years of retirement, a full three days a week in the classroom is TIRING! I HAVE kept my retirement promise, so far...I DON'T do Mondays and Fridays!!! I'm sure I will get used to once again getting up in the "wee" hours of the morning, travel to Thomasville (not much further than my commute to Bardmoor), spend my day with the MOST creative thinkers, drive back home, collapse on the couch....get the picture? The only scary part is that Mr. Rodemoyer, the principal, wants me to get on his substitute list, so that I will be able to sub for Anita, when she has to be out...something about continuity....

So to my friends, my heroes....you know I love you and appreciate all you do for the kids. They are lucky to have you and so am I. And to my friends who are not classroom teachers...you know I love you and your kids....you ARE teachers and parents and grandparents.... If you have a moment, and your child or grandchild is in a school with that special teacher...appreciate that teacher for all the love and work it takes to travel with your child for this year.