I'm always ready for summer to start. At the end of the school year, everyone is antsy and unsettled. Teacher's nerves are frayed and patience is short. Students know how to push everyone's buttons and seem to make more trips to the principal's office. Office staff and principals are overworked and out of time for all those "little" things that need to be taken care of.
This year (around the middle of May), I told my principal, "I'll talk to you in June!" Only because I knew we had things to discuss, but they could wait until everyone else was gone for the summer. It's hard to feel like you're accomplishing the long list of items at the end of the year when there are constant interruptions and issues that have to be handled ASAP! I'm glad I have a few extra days to work in a mostly empty building. I might actually finish part of my end of year to-do list.
One of the things I really like about teaching is the short memory I have, and have had for 21 years. It's like childbirth...after the year is over, I don't remember the pain and look forward to the new year almost immediately. If you are in education, I encourage you to do the same...let go of the frustrations and imperfections of this last year. Enjoy your summer! Read something good (as a librarian, I require this)! Spend time with those you love and recharge for August...
This is what I'm going to do. I've already got a pile of books and have time set aside for family and travel, but I'm looking forward to what next year has in store.
No matter what the new year brings, I will at least be open the first day of school! WIN! :)
