School's Out

Well, I have finished teaching my first full time semester of high school English and I take it as a good sign that, while I need a break from the hustle of it all, I can't wait to get back into my classroom in the fall. I can smell the crisp pages of fresh lined paper and newly sharpened pencils...ahem...I digress.

I attended the school graduation ceremony today--the new grads resplendent in their caps and gowns, sparkles and starry eyes making the horror of the "self-edited" Frost poem lessen somewhat.

When I was teaching preschoolers, the gratitude was overwhelming and tangible. I could count on people telling me that I was being effective and helpful and appreciated. Teaching high school students is a somewhat more intuitive appreciation. There are few overt gestures of thanks and tokens of gratitude for imparting wisdom and knowledge that will hold students in good steed in future endeavours. And I knew that going in and wasnt terribly disappointed with the lack of "tanglibe" thanks. And part of the salve that makes it more palatable are those little gems that adolescents leave like little diamonds in the rough.

Jot notes on exam sign out sheets, smiles wreathed in triumph, pride and accomplishment, or small comments, made off-hand and so subtly that they might be otherwise missed.

"Miss, are you going to be back next year teaching English?"

"Yes."

"Really?! What are you going to be teaching?!?" A quick breath of anticipation.

"Not the course you will have to take"

"Awwww" Deflated hope turns slowly at the door, "Have a good summer, Miss."

My own sense of accomplishment, every bit as intangible, buoys me through the rest of the drudgery of the day.