Today consisted of a lot of firsts; the first day (since school started) that my alarm went off and it was actually painful to get out of bed, the first fire alarm conveniently on the first day that my advisor from Worthington came to visit, my first migraine of the year, my first time being reported as a missing teacher....
I woke up not feeling well but took the time to convince myself that I would be just fine and simply needed to wake up. After about 3 hours into the day, I accepted the fact that this was not going to take place, no matter how hard I tried. Pushing my headache aside, I tried to focus on the lessons I had spent the majority of yesterday pulling together. Excited and nervous for the first full week classes, I wanted to hit the ground running. Run I did...until second period when we had our "unplanned", yet announced, fire drill. Conveniently, one of the big wigs at Worthignton City Schools paid a visit at the exact moment the alarm sounded. She pulled up to my trailer, I mean modular, in her BMW convertible and walked into the classroom to be met by an entryway of junk that I had accumulated over the past week of my cleaning spree. Needless to say, I was a bit embarrassed, as this was as far as she came into the modular. I wanted to to inform her that the actual classroom was orderly, clean, and well planned out...oh well, I suppose it doesn't really matter in the end, seeing as she didn't even stay long enough to watch me teach.
After a hectic morning, my assistant convinced me to eat in the teachers lounge, something I never do because I have typically worked though my lunch. While will one day explain the jelly stains that are likely to appear on graded papers due to my multi-tasking. I know that spending time building relationships with other staff is important however, so I went. Not 5 minutes after I sat down to eat, the bell rang. Again, I somehow let my assistant again convince me to finish my lunch before heading back to the classroom, as I only had one senior who was in my room that period for a study hall. I should have known better...only seconds after I finished saying, "You're right...he will be fine for 2 minutes..." I saw him standing at the door of the teachers lounge waiving at me and looking perplexed. Upon opening the door, he informed me that now that he had found me, he would go back to the office to let them know that I wasn't missing after all.....
Lack of consistency for kids with disabilities is never a good plan, and why I decided to test that theory today, I have yet to figure remember. Another lesson learned and noted.
On a more positive note, my student that infamous for her bluntness and attitude informed me ever so honestly, "I think I decided....I like you...." Mental note taken!
This just in: I will most likely be receiving yet another student. I was also told that I am going to have to re-write 2 more IEPs within the next 3 weeks. At this point, the school psychologist looked at me to confirm, "so this is your first year of teaching?! Wow, you've taken on a lot!" When I responded, "Yea, I'm a bit overwhelmed at this point", her response was, "Good...you should be!" Hmmmm...not comforting for a person (with a migraine) on the brink of tears. Frankly though, I was merely impressed the waterworks held out this long!
One step at a time, embrace the little victories, take the time to know and love the students and never fail to remind yourself that this is where God wants you, nowhere else in the WORLD but here, in this moment....these are my daily reminders to myself, the things that carry me through the days when I can't seem to carry myself.
Tired and already anticipating the long weekend,
Ms. Phillips
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