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The Prayer of a Teacher After the First Day of School.

I cried today. Lately, I haven't been much of a cryer. My mom will tell you that it takes a lot to make me cry. Today I cried. I cried because today was the first day of school. I am exhausted. My feet hurt, my face is greasy, and I'm not sure how I smell. I smiled as 22 brand new students walked into classroom 120. I felt the high energy of the kids who wished summer was at least another month longer. I tried to explain the rules and procedures but forgot how difficult that can be. This year will prove to be the biggest challenge in my teaching career. I miss my kids from last year, still. I hope the impact they've left on me will never change. Today, I write down a prayer for myself and for all my teachers out there. I pray that I will make a difference. I pray that tomorrow when the routines begin that I will give direction with clarity. I pray that I will find something to love about each one of my students. I pray I don't forget the good kids while I'm focusing on the challenging. I pray I can be inspired to teach my kids academics as well as life skills. I pray they feel loved. I pray I will have patience. I pray I will be the right dose of firm, yet silly. I pray that I will plan well enough to push each child to their highest potential. I pray that I can be the best I can be. I pray for all of my students. I pray for myself. 


Today I felt defeated. I wondered if I had done enough to make the first day a good one. Tomorrow I will do better. Tomorrow I will give it all I've got, again. I will keep on trying until I've done my part in my prayer. I am blessed to see my students as Children of God. I know that each child is loved and each child has divine purposes. I know that teaching is a career of the heart. 

Comments

  1. Shelby, I always knew my children were lucky to have you as their teacher but I feel even more so now after reading this post. Thank you for seeing them with spiritual eyes and for sharing your talent for teaching and having fun. You are a blessing to each one of them.

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