Monday, August 07, 2006

New Beginnings

These last few days before school have actually been very enjoyable. Last year at this time I found myself getting ready to teach Algebra I to a small group of 8th graders at The Imp's school. I went into the principal's office to volunteer some of my free time to tutor, and walked out agreeing to teach a full year course everyday. What can I say, the principal is very good at her job. While I love teaching and have missed my years outside the classroom, last year was quite a demand on my time. The fact that the school was a good 20 minute drive, and add to that needing to be at school at least 15 minutes before class and usually staying a good 40 minutes after class (to grade and prepare for the next day) I actually spent 2 1/2 hours a day on this course. At the end of last year, I told the principal, that while I thoroughly enjoyed teaching this small class, that I would not be volunteering to do it again. So my days are stretching before me.
I'm almost giddy with the anticipation of all the thing I'll be able to accomplish once the girls are in school. One of which is being a table leader at a Tuesday morning Bible study. I missed this Bible study last year and am anxious to get back to it. I'll also be teaching an adult ed course at my church to adults preparing for Confirmation. No fear of me becoming bored.
In a short 6 years, I'll be sending the Imp off to college. People ask me what I'll do then. I don't know. I love teaching but in my old age have become impatient with the bureaucracy of the educational system. I'm enjoying the online consulting, but miss the one-to-one contact of the classroom. Maybe I'll go back to school and learn something new to do.

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