I am now a retired schoolteacher. Retired! Me! I remember when I first started teaching in 1982, I would look at retiring teachers or teachers nearing retirement and wonder how they stayed in teaching so long. I didn’t think I could do it. And now, here I am, joining their ranks.
Leaving was bittersweet. My students didn’t understand why I would want to leave them. The first year teachers in my hall didn’t want me to go. In a way they were like my children looking to me for advice and nurturing. As a young teacher, I too, looked for those wise mentors and hung on every word they said.
I wonder if I will be able to stand it when August rolls around again and I am not preparing my classroom and my lessons. Will I be glad I am not returning, or will I be sad? One thing is for sure. I have been blessed beyond measure by knowing the thousands of students I have had during my career. Stay tuned for the next chapter. . .
April Coker, Author 