New Beginnings

I officially filed my leave of absence today. It was recommended to me that I do that instead of outright resigning just in case for some reason we come back. I packed up my car with my teaching stuff and threw out a LOT of stuff.

When I dropped the form off at the district office, I spoke with the superintendent briefly to let him know that I am leaving and told him what a pleasure it was to work for the district and how much I would miss it. I am sure it is hard for the superintendent to know all of the teachers in the entire district, so I wanted to make sure he connected my face and name just in case I ever come back to the district in the future. He said he was sad to see me go because I have done a great job.

From the time I left the district office to the time I got home, they had already hired someone to fill my spot. It is a teacher from my school that got laid off this year, so I was thrilled to find out that she now has a job and will take over my classroom. I love my team, so it is very important to me that the person who gets to work with them is a great person--and she is. I am so excited for her and happy to pass the classroom (my second home) to someone who is an awesome teacher.

We are going to meet up next week at school so I can show her some of the curriculum materials I have made over time to see if she would like to have them. I already threw out a lot of stuff, but now that I know the person taking over, I am more aware of what she might want to keep.

It is very bittersweet to pack up my classroom. I am excited for what the future has to offer yet it is always sad to leave people who you care about. I will miss the students and staff at my school very much and lots of learning and happy memories took place in that classroom. There are certain students that I will remember for the rest of my life. I have one more car load to take home and then it will be time to turn in my badge, laptop and keys.