At the beginning of each school year, I work hard to build relationships with my students and their families, just like every other teacher I have ever known. And all year long, I work on building and maintaining that trust and sense of family. We all grow close as a classroom and it starts to feel like a family.
And then, one day, it is your last day. And you have to say goodbye.
Teaching is a wonderful and peculiar career. You become so immersed in these little peoples’ lives. Checking in after weekend sleepovers at grandma’s, new kittens, losing teeth, saying goodbye to a dog, and having a new baby brother born. Knowing their hobbies and interests , their strengths and weaknesses, and the preciousness of their hearts. And then, all of a sudden, you say goodbye.
This has been a year to remember. These six year olds had their kindergarten year cut short and then continued to learn at home online with me for an entire year of first grade. And they rocked it.
So, we said goodbye.
Only four of them will be with me at the brick and mortar school. Everyone else is going different places.
I love them all, and I hope they knew that, and I hope they remember that.
We had our last day last week. I can relate. I’m fortunate to be at a small school so I do get to see many of them grow and in some cases graduate from high school at this same school. Still, I cry on the last day. It is hard to love them so much and let them go. Once I moved up a grade level with a whole group and it was something special. I hope to possibly do that again some day. <3
You are the kind of teacher that every parent hopes and dreams for their child. These kids will remember you and Hazel forever.
Those kids were blessed to have you as their teacher! Well done!! I’m sure they love you and will remember you all their days!
You are a great teacher. I taught for 33 yraes years. Title I (has now changed names), 6th grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade. Kindergarten, and finally, 2nd grade. I still see many of them around town. I know how the last day feels, as well.