Saying Goodbye To Teaching

Working from my laptop at an event. I take my laptop most everywhere to catch even just 30 minutes of work here and there. Also, you can see my phone "holster." My phone is always on my pocket so I can keep in touch with my students.

Teaching has always been so much fun for me. I love imparting knowledge and making learning fun for all my students. My favorite job was teaching gifted for 8 years in Orlando, Florida. That was the most rewarding position. I learned so much from my students.

As I mentioned in an earlier post I am leaving teaching for administration. I have been teaching since October 1994. 14 years in the classroom. I have loved and remember all of it. I am still receiving holiday cards from my students. Many of my students are leaving for or already in college. I have a former student who is studying music in Paris and I get to chat with her on Faceb*ok. Unreal and amazing.

I am having trouble. I am leaving mid-year (It's always mid-year for at least 75% of my students as we are a 12 month/start any day/month you want school)and as I speak with some of my students I am explaining that I am being promoted. The students are not upset but they are upset. I am very connected with my students. I have 180 of them and can tell you all about them. I pride myself on knowing their phone number when it appears on the caller ID and saying, "Good morning__________ how are you today?" It used to freak them out but now they are used to it.

It breaks my heart to see them go to other teachers, but there is never a good time to seek promotion without leaving my students behind. My fellow E1 teachers are beyond fabulous and will take great care of my students. I hold onto that to make it through the next 2 weeks.

I can always go back to teaching if I decide. A few administrators have stepped down and back to teaching. Others have switched roles in the company to find a better fit. I know I am doing the right thing for me. I know I need to grow and evolve.

In my new role I will be supporting administration and working closely with teachers. We are not a traditional school so our titles are different. We are the leading virtual school in the United States and a model for many to develop their own online education environment. My role can be described like an Assistant Principal though it is nothing like that of a traditional school AP. It's just an easier way to describe the position.

I am beyond excited. I look forward to growing professionally and learning.