Teacher Envy

I admit it. I was jealous today. I was training a group of teachers and it was their first peek at their class rosters. I watched them share with each other, squeal with delight, "awwwww," and even good-naturedly wrinkle their noses and shake their heads. The truth is, they were delighted. Getting class rosters for teachers is like opening a precious gift every year.  I marveled at them.

image from http://www.ultimateteacherappreciationprogram.com/

Well, actually, I had to pause anyhow. They were not paying attention to me, but I understood completely. I was the same way when I saw that roster every single year- and for every single child.

I miss that feeling of seeing the fresh faces as they walked into Room 1008. Some students that I had taught the previous years would peek in or meander into the room and look around. Oh how I loved seeing their faces! Especially the students that I didn't really have what I considered a special relationship with...those were the ones that made my teacher-heart skip a beat. "I wish I was in your class again!" or "I miss the way you teach already!" would simply stun me. I stopped them in the hallway later- asked what they meant- what did they like in Room 1008?

Turns out that what they liked in Room 1008 was really what happened on-line. They told me about how mine was a class in which they could work at their pace, learn in their way, and engage themselves on their time.  One young lady explained to me, "I hate lectures. I normally hate discussions. I also normally hate homework. It's not aimed at me. It's for 'everyone' so it's for 'no one.' Your class was different because I could get what I needed how I needed it and when I needed it. I felt important. I liked the work because I related and I actually learned."

I was flattered. I was also keenly aware of why they felt the way they felt. Before I started using My Big Campus, I was (oh gosh, this is painful to write) just another class. I mean, I am not trying to diminish myself, but even my best efforts at differentiation, self-paced learning, and a student-centered environment really did not come to fruition. My Big Campus made it easy. I could create a 24/7 learning community that catered to all learning styles with efficiency and accountability. Discussions, e-portfolios, individualized lessons, and instantaneous feedback all with a few clicks kept the class lively and engaging. It was also fun- for me and for my students!

So, I am not teaching anymore- and I miss that feeling of the "opening day" of school. I want to have a crazy-wide smile on my face as the kids pour off the bus. I want to experience the spontaneous high-five of the student walking through my threshold that "hates school" but I know deep-down loves being in Room 1008. I want to go hoarse the first day reciting the same information to seven classes...only to go home and make myself even more hoarse chatting with my teacher friends about the first day! I want to be a part of it!

I envy the teachers' opening days. I do so wish the best for everyone's commencements- although my part has changed. Maybe I don't get to experience it first-hand, but the great part about training teachers on My Big Campus is that I get to hear about MANY starts to great school years. And I do adore each and every opening-day experience that I get to be a part of...even if vicariously watching teachers open their rosters!