Mixture of JOY and Sorrow..

So, tomorrow is the last day of the 5th six weeks of school.. Can't believe we are heading into the 6th Six weeks... Although I might be frustRATEd (As Mr. Cowell pronouces it) a lot of the time with my students, school, parents, the district, co-workers.. you name it.. I realized today that I will miss my students..

We are doing Science Rotations this week.. Which is every teacher (there is 7 of us) takes a Science Concept we have taught this Six Weeks and we have an activity for our concept.. Kind of like a review of some sorts.. Anyhoo, I like rotations for several reasons:

1. Breaks up the week - Teachers love it. (these rotations are spanning over two days.. So it has been a fast week!)

2. The kids love it

3. They get a review over things they've learned so maybe they will remember at least some of it..

4. Gives us time to work with other students

5. And most importantly... "Distance makes the heart grow fonder" After having other classes all day, at the end I am SO ready to see my kids again. Not that mine are angels by any means.. BUT, they are my brats.. So I love them a little bit more..

Teaching is an amazing profession.. This is how the progression of my thoughts on my career went this year.. Be ready.. It was wild!

June: Excited to teach Pre-K
July: Now, excited to teach 1st grade at my Aunt's school!
August: So many things to do.. NOT READY! But excited to be teaching 1st grade.
August (Day I am suppose to meet parents): NO! I beg you to not move me. I have EVERYTHING set up ready to go. I LOVE my team. pLEaSE!!
August (3 hours later, new school, team, world basically turned upside down): I don't think I am meant to be a teacher..
August (10 minutes before meeting parents and students at brand new school): Praying.. nervous
August (meeting students): Instantly love them. They are mine. I think I will like teaching first grade...
August (first day of school): NO, I don't like teaching.. Not meant for it.
August - September: I will survive.. Have to survive... One day at a time.
September: Love-Hate.. every other day is different
October: HATE Teaching! Oh, no.. Like it.. NO, strongly dislike.. No, definitely just tolerating it now..
November: Thanks goodness Holidays are coming. I hate teaching. My kids don't "know nothing"!
December: Who cares. Christmas is almost here.
December (week before Christmas): I like Christmas. HATE teaching. Why did they put this new kid in my class? I HATE TEACHING! I don't think I can do it.
January: Well, does school really have to start? I dread everyday.
January (mid-month-ish): Let the trumpets sound, I want to get out of here! Or please this kids HAS to leave
January (a week later): HE left! I LOOOOVE teaching. I love my class.. Awesome
February: Oh NO.. The same one didn't come back, but his clone did.. I HATE TEACHING! Not meant for this at all.. I feel bad for his situation.. which makes me feel terrible I can't do anything about it. "All he needs is love.. Doo-doo-doo-doo.."
March (before spring break): Like teaching when certain one is not there. Hate teaching otherwise..
March (after spring break): WHAT he is gone! LOVE teaching.
March (minutes after last one leaves): New student again..
March (next Monday): If they don't stop putting kids in my class.. I HATE my job. I hate this town.
March-April (the next Wednesday): Yes, greeting yet another new student. That is three new students in three weeks.. Insane.
April (Present): I LOVE teaching.. Strongly dislike living in a Military town. Longing for stablity... My kids are SO ready for second grade. They amaze me with how much they have grown since the beginning of the year.. I KNOW I am meant to teach. Always have been..

So.. as frustRATING as it is.. It really is so rewarding.. Beyond comprehension sometimes. So, if I ever say "I hate teaching" just wait a few minutes.. cause I will like it again before you know it.