I got to see my new classroom yesterday. It is like staring at the proverbial blank canvas, and wondering what pictures we will paint in this neutral, empty space. I know other teachers may prefer less materials, books, posters, and crooked pictures of student work on the wall, but I am the total opposite. I love teaching from all sides with charts and posters; my books cover the walls, along with newspaper clippings, sketches, and photos of mad science experiments. We even have four computers which I am sure they will try to take away when they realized their mistake. I hope they don't. The room also has windows--that's a first. I'll be able to look out into the fields and the trees. I'll try to remind myself not to jump (just kidding!)
I also feel a packrat phase coming up--did I mention I love to shop for teaching supplies? Target, AIMS, Kagan, and Lakeshore are playing my song. It is almost a religious experience to examine, ponder, and agonize over every choice, thinking what it will be used for, where you'll store it, and how much they'll enjoy it in class. Used bookstores and libraries are my favorite--the smell and feel of books is essential. Stickers and post-its are a must. And pencils--gotta have pencils everywhere, and fresh sheets of crispy, lined paper. Bright fabric for bulletin boards. Stuffed animals. Comfy chair. Coffee mugs. A ton of coffee...
Blessings come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. My friend Lenny, who is a custodian in our school, gave me a huge hug when he saw me and showed me to the room. He had just finished cleaning it, and even arranged the desks the way I liked them, in groups. He showed me, smiling, some of the old supplies that were left behind, which he squirreled away in drawers for me. He and my husband laughed as they commiserated on all the projects I intend to try this year, or the amount of money I will be spending. Times are hard, he said, but I am so glad you're back. We used to have great talks while he cleaned up and I picked up after my crazy day. He gave great advice. Lenny is a big fan of Ben Franklin--"Well done is better than well said." I think he's right.
My principal, also a friend, called everyone we know. I tried calling my friends--former principals, my reading coach, my other teacher friends--it turns out they all knew, and they were screaming on the phone, congratulating me. I was surprised--I did not think they would give it a second thought beyond "how nice for you". And I am working with a power group of teachers. Blessings, I tell you. I am surrounded by good will and best wishes, and I didn't even know it.
So I stood in that empty room, thinking--now what? We'll see, I guess. For now, clearly, I'll be blessed with a ton of work.