2013-14 School Year . . . Really?

I remember when I first started teaching.  Freshly out of college in 1996 with a double major in English and history under my belt and a minor in German, I  walked into my very first classroom at Graves County High School bright-eyed and innocent.  I really believed those seniors LOVED The Canterbury Tales and Macbeth as much as I did.  I really believed those seniors WANTED to diagram sentences.  Sadly, I really believed all of my students LOVED school as much as me.  Hmmm . . .

My battle-worn, world-weary colleagues snickered as I recounted the many "hands-on" activities I had planned for my genius group of juniors and seniors. I wish I could tell you each of the approximately 1,500 students I've been blessed to work with learned to love language arts; however, I can proudly say I will walk into room 215 this year (big gulp - the 2013-14 school year!) much like I did back in 1996: fresh from a wonderful summer with my beautiful family; energized from outstanding work during the summer with exceptional colleagues around the purchase area; and excited because I get to work with 90 young men and women and watch them grow.

I'm still that naive young girl at heart.  I really believe students want to learn.  I really believe students want to be challenged.

I really plan to make that happen!