This week I have been teaching in the classroom after a five year break. It wasn’t planned, I had no burning desire to be back at the front of a classroom. However a situation arose and I was asked to help out teaching sixth form in my subject, Sociology for five weeks.
I didn’t deliberate on it for long, kids get one shot at their A Levels and I know that I am a really good teacher who could help them. I said yes because it felt right morally. I had no real reason to say no. I was able to sort childcare for Erin and it won’t impact on them for me to be unavailable 24/7 for a few weeks.
I left teaching because my family needed me at home more. Now they need me a little less. Erin’s health is so much better and Chloe has stopped breaking bones so frequently! Dylan is older and can take Erin to school on the two mrnings I need to leave early.
Walking back into the classroom feels very familar. As I logged on to their computer the systems were the same, the exam syllabus is not so different and kids are kids are kids to me.
My students were welcoming, inquisatitve and engaging. Teaching is like wearing a comfy jacket, easy to slip on even after five years. I have loved teaching my subject, I probably talked too much as I just want to pass over my knowledge!
Being back in a school environment has been invigorating and I am looking forward to the next few weeks.
One of my popular posts is Jobs-after-teaching-what-are-your-options and I can see why. I do miss the interaction with teenagers, I do enjoy having discussions with teenagers and encouraging them to think critically.
This is why never say never!
