Sub Plans

I am extremely grateful for Winter Storm Jonas because it was responsible for seven snow days, four of which I was supposed to have written sub plans for.

I know it's not the Powerball lottery, but it feels a little like what I imagine winning the lottery might feel like.  If you are not a classroom teacher, you may not realize just how fantastic this is, but if you are a classroom teacher, I know you're with me.

That's four days of plans in which I didn't have to aniticpate every moment of the day, every scenario that might arise, every specific individual set of directions for 50+ kids.  Who can't sit beside whom.  Who needs an escort at all times when they leave the classroom.  Who needs extra time.  Who will be the first to finish and what to do with them.  Which students are to be trusted.  What happens if there's a delayed opening.  What homework needs to be written on the board each day.  Where to find books, paper, manuals, handouts.  Where to find attendance and lunch count and morning announcements.  When to drop my students off at lunch.  When to pick them up.  When they eat snack.  What Encore class they have on a given day.  What to do if weather dictates indoor recess.  And about a million other things, like what actually needs to be taught on a given day.

Since returning to the classroom on November 1, I have written sixteen days' worth of sub plans.  SIXTEEN DAYS.  I knew this going in – it was part of what I signed up for.  But it was a ton of work.

And so NOT having to write plans for 4 days of the 20 I agreed to because a blizzard shut things down?  Nothing short of miraculous!

Please understand how very happy I am to be back in the classroom and how much I love my kids.  I know full well that I am incredibly lucky.  The principal and assistant principal at my school were willing to accommodate my crazy schedule and prior commitments between November and January and I can't think of another pair of administrators who would be so obliging.

I feel the same way about the rest of the staff, particularly those who support my students' learning in some way and who have been so flexible regarding my schedule.  They're awesome and I look forward to collaborating with them throughout the remainder of the year!

And of course, my subs!  I had two people cover those sixteen days for me, and I knew at all times that my students were in excellent hands.  They both did so much for me, and most importantly, they loved my students like their own.

But there are three magnificent people who have helped me survive the past few months:  my teammates.  To say they go above and beyond does not even begin to describe it.  These three fifth grade teachers are amazing educators, but more than that, they are phenomenal human beings.  They have supported me, cheered me on, made copies for me, helped me at every turn, answered every ridiculous question I've had, had my back in difficult situations, and at all times are willing to do anything and everything I might need.  They have welcomed me and made me feel like this was the best decision I could have made and I will never be able to thank them enough.  I don't think they even know how wonderful they are!  I love and admire them and I would not have made it without them.  I can't wait for Monday when I am FINALLY at school full-time and a full-fledged member of the fifth grade team.

Happy Tails to you!