Shellye's Blog

What a Difference a Year Makes

In this past week since publishing my blog there is so much I want to say and now I think to myself where to start.  I have specifically chosen to talk about this past year in my first post.  What a difference a year can make.   This time last year I was finishing up what was the most difficult, the most hellacious and vicious school year of my career.  Without the support of my family, friends, teammates and assistant principal I could not have made it.  I felt worthless as a teacher.  I had all but given up on myself as a teacher and my career until I listened to a message on my phone from a man who would turn out to be my new principal at my new school.

I remember sending my students out to recess with my teammate so I could listen to the message.  I listened a couple of times and I felt something different.  I’m pretty sure I leaped down the sidewalk which must have looked like an elephant strolling in its enclosure to tell my teammate I had an interview.  She listened to the message and had the same feeling.  She knew this was the one.  By the grace of God this man would become my new principal. 

Over the summer I had the chance to meet my two new teammates.  Instant bond.  I slowly began to get excited again but still cautious and fearful.  I had been so torn down that I still wasn’t sure I was good enough anymore.  However, the more I got to know my teammates and the stronger our bond became the more my excitement replaced my fears.   

At new hire orientation I connected with an individual that I knew through my husband who was coming from the same district as me and who was going to be the assistant principal at my school.  We were excited to be starting this new journey together.  She just seemed to understand me, to understand my fears, insecurities and doubts.  She helped guide me and helped me establish my confidence again in myself as a teacher.

Every person at my school has been so welcoming, so kind and so helpful.  By the end of August, I would come home each day telling my husband another reason why I love my new school.  I wake up every morning and I can’t believe I get to go there.  I don’t have to.  I GET TO!  My principal and assistant principal have created an environment where what is best for kids is done and teachers are supported.

What a difference a year makes.  I have experienced so much healing both personally and professionally over the past year.  I’m sure I will talk more about the healing in other post. The healing that has taken place this past year is significant.  As I thought all week about my first post my thoughts always ended with what a difference a year can make.  How exciting it is to see God’s hand in all of it.  How exciting to dream about what the next year holds?