Final Lesson, New Beginning!

My final lesson (student teaching) with the kindergartners. I miss these kids :(

Now that I'm done with the teaching program, I must say that the past two years have been quite an experience! On this long and treacherous journey, I have learned a great deal from fellow teachers, peers, and especially the kids! In my darkest moments when I was filled with self-doubt and didn't have the drive to continue, these kids gave me hope.

I think about little things, like the time Alex asked me "Ms. Cindy: what is Order 66?" and after I explained what it is, he said "See Johnny!?! Even Ms. Cindy knows!" I think about Karolina who choreographed a dance for "What Does The Fox Say?" - just for me because she knows how much I (still) like it. I love how every time a group of the younger kids see me they call me the "Magic Teacher" because I show them magic card tricks. I remember the time a parent came to pick up her younger son from the other class and while I happened to be passing through the classroom, she heard one child say "Hey it's the fun teacher!" followed by a trio of kids waving and shouting "HI Magic Teacher!!!" Her eyes widened and she said "Fun teacher? Wow! No wonder Mario always told me "Please mom, don't come early today because Ms. Cindy is the teacher!" Now I understand!" Ultimately, I am still a kid at heart, so naturally I relate to the kids better than with people my own age.

I recall the darkest time of all, when I was almost done with the program, two years in, one class away from finishing, almost done with student teaching but still filled with uncertainty... Traevon told me, "Ms. Lutchman, Ms. [his teacher] does not understand my work, but you do. One day when I become an illustrator (he meant author), I'm going to write books. You could look over my books. We could work together! Then I could send you free books." Yes, Traevon, I'd love that. That kid Traevon is going places in life. I hope ten years down the road he follows through on his dream.

I know I'm probably not the best teacher in the world: I'm unconventional, unorthodox, and maybe just plain weird. But I thoroughly enjoy what I do and I'm not ashamed to admit it. These kids are my life :)