Kontan.

Is it a bad sign that I had to take a nap this afternoon and it is only the second day of teacher prep…no students? As Tense stated on her blog, the first week is always difficult and exhausting. It takes time to get back in the saddle and endure the long day. I actually did have students this morning for 2.5 hours. The freshman are on campus for 1/2 days this week going through orientation. I am responsible for presenting 75 minute sessions on study skills. I must say, it went well and they were very attentive.

Tense asked about the first day and I mentioned before that I had first day jitters. I know it is natural to feel nervous, but I don’t like it. There are several new teachers this year so I am not alone in my newbie status. I have been assigned a mentor to help with procedural needs. In two days I have already seen her as much as I did my mentor last year. I was even asked to go to lunch with someone today. (That didn’t happen last year.) Teachers are dropping in just to see how the day is going or if I need anything. A veteran history teacher turned counselor even filched a couple of great college level history books that were being discarded and brought them to me. He said he knew I would make use of them and it was a shame to throw barely used books away. People are helpful and friendly! They don’t avoid making eye contact or interaction with the newbies! It is so dramatically different than my last school year.

I still have to teach in two different rooms, but I have a work space to call my own…a filing cabinet AND a bookshelf! If you have ever been a floating teacher without such things you can understand my excitement. I HAVE A PLACE TO PUT STUFF! Really cool. The room and workspace thing is not a huge deal because everyone is in the same boat. It’s just the way it works there. I was really excited today when I went to the supply room and saw shelves of paper, pens, markers, staples, staplers, electric pencil sharpeners, and three hole punches. How cool! No paperwork. No beg, steal or borrow. No keeping up with a purchase card and tax ID or searching through catalogs. You go to the supply room and get your basics. If you need something else you ask. How cool is that?

So far I am very happy with the decision to move here and very happy with the new school. The drive isn’t too bad. I have decided it will be an opportunity to listen to podcasts that are accumulating in my iTunes. Gas will be an issue, but that is life.

It is a better situation and I am thankful for it.