Today it ends..........

So today will be my last day as a 4th grade teacher.......ending my 22 year long stint in 4th grade......I student taught many years ago in a second grade and 4th grade class...and 4th grade was a clear winner.....I fell fast and hard for that age group......it is magic.....they are just old enough and young enough to be perfection:) And I can honestly say that I have loved every minute, perhaps except the Covid years, YIKES, what was that anyway lol:) But as I said due to the state changing that certification in PA, and certifying new teachers k-4 only, instead of k-6 like me, it left me vulnerable to this move, even with tons of seniority in tow, due to a very unique set of circumstances......so here I am.....And I have lots of feelings about it.....so many layers......but I have lived enough life to understand fully that you cannot control where the wind blows and trying to will make you miserable......so acceptance is the energy of the day......accepting it fully.....looking on the bright side.....not letting it get me down.....and being open to the possibility that becoming a 5th grade teacher might be amazing.....that it might be the change I did not know I needed.....I have worked with many people on my team over the years.......having my role be the only constant......and now that is not a thing.....and it feels weird if I am honest.....I don't know if I felt I would teach 4th grade forever, but I did not think I would not teach it, if that makes sense......I do not think anybody is happy about this move, except my new team.....they have been sweet about having me as their other teammate retires......and I am happy to work with them too.....But it is bittersweet saying goodbye to a very special dynamic I share with my team.....VERY special......and it is done now.....we work so well together.....like a well oiled machine.....knowing our roles and our work dance beautifully......and gosh as I express that I find myself so lucky to have had such a wonderful dynamic for so long.....who you row your boat with matters, and work satisfaction is everything.....teaching is tough.....and it may all seem so dramatic as I am only moving down the hall....but it matters.....who is in your day to day in a school building.....and I plan on staying close to my people.....no matter what....I love my team....that is true....brings tears to my eyes to type that.....but I also believe deeply that all happens for a reason....and so this reason will be realized too......so this morning I am feeling grateful for every one of the 22 years in 4th.....looking forward to savoring my last day as a 4th grade teacher.....and being open to the magic of new things....with deep gratitude in my heart and love for my people.......Happy Friday we made it:) xoxo