Countdown to the End: Day 31

Countdown to the End: Day 31

I called an officer meeting this morning before school. I brought donuts and went through the end of the year action items. At the end of the meeting I told them I resigned yesterday. Most of them were in shock, one of them already knew, and another asked if I was serious. One senior boy was unaffected. He shrugged his shoulders, and said he was glad he was graduating. After everyone filed out of my classroom, a senior girl, that has been the FFA president for the past two years, grabbed my arm and asked if she could hug me. She started crying and I said yes to her hugging me. As we hugged I asked why she was crying. She said because I love you. I smiled, and she hurried out the door. I knew that I touched the lives of many students and families, but I never realized how much. The best thing I did was build rapport with my students. I knew if my students felt that I cared about them, then they would care about my class.

My last National FFA Convention in Louisville, KY with such great kids. 

I went through the day telling students and colleagues that I resigned to stay home with my kids, the responses were varied. I documented the ones that I will always remember:

Comments made by my colleagues:

“Congratulations!! I’m jealous.”

“Congratulations!! I stayed home with my babies and it was the best time. I’m happy for you.”

“I tried staying home with my kids and it lasted 3 months. I couldn’t do it.”

“I was hoping you would change your mind.”

“When you leave I’m taking this, this, and this out of your room.” (As he’s pointing to my nice technology)

“I’m mad at you. You are leaving us.”

“What better job did you take.”

“Quitter.”

Comments from my students:

“I’m glad I’m a senior.”

“You couldn’t wait one more year for me to graduate.”

“You can’t stay home, you won’t have any money.”

“I’m not taking Ag next year.”

“I’m not running for an FFA office.”

“We are going to make the new teacher’s life hell.”

“Does this mean we can do what we want cuz you aren’t going to be here next year?”

After rereading the responses I’m flabbergasted. This is not how I planned it, and it’s definitely not what I envisioned. No administrators have said anything to me at all about anything. The school board hasn’t even accepted my resignation, and they are already advertising for it. I wanted better for my eight years of service.

I know I made a good choice because if I don't love being at school everyday anymore it's better for everyone that I move on.