Spring as Told by a Teacher

Winter: Sure, the calendar says first day of spring.  We all know that in any northern state there is most likely still snow on the ground and even a possible snow day that week.  Sure, it’s all pretty in December and those in the south just want a “White Christmas.”  The rest of us would just like to see the sun for an 8 hour period of time…really, we’ll just take an hour.           

1st Spring: It’s getting warm.  It feels nice. You finally don’t need the parka in addition to your long sleeve shirt with a sweater.  The air feels sweeter. Crisper. Fresher.  Nothing would be better than sitting outside in your lighter weight jacket and soaking up some sun rays.                                                                                        

Return of the Winter: Ha. Jokes on you.  After that nice 54 degree day where you were fooled into thinking it was spring, better luck next time Johnny.  Snow is knocking at the door.  Heck, you may even get another snow day.  First spring is just a cruel joke…just like that state test your kids are taking next week.       

Testing: Hell.  Enough said.  This month long period is nothing more than stress bundled with mind-numbing silence, high-stakes pressure, headaches, maybe even a side of an ulcer.                                   

2nd Spring: Usually in the middle of testing season or right toward the end, the weather finally warms up, just like the teacher’s attitude.  The stress and pressure of testing begins to melt away and the weather can only make it better.  Warm breezes come through the window.  Happiness is floating through the building.  Outside recess returns.  This is usually the weather that finally indicates the end of the school year is quickly approaching.                                                      

All the Fun Activities: Finally.  No more worries about standardized testing.  The pressure is finally gone.  Kids can be kids and have fun.  This is the time that we finally do some art projects, building projects, watch videos, sing songs, and additional recess time.  It’s not just exciting for kids.  Oh, it’s fun for the teachers!  We are happy to return to school and not worry about cramming in that last minute information before testing.  A test that basically determines our future as a teacher in some states.  Our job is fun again.              
Bonkers: The second to last week before school is out for the summer is when I call it my “bonkers time.”  The kids are crazy. Listening has gone out the window.  It’s warm in the building.  Anyone who teaches from ages 11-14 knows that the kids go into spring fever of being in love with anything that stands upright, and the older teenagers are even worse.  The “I want to bang my head into my desk over and over again” is a daily thought.  This is when kids do those….strange things.  I’ve watched kids randomly take their feet out of their shoes to smell them.  “Don’t hump the wall!” comes out of your mouth more than once.  “How did the highlighter end up his nose?” type of questions.  The end of spring is insane. 

Bittersweet Goodbyes: That last week of school is rough for a teacher (and technically still spring).  Sure the never ending amounts of paperwork, finalizing grades, sending home last minute papers, and cleaning out the room can be stressful.  Sometimes, I feel as busy at the end of the year as I do the beginning of the year.  However…that last day.  That last day is fun.  That last day is sad.  We may be lucky to see our kids next year in the building, but others will move on to another building or graduate, and we don’t see them anymore.  Some will send emails, even years down the road, but most move forward with their educational life.  Good.  That’s what we want!  Yet, it’s bittersweet.  Some years I cry when the kids leave.  Some years I cry with the kids in the classroom.  Sure, we have groups that we can’t wait to leave us, but most of the time we are sad to see them go.  We don’t know what their future holds, but we always hope for nothing but the absolute best.