Ode to the first year teacher!
I jump into my room, and see the mess
My first year teacher heart leaps, but I digress
I pull up the desks, and clean the boards
I sweat and sort the millions of computer cords
I decorate, I plan, I dream I can
I research, and watch, and learn the craft
Am stunned on the first day when a student gives me the shaft
I get red in the face
All my plans leave this place
I try to reign in my anger and mad
I can see the student is happy and glad
This is not what I dreamed of or planned for
As I march this student toward the door
The vet teacher finds me after school
I wished I was back in the pool
Her eyes twinkled and shone
She said “Don’t worry; you’ll grow
Tomorrow is a new day, and you’ve got until May
To hone this art, this calling, this path
The students don’t necessarily want to learn math
It’s life you must teach
And then you will reach
And touch the hearts of the kids in your room
And you won’t feel constant doom!
You will learn and grow
You will find your way although the tears may flow
Good things will find you, but it is messy too
Never easy
Always hard, but continue to dream, continue to plan
And believe you can
Our kids need you
Even the one who flips you the bird
Although it feels at times absurd
These kids will embed themselves into your heart
So, come on sweet first year teacher; the hard times are about to start!”
Katie Kinder 