Back to school jitters

At the beginning of every school year, no matter how excited I am to get back, I always have a few minor jitters.   When I was a kid, I packed and repacked my back pack, imagined walking the halls like I was a cast member on "Saved By the Bell", and stressed about which teacher I would have that year.

As a teacher, the jitters are different, but they're still there.

Am I prepared?
Do I really know what I'm doing?
Will the kids know if I don't know what I'm doing?
Will they understand that everything I'm trying to do is meant to help them?

This year is a bit different though. I have the same kiddos from last year.  This is good thing, I think.  I already know them well, and I am so excited to see how they have grown and matured over the summer.  But, I am also worried.  Many of these kids have pretty though lives, to put it lightly.  I have thought about many of them over the summer, wondering if they are safe, staying out of trouble, or even if they have enough to eat.  This year, my jitters are more about my students and less about me.

With the worry (why am I such a good worrier!?), comes excitement as well.  I am so thrilled to start our journey together.  Eighth grade was one of my favorite years growing up.  There's the trip to Springfield, dinner dance, and graduation presentations. On a day to day basis, there is also the excitement of being the top dogs in the school.  But as Voltaire said (or Spiderman, depending on your source),  “With great power comes great responsibility”.   I want my kids to seize this year and recognize the power they have in the world.  As we learn about the great social justice superheroes that have come before us, my hope is that these kids will leave a little bit kinder, a little bit wiser, and a great deal more confident in the power they have to be the change makers of the future. 

Now do you understand my jitters??? That's a lot of responsibility on my part!  But I am ready and willing.  No, I am more than willing. I am honored.