In honor of this occasion, I thought I'd flex my poetic muscles.
'Twas the Day Before Students
‘Twas the day before students, and
all through the halls
All the teachers were prepping,
even the boss.
The “do now's” were written on the
boards there,
In hopes that students soon would
care.
The new teachers all bustled
around their rooms
Naively ignoring the challenges
that loom.
They hung parking lots and word
walls, data trackers and more
Plenty of other nonsense that will
surely end up on the floor.
What matters are plans, not fancy
décor,
Students want to engage, not basic
skills they abhor.
This means critical thinking about
relevant issues
Sprinkled with lessons about
dangerous ideas they could misuse.
Nerves creep up on even the most
seasoned vet.
Will this group be different? Is
there a challenge I’ve not met?
What happens if they don’t get it?
Will they fail the test?
They’ll put me out on my can, just
like the rest.
But I won’t be bullied by any
politics.
Only someone who’s never been in urban
schools can think there’s a quick fix.
Hard work and passion will win the
day.
Of course, respect and funding wouldn’t
get in the way.
But back to the schoolhouse before
things get real,
Students will be here, so get
ready to deal.
Teachers roll with the punches and
make do with what’s there,
Because they in life things aren't always fair.
On the night before students, real teachers toss and turn,
But wake up excited to teach and
learn
From students of all backgrounds,
races and creeds.
Rarely knowing the direction the
new year will lead.
I look forward to seeing many familiar
faces
and will begin putting my classes
through the paces
At 8:30 am, energetically proclaiming
for all to hear,
WELCOME BACK and GOOD MORNING, let’s
have an amazing year.
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