Early in my career, I taught the same group of students for back-to-back school years. This happened a couple of times when I taught Geometry and Algebra 2. There was even one class taught back-to-back-to-back school years (Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2). That was wild.
Reflecting on those students, I think about the unique circumstances that emerged from teaching them for multiple years. Specifically, I remember how our preexisting relationship shaped the year. In September, instead of “Nice to meet you,” it was “How have you been?” A sense of continuation and familiarity filled our days. Our shared history meant we picked up where we left off, leading to a lively class dynamic.
I didn’t appreciate those students and the gift we inherited from the Scheduling Gods. Unlike the waves of new students I teach every year, we already had a foundation. We weren’t laying bricks each day to build our castle in the sky. We already had our castle. Reuniting for a second (or third) year meant we could forge an empire. I didn’t take advantage of this, but the opportunity was there. In my defense, that was 15 years ago, and I was in my third year of teaching. I was treading water — I wasn’t prepared to serve them in a way that honored and built upon our past.
As this school year gets underway, I am recalling those early years a lot. For the first time since then, I am teaching an entire class for the second time. Scheduling changes dropped this opportunity in my lap on day 1, which I never expected.
I must say, I am excited. My ability to build community with students has sharpened through the years, and teaching has slowed down. We have so many rich memories and experiences to fall back on, which will only enhance the new ones we make. Our reunion as teacher and student this year is a gift I never knew I always wanted.
This class is mainly filled with seniors, adding another layer to my anticipation. Their maturity will carry us further than my other classes, but I was candid with them about my fears about the plague known as Senioritis. Although it won’t be personal, I envision most of them leaving me high and dry at some this year as they taste life after high school. The kids are wonderful and reassured me, but I have been down this road before.
Time will tell how this unique opportunity unfolds. Will we build an empire, or will it simply be a dream that never was?
bp
lazy 0ch0 