What an interesting month it has been.
I’ve been back at work for three weeks now, after having been contacted by the principal and asked to take my old position once again. After warning her that my life had been anything but stable during the past couple of years due to my son’s hospitalizations, I agreed to go back.
There were two deciding factors. One was that a non-disciplinary alternative school is upstairs from the disciplinary alternative school in which I teach. Sage now attends that school and is finally meeting a few other folks who also march to their own beat. He feels less stressed knowing that I am on campus. The other factor was that they needed me. As a writer, no one needs me. If I don’t write up to par, I can easily be replaced with one of a zillion other writers waiting in the wings for the opportunity. There is NOT a line of people clamoring to teach high school to behaviorally-challenged students, however.
So here I am.
The first week with students was very challenging. The three and a half year break from teaching had dulled my memories of exactly how difficult these students could be. After spending Wednesday being very sick from stress, I went into the classroom on Thursday and immediately — somehow — kicked things back to my old groove. My stress level went down immediately.
Now the biggest obstacle I have is figuring out how to run the household while working full-time once again!
Hey Michelle: First congratulations for this new job but it sounds like a challenge which the Lord will lead every one of your steps. Prov:3: 5-6. Also I have found a D.V.D by Louie Giglio called Hope when life hurts the most and I found it really interesting, real but hopeful. It was an eye opening for me this point in my life. say hello to the handsome Sage and Michelle; it is so good to hear from you my sister. I love you both and say hello to Gregg or Craig. Danielle. Be blessed all weekend and all week and I pray for the LOrd’s favor with your students. Thank you for loving the ones that sometimes are hard to love but they will bless you a 100 times back I believe one way or another. Danielle ; I see your beautiful smile Michelle.
I can’t imagine how difficult it must be, but I believe that those students need you and you are a great person for them. It sounds like it’s working out well for Sage too. A win-win as long as you can keep your stress level manageable. xoxo
Good to know that you got a job that allows for Sage to be nearby!
You know, the teacher for behaviorally-challenged students angle was one thing that drew me to your blog, when you were doing so under a pseudo name that started with B and ended with L. Those are way more interesting to me than the make-money-online tips. For example, one story that really stuck with me was the one about knitting in class.