Another school year has come to an end, marking my seventh year as a substitute teacher.
This year was different because, for the first time, I picked many of my assignments on my own. At the beginning of the year, I spent a lot of time in the middle school. I had rarely taught middle school before, so it was an entirely new experience for me.
To be honest, it was a challenge at first. Middle school students are at a unique age. They are still figuring out who they are, testing boundaries, and sometimes making questionable decisions. They also weren’t used to having me as their teacher. It took time for us to get to know each other and build trust.
Before long, though, I found myself loving it. I bonded with many of the students and enjoyed watching them grow throughout the year. What started as something unfamiliar became one of the highlights of my school year.
One of my favorite memories happened at the end of the day. I would often play music while the students packed up, and before long, it turned into a dance party. For a few minutes, everyone forgot about assignments, tests, and homework and simply had fun. Those moments reminded me that school is about more than academics. It is also about building relationships and creating an environment where students feel comfortable being themselves.
The middle school students also got a kick out of one of my favorite sayings, “the 6-7 era.” Every time I said it, they would crack up. I never quite understood why they found it so funny, but their laughter always made me smile.
As the months went on, the high school needed me more often. In March, I had the opportunity to teach my own class for an entire month. I taught Life Skills Math, and I absolutely loved it. Having my own classroom, creating lessons, and watching students learn practical skills reminded me why I enjoy teaching so much.
My high school students were wonderful. They were always willing to help when needed, but more importantly, we built genuine connections. Some of my favorite moments weren’t during lessons at all. They happened during conversations about life, goals, dreams, and the challenges they were facing. Those conversations reminded me that every student has a story worth hearing.
Of course, the year wasn’t without challenges. The winter was brutally cold, and there were many mornings when getting myself ready, bundling up, and making the walk to school with cerebral palsy felt harder than usual. But every day I arrived, the students reminded me why I was there. Their energy, humor, and resilience made even the coldest days worthwhile.
What I love most about teaching is helping students see what is possible. Yes, I want them to learn math, reading, and life skills. But more than that, I want them to believe in themselves. I want them to recognize their strengths, be the best version of themselves, and let their light shine brightly in the world.
Looking back, this school year was filled with new experiences, meaningful connections, plenty of laughter, and opportunities to grow. I am grateful for every student, teacher, and staff member who made it special.
We made it through another year. Now it is time for a little break before Extended School Year begins. I am looking forward to another summer of learning, teaching, and making memories.
