The real process of taking down and setting up a classroom is a bit like losing your mind. When I began moving boxes back to school, I was elated. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on my things again, to imagine how everything would fit and how these items that I’ve been collecting for so long would be used again. Let’s just say that after quite a few days of being “blessed with work” I am now closer to rebellion than readiness. All of a sudden housework seems more fun, and don’t you know, I have so much to do at home! But I am a seasoned teacher, am I not? Don’t I know how to handle everything, being so well organized? A part of me wants to spit out the coffee I’ve been drinking as I write this. I’ll try not to for my keyboard’s sake...
In spite of how frustrating this feels, I have to remember what I believe: experienced teachers know this is all normal; that in order to be a successful teacher, veteran or rookie, you are always learning and adjusting to the chaos. It is absolutely necessary, in order for it to make sense, that a person has to give up control in order to gain control. I turn to my friends, my books, my family, and many, many fervent prayers to get through this. Some of the prayers are just venting (I wish this mess would burn to the ground and I could start fresh!) and others are more pitiful (God, What did I do to deserve this?), or vengeful (Lord, smite this jerk who won’t set up my computer accounts!) but somehow or another cleaning, sorting, planning, and setup fall into place. Things we thought lost magically reappear. The computers begin to work. You get rid of the cardboard boxes, and you are able to look over the surface of your desk again without climbing on a chair.
Most of us are wondering how we’ll get it all done in such a short time, when they are sending us to this and that workshop or volunteering us for all kinds of wacky projects (avoid the office and the librarian in the media center at all costs). The only answer is faith--in God, ourselves, our abilities, our support systems, and sheer luck. Does it make me crazy I believe this? Probably. Most of you are going “IT’S EASIER THAN DONE!” Do you think you anyone is completely in control? Bless your soul, that makes you crazier than me. None of us are, but somehow we’ll all make it. We have to give ourselves permission to go a little coconuts in order to find sanity. As Patrick Overton said, “When you walk to the edge of all the light you have and take that first step into the darkness of the unknown,
you must believe that one of two things will happen: There will be something solid for you to stand upon, or, you will be taught how to fly.”