It’s the first week of summer break, and I’m doing what many teachers are doing: making medical appointments, washing clothes, cleaning closets, planting petunias, and catching up on all the ignored chores that I have no time for during the school year.
After six years at Richard Montgomery High School, I’ve packed up my classroom, said good bye to students and colleagues, and posted final grades. I’m transferring to another high school in the fall. A school closer to my home with a bigger population of English Multilingual Learners. A school where, hopefully, I can soar to new heights.
I make this transition with mixed feelings. The experience of working at “a good school” is seared into my memory. In the morning, kids hold the door open for teachers as we enter from the parking lot. When disruptive students push each other in the halls, I yell, “Hey, no violence!” They apologize sheepishly and walk away. Because at RM my tone could be light – students were just exuberant the last weeks of school.
I will miss the United Nations roster of names in my classes. Students from 39 different language backgrounds. Blonde students from Europe. Black students from West Africa. Afghani students with powerful stories. Regular kids who have a job after school, drive their own car, or play on a state-champion sports team. Students who occasionally question my assertions (they’re paying attention!). Students who say thank you.
I will miss the principal fly-bys, and our micro relationship-building sessions. The conversations with my English Department colleagues as we pass in the hallways or wait for the bathroom. My fellow ELD teachers who helped propel me through the worst school year of my life. The one-to-one chats with teachers from other departments who sought me out as MCEA union rep. The committees I served on. Working with the Career Coach or the senior class sponsor. Attending Prom.
All these memories empower me, but I know it’s time to move on. I appreciate everything that I’ve learned at RMHS and the support that I’ve been given. I’m ready for a new challenge.
Sometimes a Rocket has to lose its boosters before it can reach higher altitudes.
Eva K. Sullivan 