War Diary Day 268 - June 30, 2024 - Some Thoughts on the Last Day of the School Year

School year 2023-2024 has finally and officially ended. A school year that simultaneously felt like it would never end, and also went so quickly. 

A school year that began much like any other was quickly thrown into "war mode". Many Israeli teachers, still burnt out from corona closures, found themselves stretched to the maximum, covering more classes and students than ever before. I often found myself taking on double (or even triple) classes at the same time. It has become the new normal in teaching, and from what I read, it's not just a "war problem"... it's a worldwide educational problem.

I love being an educator. I have worked hard to be good at what I do. I am definitely proud of my professional accomplishments thus far.

While on one hand I am elated that this feeling of a never ending school year... is finally over. I'm also left feeling unresolved and dare I say it, stuck in this feeling of perpetual question. This school year, and subsequent ongoing War poses the greatest feelings of perplexing dread and dreamy hopefulness.

I've learned so much about myself this school year. I've learned that when I think I've given it my all, there's still more of me to give. I've learned how to attempt to embrace the unknown (I'm no expert, but I actively try). I've learned how and when to worry.

Earlier in the school year, I spent 3 months as a homeroom educator. This will stand as one of the greatest lessons of my life. I learned how to connect with teenaged boys (not my strong suit). I learned how to teach subjects I've never attempted before. When it all got to be too much... I learned how to say enough, and let go. 

Although I can complain about worldwide teacher shortages, I can also say that I was privileged to work with a wonderful team this school year of uplifting and inspirational English teachers. I am even more fortunate to brag that they are all returning to teach again next school year, almost all of them will continue to teach English. I have a community of teachers here that are supportive and wise... pioneers of education and enrichment. 

But we, teachers, need summer vacation, because, like childbirth, we seem to forget the pain we went through delivering that school year to the finish line. It works. I'm 3 hours into my summer break and I already sort of miss it. 

The long days of back to back lessons, no breaks, double classes, yard duty, jammed copy machines, no key to the computer room, sweeping with a broken broom, dust pan?, spilled coffee, low ink whiteboard markers, yelling to kids to use the crosswalk (not to run through the parking lot).... Where's your pencil? Paper? Did you come to school with anything today?

Those days are over... well at least for the next two months. 

In the meantime, my husband and girls have flown to America to get a jump start on our summer vacation and I'll be joining them in two weeks. 

Let's just pray that Hezbollah or the Islamic Republic of Iran itself doesn't up the ante in this awful war. 

I know I would much rather have a summer of peace and love, than a summer of hate and war. 🕊️✌🏼