Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Big News....

So...after seven years in higher education, I have made the bold (some might say crazy) decision to return to teaching the little ones.
What? Why? Huh? You might be thinking. Well, years ago, when I first began taking classes for my doctorate at UVA, I had no intention of leaving the classroom. I have always loved/adored teaching children. It's exhausting, but it also re-energizes me and quite frankly, I feel like it's what I'm meant to do. I love it. I think that 6-year old children are the funniest, most lovable little people in the world. They are so open to learning, reading, playing - it's refreshing.

While I have enjoyed my time at both Radford and University of Richmond, I always felt a little emptiness/sadness that I had left the classroom. When you teach graduate students, they are with you for such a brief time period (1-2 semesters). But, the little guys (for better or worse) are part of my world for a full school year (or more). You develop bonds with their families and siblings. I guess I miss (among other things) the "connectedness" that comes from a classroom of children.

So, in late August, I'll return to the world of first graders. I'm excited, nervous and incredibly happy.
And hoping we have as many snow days as last winter :)

7 comments:

TriGirl Kate O said...

And this when my kids are too old to have Ms. Leahy for a teacher--NO FAIR!

You'll be awesome and those kids will be the luckiest first graders IN THE WORLD.

o2bhiking said...

Wow, that is pretty cool, Susie. Good luck with it all, and I hope you get a few snow days as well. I think you will be awesome at this. You can teach them Spider and Hokie cheers, too! Art

Unknown said...

Thanks Kate :)

Art, I think you mean Wahoo cheers :)

Fave said...

SQ - good for you for following your dreams and what makes you happiest.
now I need to know where you will be teaching. because that's where I will be sending my future babies!
xoxo

Kate said...

Really awesome Susie. There's going to be some lucky kids out there!

Diane said...

You will be the best first grade teacher ever! Where will you be teaching? Those are some lucky kids!!!!
(sure you don't want to teach 4th or 5th grade?)

TriGirl 40 said...

I am all tingly reading this - so excited for you - and for the very lucky little ones that will be starting off their educational career with you as their amazing teacher.