I always have mixed feelings about the beginning of school. I was a teacher for 23 years, and though it had it's tough moments, I always looked forward to starting a new school year. Not that I didn't enjoy my downtime, (and let's face it, downtime for teachers is rare between summer classes and prepping for the next year), but seeing my friends and meeting the new kids was always a joy. Okay...most of the time.
Teachers today face more challenges than ever. Some of those challenges aren't things you can solve in the classroom but some are. We all know the challenges and I won't dwell on them, but I'm proud and happy to say that I know you will be there to tackle them. I know many of you personally and I say this with confidence in your strength and incredible abilities. You will handle the challenges with diligence and creativity. I have no doubt about that.
For me, the new school year brings new school visits. I do love mornings with my coffee and PJ's. I like taking my time to create new work. I get a huge kick out of spending extra time with my family, especially the grandkids, in the summer. But I get super excited about the new school year every year.
School visits, conferences, and everything else involved with being a writer; those things get me going. It's just plain fun.
So here's to the kids, the teachers, the media specialists, the admin staff and all of you going back into the new year. Don't let the naysayers keep you down. You rock.
Can't wait to see you all soon
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