The First Day

Starting a new job is always stressful. I accept that. I know it.

My first day at Tech School was also the first day of preschool for my older son and the first day away from the family for my younger son. I wasn't sure how it was going to work out, rousing the boys from their warm and cozy beds before the sun had risen, getting them dressed and ready while I also did the same for myself.

I am happy to report that Operation Leaving Home was a success. Both of the boys were excited to go "to school."

I was able to successfully change from frumpy mom to polished professional with only ten tons of makeup, a curling iron and clothes I haven't worn in five years! I endured the cold, confronted the long commute to Tech School and stepped tentatively through the doors into the vestibule, which was undergoing major renovation.

It was not quite what I had envisioned. In my mind, I'd walk into the reception area and hear fanfare. Students in plaid uniforms would trumpet my arrival. A banner would unfurl with the words "Welcome Newbie Teacher" scrawled across it. Someone would instantly hand me a shiny, red apple and a textbook and off I'd go.

Instead, it was torn up flooring, massive clouds of dust and newly spackled but unsanded walls. It seemed like few people were aware that I was starting. My new boss, Program Director, took me on a tour of the school and gave me the textbook I'd be using and a pile of papers. I had to do all the "new job paperwork" including all those government documents that I'm sure I screw up every time I have to fill them out.

Add a 1 on the line if you work less than 25 hours a week or you have a spouse with thinning hair unless he or she is also albino and works in a lab. In that case subtract 432.5 from 912, add 15 or the number of children you have who aren't potty trained, divide by 12, subtract 97 and add the number of times a month you grocery shop, then enter that number on line H and box 42b of form 912-A.

Huh?

Program Director gave me the class syllabus from the other campus, listing my course goals and objectives. He gave me some sample assignments and these things called "rubrics" to help me determine how to grade my students' work. He told me I had to observe the other teachers to get a handle on classroom management

I started reading and highlighting the textbook. I read through the materials he emailed me and started making notes on possible assignments and lesson plans. I had a great first day.

Well, until we went to pick up my younger son.