Well, another school year begins tomorrow.  Although this is my eighth teaching year, the first day of school jitters still get to me. I wonder about what I will wear (a bowtie, I think), what time should I arrive to school, and what should I expect.  I can’t be the only one who feels this way, lol.

As I reminisce about last school year, I marvel at our accomplishments.  A smirk rises upon my face as I think of the students I will see tomorrow.  How much have they changed?  Have they grown taller?  Have they mentally matured a little?  What did they do over the summer?  How’s their family?  Have their voices changed?  All of these questions readily come to mind.  I am “uber” excited to greet them tomorrow.  It will be a blast, I’m sure!

With all of this fantastic-ness happening, I’m still nervous, but I’m not exactly sure why.  Actually, I’m more anxious than anything.  Maybe it has to do with being out on holiday for 9 weeks that has me dreading going back.  To be more articulate, I am reluctant to return.  I say that because I’ve been out of practice [teaching] regularly for a while, and I question my effectiveness.  Nevertheless, I’m hopeful about what this new school year will bring, although it’ll take these first two days to “get my feet wet” again.

However, I am very confident in my teaching ability, once I’m firing on all cylinders.  I know that my students will do what I teach them, and that’s why I do my homework over the summer.  I take a look at different techniques that will help students achieve more, and become better singers.  This is my second year at this school, and it’s time to put my stamp on the program.

I have teaching goals to write and post on the wall.  I think that it is important for students to not only connect with current instruction, but to also connect to what we’re working towards.  Learning is most meaningful that way, I believe.   I have so many things that I want to do this year.  I must focus and make an effective plan.

Above all, I want my students to know that I love them a great deal, and that we are in this learning process: together.  Let the fun begin!

Until next time,

Love & Peace.

-Herbie