I May Need to Count Sheep Tonight

It’s exactly 12 hours before waking up for the first day of school and I’m nervously excited. Regardless of how many years have passed since my 11th grade, this feeling never goes away. I’m nervous for all the learning I will be doing with our team of 54 students. I’m excited to be a witness to our student’s growth this year in their life. My mind is racing with positive “what ifs.”

Before I left my classroom this weekend I wondered what my student’s first impression when they walk in on Monday would be. Will they see clues of what our fall semester project will be about? Will they feel welcomed to add the finishing touches to make this classroom their own for the next 10 months? Will they be open to my passion for science, art and culture? Will they be receptive to my intentions to make this a memorable year?

In my opinion teaching 11th grade is truly the sweet spot of high school. Students have been exploring their passions and are closer to understanding what makes them feel alive. As young men and women they’re primed to be change-makers in their community. Eleventh graders have so many novel ideas to contribute - they just want to be listened to. They begin to calculate risks, but are still fearless to try something outside the box. When they witness success they marvel at their power to make a positive impact in other’s lives. This is truly an exceptional time in their journey, and I have the honor to co-design experiences to facilitate their learning. In the past 4 and 1/2 years I’ve guided our students in doing something about climate change, violence in our communities and mental health stigma. I can’t wait to see what our students will do this year.

---

Now to counting sheep...