School Thus Far

I know last year was my first year teaching, and it is suppose to be the hardest, but for some reason I feel like this year has been much more difficult.  I'm beginning to think it is because I know what I'm doing wrong now; more-so than last year.  However, all this stress does not even compare to how excited the kids get some days, or seeing how they process the information and that "light bulb" turn on in their head when they understand it!

I've noticed that almost every person at my school has more than one roll and title; some up to four or five.  Last year, I only had two requirements and I made the mistake of not saying "no" to people when they asked me to do more.  So up went the responsibilities and the thin stretching of my brain began.  I know that if we did not get done what we did at NTI this summer, I would barely be floating right now.  All the work really set the foundation for what I needed to at least have my classes be functional.  I keep having a desire for breaks to happen so I can work on more lesson plans and finish decorating the room, and every other item to check off my "to-do" list.  Apart from other jobs I've had in the past, this one's stress has been positively motivating and I think that is the golden nugget in teaching.  When we invest in other people, we are motivated to continue and push and strive for the best so that people get the help they need.