6/5/12

Each crazy left turn is a gift. (Some just come wrapped in crazy paper.)



I spent yesterday afternoon visiting my new school.  


I’m not sure if I’ll be teaching first or second grade but was assured by my new principal that it’s one or the other.  I’m replacing a second grade teacher who is moving into a position out of the classroom, and will slip into her room relatively unnoticed. (Well, kind of.)

I signed into the office when I arrived and found my way to the busy faculty lunchroom. I was greeted enthusiastically by many teachers that I knew; and was welcomed in the same manner by those I did not.  I was genuinely excited as I chatted with one person after another - swapping funny stories and smiling throughout.   My heart and mind began wrapping themselves with the energy and excitement that I could feel throughout the room.


I toured the primary hallway, meeting teachers, paraprofessionals, and other important members of this school community; and each were warm, welcoming, pleasant and encouraging.  I had a very good feeling about all that was to come.

I finally made my way back to the office, searching for my new principal.  I knew her well, having taught with her years before.  I remembered her smiling face as she spent her year of student teaching in our building!  We taught several evening classes at the university together, and have always had a great deal of respect for each other. (I felt truly grateful when I realized that she was the person who grabbed my name off the table during that particular principal’s meeting last week.)

She smiled as she saw me standing in the doorway, and quickly walked over for a hug.

“Welcome!  Vodka, we are so lucky to have you join our staff! I can’t tell you how excited I am.” She said as we hugged.

I took a seat at the table and she asked me if I wanted to talk about the events that resulted in my “relocation” package.

I did.

I shared facts, and kept it free of any anger or resentment.  I simply couldn’t be bothered to waste time on those emotions, and just wanted her to know this teacher’s experience.  When I finished, I put my hands together on the table and said, “Jane, I do know this…God wants me here.  I know that there is someone here who needs me, and I can’t wait to find out who it is.”


She looked at me and reached across the table to grab my hand.


“Vodka.  It’s me.   I’m the one that needs you here.    I’m the one.”



As the tears pooled in my eyes I reached for those tissues that she had conveniently sitting in the middle of the table.   “Oh, Jane…”


“I’ve always known you’re an angel, and I am the one who is so lucky that you are joining our team.”


Let the wild rumpus begin….

31 comments:

Scope said...

Maybe Frank's family will move into your new school district.

A Speckled Trout said...

Ohhhhh, Jane pass the tissue box my way. Best, best, best for you and your lovely new boss. Happy summer to you both!

Button said...

What a FABULOUS welcome to your new "home!"

Anonymous said...

Change can be hard. I'm glad to see that your new school realizes what a gem you are!

Deb said...

-->That's a great way to start off a new job.
I recently left my job for a completely different industry because of the person I worked for made me feel terrible about myself and my abilities. Not anymore!
I found my smile at the new place.

deb

PS (My son starts kindergarten in the Fall. Yesterday at the Pre-K lunch he was waiting patiently in line and then I saw him do a leg kick, then another leg kick in his best karate kid move. I had to cover my mouth from laughing. God help us next year.)

DawnA said...

Quite possibly the nicest welcome ever.

Ellie Mae said...

So awesome! It's going to be great and I'm sure there are some "Franks" and "Sashas" at this school, too!

mitchiesmom said...

What a heartwarming welcome! I have the same tears from reading this! Every turn has a meaning, and how blessed are you to meet your meaning right at the start of this journey! Enjoy your new start - better yet, be grateful that you have another beginning!!

Brian Miller said...

yay! i am so glad this went well VM and that you have found at least one that is in need of you...smiles....i am sure there will be many more...

notme said...

WOW! Just WOW!

Cappy said...

I am SOOOO happy for you!

Joanna Jenkins said...

Yep, pass the tissues! this one made me cry-- tears of happiness for you. It sounds like you will be VERY happy in your new school.
YEAH!
xo jj

SkylersDad said...

That's beautiful. You have me all choked up.

Mrs. E said...

You, Ms. Vodka, have an amazing new principal--and I don't even know her.

slow panic said...

wonderful!!!

she may be the first to need you but i'm sure she won't be the last. can't wait to hear about your new students next year.

Just Two Chicks said...

I know you'll love 1st or second grade. I've taught both, and kinder as well. I have to say 1st grade was my absolute favorite grade to teach.

I'm sorry you've had some issues, that would cause anger and resentment. I had those too... but never with my kids or their parents. I loved my classroom parents, as they were my biggest supporters. I loved my administration... I struggled with the team I worked with in my second to last position. They had been together for years, and I just did things differently.

I always made sure they knew I wasn't out trying to be "better" than them... I just had my own way managing my classroom :)

At least they moved you in the summer. They moved me after school started (I was the last one in and my class didn't fill)... into a kindergarten classroom. Wow... we didn't adjust all year long. :( That was my most difficult year not counting the years in special ed.

Good luck!! It sounds like you're off to a positive start :)

Lyn Goff said...

Wow, that principal is wonderful! I'm so glad she wants you. It sounds like the move will be a really good thing (and there will always be kids who need a teacher like you:)
Lyn
Mrs. Goff's Pre-K Tales

Gigi said...

I KNEW you were needed at this school! I wasn't expecting it to be the principal, but still....

Kathy at kissing the frog said...

Oooo, your story gave me goosebumps this morning. I can't wait to read more this fall!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on winning the "Great Boss" lottery. Jane sounds fantastic.

Selfishly, I'm glad you are moving to a higher grade. My youngest is in kindergarten and will start 1st grade in the fall. When I read about the classroom antics, I imagine my little Spice in the midst of everything!

Notes From ABroad said...

Reaching for the tissues reading this :)
I am so happy this is happening the way it is .. good things are coming ! yay for you !!
besitos.. C

One crazed mommy said...

Awwww - that is so sweet. I've been rooting for you from afar on the job transition, and reading this made me tear up. How awesome to get such a wonderful and warm welcome. :)

JennG

Angela said...

I'm so glad you found out why you were needed at your new school. They are so very lucky to have you!

marissa said...

Yay!!! That made me soooo happy--it is always good to feel welcome.

(Ps--I'm not a robot)

MANDI said...

I think I love Jane. I'm sure she does need you, and I'm sure you'll help her more than you know. Can't wait to read all about your adventures.

Roshni said...

Looks like I missed a lot during my vacation! I'm so glad to come back to this great news of your wonderful new school and principal!! So glad for you!! They just know how lucky they are to have you!!!

Anonymous said...

Pass the tissues! So happy for you.

Monkey's momma said...

I'm trying to accept that Jane needs you, but I'm not quite over Monkey sobbing today!!! She loves you so much!!! There are no words sufficient for the amazing base she received this year!!! She & I love you so!!!

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

Oh, how lovely! Hope the new position is FABULOUS for you!

Kimberley Moran said...

I just found you and I'm glad I did. Good old Vodka, let me introduce myself. My name is Chardonnay. I'll be following you, a lot. Good luck in your new school.

✰ Kimberley ✰
First in Maine

lisahgolden said...

This is a lovely wrap up to one chapter. I look forward to your new adventures at the new school.