It's that time of year again...time to go back to school! If you've known me for awhile, then you probably know that back-to-school time is one of my favorite times of the year. Yes, I love going back to school, both when I was a student and now that I'm a teacher. Yes, yes, I know that makes me weird (and a bit of a nerd), but that's okay.
This year will mark my third year teaching in Korea and my fifth year of teaching overall. Each year I've grown and become a better teacher, and this year will be no exception. Each year also presents its own challenges. One of this year's challenges will be all the new things and the changes that will come with that.
Now, I'm sure some of you are thinking, "New? What's going to be new? Sure, there will be some new teachers at the school, so new colleagues, but other that, what's new? She's been living in Korea for two years already, in the same city, with one of the same roommates, going to the same church, and teaching at the same school with the same subjects. Where's the new?" Well, in a way, you'd be right. I haven't moved, not even to a different apartment. I'm still in the same place I've been for the past two years. But even so, there are a lot of new things for me this year, some small and some not so small. And, to be honest, I feel a bit overwhelmed by it at times. I know that in the end, it will all work out, but sometimes it feels a bit overwhelming. So, in no particular order, here's some of the things that are going to be new for me this next year.
1. A new roommate
2. A new bedroom
3. A new classroom
4. A new class- AP English (which I am simultaneously excited and nervous about teaching)
5. A new school administrator (though after not having one last year, this is a blessing as well)
6. All new textbooks for English (both literature and grammar)
7. New format for textbooks (going to e-books for English this year)
8. New teaching standards
9. New technology for students (all will have iPads this year)
10. New technology for me- iPad and Apple TV (I have the privilege of being the guinea pig on technology in the classroom, including the e-books, iPad, and Apple TV)
11. New student handbook, including new regulations for dress code
12. New faculty handbook
13. New (longer) school hours
14. New bell schedule, including power lunch and a morning break
15. A new early dismissal day every week for professional development
16. New discipline system
With all of these changes, I'll have to hit the ground running almost as soon as I get to Korea. The beginning of the school year will be a lot of work, but hopefully, once we get a few weeks into the school year, the bumps from all the "newness" will disappear and things will run more smoothly.
In the meantime, if you could keep me, my school, and the other teachers in your prayers over the next few weeks, it would greatly appreciated. We have a number of new teachers this year who will also be adjusting to a new country and new school. The students, even those who have been at the school for years, will be facing some changes as well. Pray that we would not be overwhelmed by stress or worry and that we would leave it all to the Lord. Pray that our efforts this year would be for His glory, not for our own. Pray that students will hear and understand the Gospel and learn truth about God. Pray that I would have an effective ministry this year and not let the little things get in the way.
