Dr. Brian Comroe teaches eighth grade social studies in the Cape Henlopen School District. He was Beacon Middle School’s Teacher of the Year for 2020.
The back-to-school season is upon us, and as usual, I have this transcendentalist view of myself as this slightly panicky middle-aged teacher staring at crayons and obnoxiously bright pocket folders emblazoned with cats at my local superstore.
Surprisingly, I’m the still-married teacher who suckered their spouse into standing at a self-checkout in prime summer season to buy the maximum allotted two bottles of glue per purchase. Forget social media, summer movies and the books I hoped to read. No, my undivided attention has been spent Googling masterpiece bulletin boards, researching barely obtainable curriculum resources and pinning countless notions from far more accomplished teachers.
Forget inflation and rising prices — my August credit card statement reads something similar to a who’s who of school supplies and craft stores.
Teachers, parents and students have a love-hate relationship with the month of August. So does my Amazon delivery guy. No matter how hard one tries, it is second nature for stakeholders to brood over that inevitable September day of reckoning.
A few weeks ago, I texted my teacher work wife — “Have you seen how many students are in my second-period class?” Her response: “Why did you look? Just why? It’s only the beginning of August, and you’ve lost your mind.” She’s not wrong. Remember — I am the nerd who sets up and decorates my classroom two weeks ahead of time and already has a first-day-of-school outfit ready to go.
Do students and families feel the same as I? Are they excited, terrified, indifferent?
I ran into my neighbor over the weekend with his kids. Wars have been fought over less than the battle between the Star Wars lunchbox versus Minecraft and the cool expensive tennis shoes versus the affordable.
He was losing the battle. I laughed. As we blocked aisle 12 of the superstore kvetching about the end of summer and a new school year routine, one was quick to realize how the upcoming year places unique anxieties for all stakeholders.
A new year equals a clean slate. Empty lockers, organized desks and eager anticipation. Fresh haircuts, spotless shoes and new markers, all with matching caps, and this is just the teacher. Much like the students, I am eagerly hesitant to reconnect with my teacher friends, implement exciting new ideas and find out what new district polices have been chosen for us to achieve. It is renascent of the cycle of life.
As much as back-to-school season has allowed me to have my own shopping spree at the dollar store, other things costing far less but infinitely weightier have been recently acquired. As a seasoned educator, these past months have allowed for self-reflection, honing of skills and rejuvenation of energy.
Let’s be honest — I am always thinking about school and about my kids, spending evenings reading journals, collaborating with peers, fine-tuning lessons and understanding the latest strategies. I can’t help it. My mind is a virtual self-help book of ideas that need implementing.
Find me an educator who doesn’t do the same. Find me a parent who doesn’t rejoice every September.
I’ll wait.
