Moving to Second Grade
Moving to Second Grade are words I never, ever imagined that I would type. I did not see it coming at all. My first two years teaching were in kindergarten, that’s where my heart is and always has been. I was “asked” to go to third grade and then to first grade for a total of 15 years. Finally in 2015, I made it back to where I started. It has been a wonderful. I’ve taught kindergarten for a total of 11 years, the most of any of the grades I have taught.
For the last 5 years, I have had one constant, my teacher bestie. She had a tough year and to be honest, I have, too. I want to be clear, it is not teaching k or the kids. I love them both. We test for so many things and it has gotten to be ridiculous. There is no break in kinder. There is no quiet. We test individually, one on one. Things are continually added, but nothing is taken away. I see myself getting to do less and less of the things I love and more of the things I don’t.
So what to do? I see a lot of teachers leaving the profession. Or some choose to retire. Neither of those are an option for me. My bestie was willing to stay in K because she never imagined I would leave. After a random conversation, it turns out, I am willing to move. Perhaps a change is just what I need?
How do I feel?
I feel like a traitor. I am leaving the kids I love, the grade I have devoted SO MUCH of my life to over the years. After 26 years in the classroom and I feel like a failure for not staying in kindergarten. I have to keep reminding myself that it’s ok to make a change. I feel ok about it until I look at my new room and all the work it’s going to take. But I have done it before and I’ll do it again, right? Just as soon as our summer reading program ends and I can get started! (I’m still teaching!!)
But I also feel excited and nervous. New classroom, new age group, new standards, so much new stuff! My hope is that the change will help me and my bestie love our day to day again (she’s moving to 2nd, too!) To be honest, I wouldn’t have left kinder without her. So much of my life is teaching. That’s my personal choice. So this change is HUGE for me. I have been second guessing myself since the decision was made. Will I like it? I hope so!
I’m totally doing the same thing only looping with my firstie’s ! Feeling all the same feels and my room looks the same and I’m also reaching this summer! You are not alone!! Best wishes!
Thank you!!❤️
You will love second!! I taught kindergarten for 3 years and 15years in first… love my second graders… now I teach a 1/2 combo. Love my second graders! ❤️❤️. So much more independent and you can have discussions! And crafts!! You will love it! ❤️❤️
That sounds awesome! Thank you!!❤️
I too am making a change. After 25 years in Kindergarten, I’m moving to pre-k. I wish you the best!!
You, too! <3
I believe in you!! It takes a special person to teach kindergarten and you are definitely talented! You will do amazing things! You have to do what’s best for you! At least you aren’t leaving the profession!❤️ Best of luck!! Can’t wait to see what you do!
That’s true! Thank you!! <3
You will love it! To be honest, you might not know what to do with yourself as the independence from K to 2 is astounding. I’m like you as I spent 16 years in K and then spent many more in 1st. Going to 2nd too!
I know exactly what you mean…I feel like their silence might freak me out! lol
Hope you love it, too!!
I taught 2nd grade for 19 years before moving down to my dream job of kindergarten. You will love 2nd grade!!! They are independent to do things on their own, yet still want your help. They still love school and you! They don’t have the attitudes either. I hope you love it as much as I did.
I hope so, too! Thank you! <3
It takes an amazing person to teach kindergarten successfully! You will do great!
If it’s not for you, I am sure you can find a way back to kinder!
I think last year was a challenging year for most of the teachers I know, no matter where they were teaching.
I am looking forward to all of your fantastic ideas in 2nd grade!
I hope you and your BF will be very happy in 2nd grade!
Thank you so much! <3
I’m doing the same as you only I’m moving from K to 1 and I have ALLLLLL the same feels as you do here!!! But we are following our guts and our hearts and in life, that’s really all we can do!! Good luck and THANK you for posting!! You are not alone!! I hope you have an awesome year!! I will continue to follow! LOVE all of your ideas!! 🙂
Thank you! I hope you love it, too!❤️