It’s the first day of school. Michael’s first day as a teacher. He was told to come to the principal’s office to check in and get his class assignment at Erwin Elementary School. Michael parks his car and gets his briefcase out. Walking into the school he notices that the ladies are staring at him he’s wondering if maybe his zippers undone or something their smiles are huge and making him a bit nervous but he keeps going anyway. Finding Principal Thomas’ office he stops at the secretary’s desk telling her he was told to check in. She looks up and her eyes get wide. She smiles brightly.
Ms. Landers. One moment, Oh. you must be the new teacher Mr. Jackson, correct?
Michael; Yes that’s me. But, Michael is fine. Smiling friendly.
Ms. Lander: Okay, Michael. Have a seat and I will get Mr. Thomas for you. He’s actually been expecting you. Smiling she leaves her desk and enters the office for Mr. Thomas.
Michael has a seat in the chair by the wall, and a few minutes later, Mr. Thomas comes out holding his hand out to shake Michael’s and is smiling
Mr. Thomas: Mr. Jackson, won’t you come into my office please?
Michael follows him into the office and sits down.
Mr. Thomas. Mr. Jackson, I am glad to meet you. We really need a new kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Davis passed away suddenly in July kind of leaving us short handed. You speak Spanish and german too correct?
Michael: Yes sir I do. Please call me Michael. Ummmm. Will I need to use either language for the children or?
Mr. Thomas; I’m Rudy. No. no. Smiling, not for the children but for the parents you may. They tend to play it up more when there is a new teacher around to see how far they can push you. It’s just parental nature to see if you are good enough to teach their children. Nothing personal. I wouldn’t worry in all honesty.
Michael; Oh, okay Rudy. How many children will I be teaching?
Mr. Thomas. You are supposed to have 25 and your class partner in the room next to you will have 30.
Michael: Class partner?
Mr. Thomas. Oh yes a class partner is someone who you bounce class ideas off of each other. Watch each others classes if need be. Work on school holiday programs together with. You basically are each others moral support. Ms. Wilson has been here two years and is accustomed to the ways here. She will be very willing to help you get use to it all. Only two things to remember. One. never turn your back on them they will take advantage of that and Two. Always keep their attention on new things or they will wonder around or tune you out and sit there fiddling with their fingers or clothes because they don’t understand you or want to do it if it seems complicated to them. Your students are all 5 year olds you have 13 girls and 12 boys. Here, I’ll walk over with you, just give me a moment. I asked Ms. Wilson to help you decorate your classroom for the students who will be returning to school tomorrow. How was your Labor Day holiday?
Michael: Oh, smiling, it was very good. We had a barbeque, you know, they usual.
