What a Relief…no School Year to Prepare for!

This year it hit me! I am so happy to have no school year to prepare for. Last year at this time, we busy were helping our local district here in Wickenburg prepare to get the school year started. It was fun and exciting to still be involved in preparing for a new school year and meeting so many new people. It’s what I’ve done my whole life. But I must say, it sure feels good right now to not be doing it.

It’s more than the constant stress of trying to recruit new students, never having enough money in the budget, buying supplies, setting up schedules, and meeting new teachers. If you’ve done it as long as I have, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Educators face unrelenting pressure to adapt to the ever-evolving needs of their students. The demands placed upon teachers are ever-changing and require constant adjustment.

Educators are required to stay on top of the latest research and teaching methods, ensuring that they are equipped to effectively engage and educate all students. The responsibility of molding young minds is a weighty one, and most of the educators I know have spent this past summer perfecting their craft, learning more about the ways children learn, and getting a bit of much needed rest to face another school year.

“School bells are ringing loud and clear; vacation’s over, school is here.” — Winifred C. Marshal

So, for those of you who are preparing for another school year, may God bless you! I know that teaching is a year-round, full-time job. You never quit thinking about new ways to reach your students. I hope you did take some time to rest, refresh, and refocus because you will be off to a running start, and it won’t let up for the next ten months!

But for me, it’s time to take a deep breath because it’s time for a change. No school year to prepare for is a new concept around our house. Think about it, no more frantic mornings waking up wondering who I can find to sub for a classroom. No more worried nights trying to figure out the best class schedule. And certainly, no more anxieties about meeting a whole new set of teachers and parents. It’s time to bask in the relief that comes with not having to gear up for another school year. Let’s explore the future without school preparation.

School’s Out For…Ever

Oh, the sweet relief of not having to prepare for another school year! No more stressful calls in the early mornings, no more strict routines, no more fussy board members, and no more stressing over school-related tasks. Not to mention, you can use the restroom any time you need to! Here are just a few of the things that kept me up late at night.

Worrying About Student Enrollment

One of the biggest burdens for educators is the constant worry about student enrollment. Will there be enough students to fill the classrooms? Will the school meet its enrollment targets? These concerns can be overwhelming and often consume a significant amount of time and energy, particularly in a private school environment.

Hiring and Training New Faculty

“One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world.” ― Malala Yousafzai

Another aspect of preparing for a new school year is the process of hiring and training new teachers and paraprofessionals. This can be a time-consuming and challenging task, requiring extensive planning and coordination. It’s wonderful to turn this over to the younger generation.

Never Enough Money in the Budget

Insufficient funding in school budgets is always an issue. Despite continued efforts to secure adequate financial resources, schools, especially private schools, often find themselves grappling with a lack of funds. This deficit hampers their ability to provide essential educational tools and support for students. The insufficiency of financial resources poses significant challenges, hindering the quality of education delivered. It’s extremely stressful for educators and parents.

“Retirement is the beginning of the time when you can sit back and give advice to others, even though you never followed it in your own life.” — Unknown

Retiring and no longer having to prepare for a school year is like
stepping into a world of endless possibilities. From now on, your time is your own, and you have the opportunity to focus on your own passions and pursuits. Whether it’s starting a new blog, volunteering, taking up golf, or just enjoying the simple pleasures of life, this newfound freedom is something to be thrilled about. So, embrace this exciting chapter of your life and savor the joy of a school-year free retirement!