Successful Teachers Practice Flexible Organization

On the first day of school, I organized everything to the point that my morning list included a reminder to wear the same color socks; the lesson plans prompted me to take attendance, and the evening list included a direction to make the next day’s list.

Honestly, my nerves vibrated throughout my body on the first day of my first year of teaching. I remember trying to dress so I looked older thinking maybe students would be more respectful. Like that would work!

A false belief misled my actions. Maybe somebody told me organization would make me successful or maybe the idea came to me in a dream, but either way, I was going to be organized. So with the list prepared, the lesson plans written, and a hearty breakfast consumed to provide sustenance, I stood at the door awaiting the students on the first day of school.

A boy named Justin pleaded, “Can you help me open my locker?” Knowing that saying no wasn’t an option, I turned the lock to the right, then to the left being sure to go past and then back to the second number, and then right. It is amazing what we can remember after so many years. However, the idea of not being able to open my locker and being late for class haunted me daily as a student so the process was burned into my memory. Like magic, the door swung open. The boy’s body relaxed and so did mine.

To my horrific fear, upon returning to the classroom door, eleven bodies already filled eleven seats. The plan to welcome and hand a syllabus to each student when they entered dissolved. I reassured myself that I could overcome this obstacle by slightly rearranging my list.

After the bell sounded, students’ names were announced and notes recorded to help me with the correct pronunciation the following day. Time needed to be increased from what the plans allotted causing another adjustment to the list. When I asked if anybody’s name was not called, six hands shot up. Acknowledging this problem needed to be remedied, I examined each schedule. Four students exited with directions to a different class. Two names were added to the roll sheet.

Since attendance took longer than planned, I shortened the list.

The get-acquainted game proved somewhat successful; however, I discovered the students already knew each other and the only new information acquired was that three Susies occupied three chairs in the second row. An obnoxious buzzer interrupted the lesson like a hornet’s nest intruding at a picnic and announced the end of the period.

In the lesson plan book, I drew an arrow showing that the last two items would be addressed the next day.

While monitoring the halls at the end of the day, I watched Justin open his locker successfully. Well, at least I taught him that skill. An afternoon faculty meeting gathered the staff into the library. The adult faces showed fatigue, and some confusion. This offered some comfort to know other adults felt the stress of teaching.

Upon returning to my classroom, I reflected upon my accomplishments from the list. Most items were checked off; some were crossed off; several items had been added. I took out a clean piece of paper and wrote the first item on tomorrow’s list:

Be flexible!

I looked down and for the first time realized my socks didn’t match.