The ironic thing about taking on this high school teaching job last January was how much time I spent being a student. Before I could do anything in the classroom, I had to prepare for (and pass!) an art subject matter exam.
![](https://i2.wp.com/viewfinders.io/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2019-07-03-at-7.14.28-AM.png?fit=975%2C759)
Then I was thrown into the confusing world of grading and attendance software and managing courses in Google classroom. Then! I had to learn how to use Adobe Illustrator – because I was supposed to be teaching it halfway through the semester!
![](https://i1.wp.com/viewfinders.io/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2019-07-03-at-7.13.33-AM.png?fit=975%2C973)
After that, I had to go through and make all the projects that the previous teacher had created as assignments so that I would understand what I was supposed to be teaching my students. There were so many moments in this past semester when I was running solely on caffeine and flying by the seat of my pants. Not knowing was uncomfortable, especially because I was expected to stand in front of the classroom and teach it.
![](https://i0.wp.com/viewfinders.io/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2019-07-03-at-7.15.45-AM.png?fit=975%2C1203)
It was a huge lesson in humility and grace and I am so thankful that my students were understanding when I had to say “I don’t know, but let’s find out.” I also think it was a necessary step in the process. Not knowing allowed me to stay eager and creative. It forced me to stay disciplined in my learning.
![](https://i0.wp.com/viewfinders.io/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2019-07-03-at-7.17.59-AM.png?fit=975%2C563)
And by taking the time to do all the projects it helped me preempt any questions or problems that my students might have. I could show them my mistakes and hopefully they could learn from them.
![](https://i2.wp.com/viewfinders.io/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2019-07-03-at-7.17.14-AM.png?fit=975%2C650)
And knowing that they didn’t have to be perfect – that they could mess up and try again – could maybe even translate into other parts of their life, too. I’m already excited about what the next semester has in store since I agreed to stay on for another year.
![](https://i0.wp.com/viewfinders.io/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2019-07-03-at-7.19.18-AM.png?fit=975%2C751)
Forever the student – Angie
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This is so cool! Also sounds like A LOT of work! Wow – I have renewed respect for you, Angie. I really like that one with multiple Angies 🙂 Your students are so lucky to have you.