The 'Eagle' is published
This morning when the alarm went off at 6.25 am I woke up a published author.
Did I wake up with a metaphor on my mind? With ink-stained fingers or the appalling dress sense normally associated with writers? No. I've always allegedly had 'questionable' dress-sense. ;)
I woke up as normal, had a couple of cups of tea and then drove through the dreadful wind and rain to the day job. Here, I was instantly embroiled in a passionate debate about how we as a school can manage our limited resources and do the best for our students. I was on 'duty' and had a full days teaching ahead. No time to relish my literary achievement.
Then at 11.10am we led our Year Ten classes (that's fourth years, for all of you who are still in the 1980's) into the gym for their 'controlled assessment.'
Samantha O---, one of my 'liveliest' young ladies shoved a red envelope into my hand.
'Open it, Miss,' she whispered as the exam was about to start.
I waited until they were settled and then picked up the envelope.
'To Kazza: Miss Charlton' it read. It was a congratulations card - but not only from Sam. She had gone to trouble of getting at least half the class to sign it. I was really moved - and was very conscious that the little darlings were not concentrating on their exam - but were watching my reaction instead.
In that one lovely gesture the kids had shown why so many of us come into teaching in the first place - and why we stay. If a group of noisy but talented, frustrating but loveable, group of 14/15 year old teenagers can appreciate what today meant to me, then there is still plenty of hope for the young people of today. It is a privilege to be working with them. I will treasure that card for the rest of my life.
But the excitement was not over yet...