Today was officially the last day of class for my Seniors, and more specifically my IB students in the Class of 2026.
Technically I taught Seniors previously when I taught at Excelsior School mid-way through the year in Arcadia. But that hardly counts, because those students were exchange students, and I didn’t develop the trauma bond I had with these IB students.
I will always remember suffering through the trenches together, and ultimately surviving my first year of teaching IB History of the Americas with only about 5 days notice. Grateful for the optimism and spirit that most of the students brought (but of course there were a few complainers). In the end, I only hope that their scores are a true testament to their efforts and my teaching abilities.
I gave them their end of the year letters, a tradition started in my 3rd year of teaching, where I taught the greatest cohort of students ever.
If these were the only students I taught this year, I could make the argument that this is the best year ever of teaching (but unfortunately I also had sophomores). In the end, their personalities and true character remind me that there is some good in the world, after encountering quite a bit of not-so-good students in my previous 10 years in education.
One benefit of teaching IB is the free time that comes post-exam to unwind, kick back, and just relax. I’ll have to cherish that time next year with potentially no preps.
I know they’re off to bigger and better things, and I wish them eternal success in their life journey.
