Video: New Teacher Reflects On First Year In Classroom

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VERONA, MISS. (WCBI) – Students in Lianna Reeder’s class knew it was a big day.

“Why is today special?”

“Cause it’s the last day of school.”

“That’s right, can everybody give me a big whoop whoop?”

They’ve worked hard all school year and have enjoyed learning and doing new things.

What has been your favorite part about first grade?

“My favorite part has been going to reading class with Mrs. Reeder,” said Daniel Carnathan.

“Going to activity,” said Adarius Sanders.

For Mrs Reeder, the year has flown by, this is her first full time teaching job since graduating and she had big expectations.

“Of course I thought I was going to come into the room and they were all going to sit quietly and listen to me and everybody would make straight As and all that kind of stuff but I soon learned it’s not a perfect world and the year has been full of tears and smiles and everything,” Reeder said.

She quickly found out that each student has a different learning style and that first graders can’t sit still long and need to use all that stored up energy. These soon to be second graders are ready for a break.

What are you going to do this summer? “Going to Alabama to a water park,” said Oshiona Wilson.

“I will probably get in the pool,” Sanders said.

And they are looking forward to a new school year.

“We get to learn more and we get to go to the zoo,” Carnathan said.

“You get to learn time tables and everything,” Wilson said.

As Mrs. Reeder wraps up her first school year as a teacher, she has mixed emotions.

“It’s a little bittersweet I’ve been with these students 180 days and now have to trust that I’ve done everything I can and let them go but at the same time I’m ready for my brain to relax also,” she said.

While it’s summer break, it’s not all a vacation. Many teachers have workshops throughout the summer. And most school districts have some kind of summer enrichment camp. Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and MUW, local libraries and arts councils also offer summer programs. And then there are always vacation Bible schools at area churches.

For information on summer camps in your area, check with your local school district, library or university or community college.