Five Reasons I am Excited to go Back to School

by Carly Ghantous , Learn21 Education Change Agent and Davidson Academy Online English Instructor

The narrative around teaching has been decidedly negative lately, with news outlets highlighting teachers leaving the classroom, potential strikes, and growing concerns about teacher shortages. Despite all this, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement as the new school year approaches. I’m thrilled to be returning to my post as a middle and high school English teacher. So, what’s got me so jazzed about going back to school? I’m glad you asked! Here are my five reasons to be excited for the upcoming school year:

1. A Fresh Start for Everyone

Every new school year is a blank canvas—not just for students but for teachers, too. It’s a chance to try out fresh ideas, refine our approaches, and set new goals. One of my favorite end of summer tasks is designing the learning space for my students. As a virtual teacher, I love working with graphics and creating a welcoming space that is filled with a sense of possibility (and color!) as we return to school. That energy is electric, reminding us that growth and improvement are always within reach.

2. Building New Relationships

Building relationships with our students is an extremely rewarding aspect of teaching, and the reason why many of us joined the profession. Each year brings a new group of young people, each with their own unique personalities, challenges, and potential, and it’s important for us to remember the excitement that comes with this opportunity. I’m looking forward to getting to know my students, learning about their interests, and creating a supportive community where everyone feels valued and heard.

3. The Joy of Learning Together

Teaching is about more than just passing on knowledge; it’s about learning alongside our students. Those “aha!” moments when a concept clicks are pure gold, and I’m just as eager to experience those moments myself. Whether it’s discovering a new way to explain a concept, finding the coolest new digital tool, or learning something unexpected from my students, the joy of learning is truly contagious.

4. A Chance to Innovate

The start of a new year is the perfect time to experiment with new teaching methods and technologies. This year, I’m particularly excited about integrating Genial.ly into my lessons to create more interactive learning experiences and using Perusall for collaborative annotations. These tools offer endless possibilities to engage students in dynamic, meaningful ways, and I can’t wait to see how they enhance our classroom environment and lead to deeper learning experiences.

5. Reconnecting with Colleagues

One of the best parts of teaching is the sense of community among educators. While we all collectively loathe professional development meetings that mark the start of the new school year, the relationship development that happens when we get back together after a summer apart is unmatched. I find myself eager to reconnect with my colleagues, share experiences, and collaborate on new ideas for the year ahead. The camaraderie and support we provide each other are invaluable, and I know that together, we can tackle any challenges that come our way.

As I gear up for the new school year, I find myself filled with optimism and enthusiasm, not dread and despair. Sure, teaching has its challenges, but the rewards far outweigh them, which is why I am happily looking forward to returning to the classroom for another year. I can’t wait to make a difference and help my students reach their full potential. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!