When I was a teacher, I used to say, “If only I could find a way to teach without grading essays!” What I really wished for was a teaching experience reduced to nothing other than those magical moments I shared in the classroom with my students. Bullshit be gone! No committee meetings, no grades due, no state standards, no department of education. Just teacher and student dreaming together, making the world a brighter place. Creating.

Teacher-Student magic. That happens. Really. It does. Even in public education. I swear. Because teachers are smart, dedicated, and just plain awesome!

Since I left my job, the Universe has, in fact, provided several of those opportunities. One of my favorite days of summer is when Niece Becky’s Daycare visits.

Last Wednesday, I not only had the opportunity to share my day with thirteen wonderful kids and three lovely adults, I got to be a teacher again. The kind of teacher I always wanted to be. Just a bunch of kids and me following an interest.

And get this, my assigned topic: writing. I bought a book and planned a lesson, something that always makes my heart sing!  And was surrounded by adoring kids, something that makes my heart sing even stronger. And I didn’t have to grade one, danged thing! And I found this awesome resource that I must share:

We started the day in my back yard preparing our body and mind to be writers. Sun salutations, meditation, and a walk around the neighborhood.

Then we played with words. And wrote stories. And had fun!

And when the day was complete, I received the best pay ever . . .