SAN ANTONIO – From books to beakers to eraser-friendly wall magnets, teachers at Metzger Middle School are preparing for the first day of class.
"By the time August rolls around, you are kind of looking at the calendar, ready to go back,” said Robyn Rosen, a seventh-grade science teacher. “We’re excited to see them, and they are excited to see us and everything is fresh and new — a lot of fun.”
Rosen has been teaching for 26 years. Even though it seems like starting school over all the years would become somewhat routine, it's not to her. Each year is different and every class is different.
"Things that work with one class might not work with another class. You always have to be on your toes and adapting so that the kids can have the best experience," Rosen said.
Sixth-grade reading teacher Jessica Duff got a taste of teaching last year when she started midterm, so this is her first class from the beginning of the year. She said she is used to adapting.
"I never thought I would be a middle school teacher," Duff said. "The hormones kick in and it's all kinds of different drama, and I think they are adorable. It's like an adorable mess."
Duff brings a different perspective to the classroom. After college, she joined the Army. Over a four-year career, she spent two tours in Afghanistan. She followed that up and received a master's degree in counseling and then a teaching certificate.
"I feel like this is where I am supposed to be," Duff said.
Duff’s military background provides her with a different perspective. She said her classes are like different Army units and her theme is, “Keep calm and carry on.”
She has one important goal for her classroom.
"I want to make sure that I am in control and being a good teacher,” Duff said.
Classes are scheduled to start Monday, but that may change due to severe weather in the area. For a list of school closures, click here.
