Saying Goodbye to Future Teachers

I have been an online instructor for a university for ten years. Each term, I change my course based on what I feel would enhance the learning of my students. I learn so much from them. I love sharing my experiences and insights. This last term, I decided to try a new course. I sent out an email to my course developer who put me in touch with a colleague who set me up with a course I have long wanted to teach, Children’s Literature. Whenever I try something new I get a bit anxious, and once I get into it (believe me, I research), I feel like Wonder Woman. On top of it all, I was given autonomy to make any changes I think are necessary. Being brand new, I hardly changed a thing. To have that level of trust and responsibility given to me is life-affirming. I went above and beyond and made more work for myself than necessary. But oh, what a good class!

I now need to say goodbye to my students, who have completed the term. I received feedback from them stating how much they learned from the course. I wish the course were longer. We could have covered so much more in-depth. Goodbyes are hard, but I know the students will make a difference in the lives of their own students. That’s the best outcome ever.

Update: I had a former online student contact me to tell me he passed the RICA exam! I also have students from past classes email me for advice and resources. I love staying connected to education in my “retirement.”