After being away for much of the summer and then unexpectedly delayed in Peru, returning to my classroom felt like a breath of fresh air. Walking back into a familiar space and preparing for a new school year brought a renewed sense of excitement and purpose.
Of course, one of the most important parts of the summer was spending quality time with my husband and reconnecting as a family. We were also navigating a significant transition as our youngest child had recently graduated from high school and was preparing to begin his journey at West Chester University. It was a season filled with pride, reflection, and change.
Professionally, I was eager to begin working with my student teacher, knowing that the 2025–2026 school year would bring new opportunities for collaboration, growth, and learning. The combination of mentoring a future educator, supporting my students, and embracing new challenges made me confident that the year ahead would be both engaging and rewarding.
Shawnette Brown 