I’m substitute teaching again, this time at the school I retired from 9 years ago. As I introduced myself at the preschool faculty meeting, I realized I was the oldest person in the room. Several of the teachers had once been my students. And where I had once been respected as a senior member of the faculty, I was now just “a sub” who needed to learn the ropes. In 9 years’ time, many things had changed.
My assignment was TV Media, lab classes in which students produce a daily newscast that goes out to the school and community. My background was not as useful as I’d hoped it would be. I could edit video, yes, so I could help with that. Preparing scripts? Preparing graphics? Pushing it out to cable? Not so much.
I felt old, out of step, and unskilled. On the bright side, I knew most of the parents from when I was their teacher, so there was that.
The first day, I walked into the lab to find an old friend: this chair.
An old friend
This was my old desk chair, almost new at the time I retired. It had disappeared from my classroom within days after my departure, and I always wondered who claimed it.
Now it was here, beat-up but still willing to be of use. I could relate.
A month in, we’ve worked out a rhythm in class. Older students teach younger ones what they need. Our local cable channel provides excellent support for tech issues. The teacher on leave routinely responds to student texts, even though she reminds students she’s on leave. Everyone contributes what they can. I take attendance and try to stay out of the way.
Friend with face lift
And last Friday I gave my friend a face lift. The duck tape made a satisfying sound as I pulled it off the roll. I reinforced some spots that were showing wear. I replaced a couple of patches that were curling on the corners. And I taped some tears before they could get any worse.
That chair has a few more years of service left.
Maybe I do, too.