My Joyous Teaching Journey

Abstract It’s 7.13 a.m., and I’ve just pulled into the parking lot of Madison County Middle School. As I step out of my truck, I set my dented Yeti coffee cup on my toolbox. I bend down to fix my pant leg, which has snagged on the tongue of my shoe. As I stand back up, a student yells, “Hey Coach Herndon!” I wave and start walking toward the crosswalk to enter the breezeway when I hear three more students yell the same thing in unison, coming from both sides of the entryway. I’m now approaching the entrance of the school, but I can’t go inside until I give a high five to the first student who yelled. On the left, the second student approaches me for a high five. Finally, the third student comes in from the right for a hug and asks how I’m doing. I answer and proceed to the school door amidst waves from students and a random “I’ll see you in class in a little bit.” All of this happens before I even clock in. These interactions occur daily. They happen with students I teach. They happen with students I don’t teach. They occur in the lunchroom, in the hallways, and if I miss a student, they’ll let me know. Some students even show up at my room, ready for a handshake or a high five to start their day. I cherish these interactions every day.