So teachers, students (and parents!) are all currently back at school and getting used to early starts, homework and school uniforms again. For me this is a big year as I have started work in the International School of Lausanne now, about 1 hour from my previous school, Leysin American School, in Switzerland. Already it feels very different as I have left the hectic schedule of a boarding school for the equally hectic, albeit different, environment of a day school.

Luckily for me, like so many other teachers, I love my job. I know to some people the words 'love' and 'job' should never go together but its true... sorry! The dreaded 'going back to work' is really not that much of an issue for me when the end of August rolls around (in fact I actually look forward to it) but getting used to the pace and energy required does take a few weeks. Now, to be clear, that is not to say that I don't like my summer holidays... that would be 'completamente ridículo' as we might say in class! I knew this year in particular would be tough at the start as I would have to become familiar in the new school's systems and get to know my new students but so far it has been fantastic. My colleagues have been so helpful and nice, the leadership team is genuinely inspirational and the students are nothing short of amazing. 

Leaving the wonderful setting of Leysin and all the amazing friendships I made there was always going to be difficult. Especially having to leave behind some of my students and the great basketball team I was coaching but this is part of the nature of teaching and moving jobs. No matter when or where, you will always be letting some people down when it comes time to move. It was made easier though by the stream of emails and messages I received from both ex and current students wishing me well and talking about things they remembered in class. I've shared just two of them here below (with their permission) which might show you why so many of us love being teachers. Thank you to all my wonderful students for taking the time to write to say thank you. It means so much. If you are reading this and haven't told someone (anyone, not necessarily your teacher) how grateful you are for whatever it might be they did for you, stop what you are doing and write to them now. It will make their day, their year even.

Yes, as teachers, we will never be millionaires. But we will be profoundly rich in so many other ways.