My Last Day as a Public School Teacher
After a year in the classroom, I’m stepping away for the next adventure, but not without gratitude for the students, coworkers, and lessons that shaped me.
I’m clocking out today for the last time as a teacher in the public education system.
No dramatic send-off.
No big farewell speech.
Just quiet reflection and a deep sense of gratitude.
It’s the end of a chapter that has shaped me in ways I never expected, and I hope, in return, I’ve left a mark that matters.
This was my first year in the school system, and when I started teaching, I didn’t walk in with all the answers, but I did enter those doors ready to give my all.
I entered NES’s halls with questions, with confidence, with a mix of ambition and curiosity, and a desire to bring some of my energy to the staff and students alike...
Reflecting in my quiet classroom, I am aware that the teachers around me made the biggest difference in how this year went, especially my fellow middle school teachers, all of whom showed up for me when I was still figuring it all out.
The G.O.A.T.S: DC|JR|SR|CS|ME|AR
They taught me more than any PD session ever could.
They shared classroom hacks, gave me heads-ups on what not to do, laughed with me when days went sideways, made lunch the absolute funniest part of my day, and pushed me to keep raising my bar throughout the year, through their example of doing the same.
Without their support, it would have been a tough ride, but we forged a team and together, we made the 2024-2025 school year an enjoyable one.
I started (literally) every morning saying, “Good Morning” to Donna, and then spent every morning in the tower with her, greeting students.
At some point, after she attended a Ron Clark event, she decided, “We need some music…”
From then on, walking into the middle school was a different experience. She brought the positive vibes + high-tempo tunes, and I brought the high energy, and together we welcomed the hell out of those kids walking into school barely awake.
It’s one of my favorite memories, and a tradition I hope carries on with whoever takes my position, though I doubt they’ll be able to match my dance moves…
These teachers didn’t have to pour into me the way they did, but they did it anyway because it’s who they are, and that kind of kindness and generosity doesn’t go unnoticed.
I carry it with me and am appreciative as I sit here writing out my article to be published as a teacher.
I didn’t take lightly the chance to teach, and I think the Principal and Assistant Principal knew that when they hired me. I was hungry for this, and I didn’t take the responsibility lightly.
My classroom could be the best part of that child’s day. I was not going to ruin that, and at the same time, I was going to ensure that these young minds were being fed knowledge that would serve them in life.
I did not approach teaching from a lackadaisical, “I’ll figure it out someday” approach.
This was year #1, and I went after it right from the start;
I was a “rookie” to public education, but not to leading, inspiring, motivating, or teaching. From day #1 I was 100% invested in every student, every lesson, every challenging day, and every breakthrough.
It’s all part of a story I’ll never forget.
I went into this promising myself I’d be the teacher who saw the students for who they were, and one who met them where they needed me. Little did I know that these students would reflect the lessons, and each of those young scholars would change how I see people and education as a whole.
I kept my promise and am walking away knowing I did it my way.
In return, they sharpened my instincts, made me work harder, care deeper, and think bigger than before, especially when it comes to understanding what today's youth are going through.
And while I’m stepping away from the classroom, this chapter stays with me, always.
To my colleagues still in the trenches:
I see you.
I respect you.
I appreciate every ounce of effort you give, even when it feels like no one’s watching.
You’re making a more significant difference than you realize, and I hope that when things get tough next year, you'll remember my philosophy: “Hakuna Matata”no worries; you and these kids will get through it - you have to.
While this chapter is closing, I’m carrying everything it gave me into whatever’s next; No regrets, just gratitude.
This isn’t goodbye to education; I am a lifelong student of life and what it has to teach, and in a more formal sense, I will continue to find ways to lead and educate the youth of my community.
These children are the ones growing up with my own, and this community consists of my people. It’s essential to invest in what you want to see grow, and I want all Belhaven citizens to thrive.
This is a shift for me, but I wanted to honor today for what it is: A full-circle moment, and one that I’m proud of.
I’ll now hit publish for the final time as a Teacher, and I look forward to continuing to share my journey, from a different professional capacity as we head forward.
- Zac Small
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