Am I the only teacher who is looking forward to going back next week?

[LizzyD78]

I know there are risks and it is going to be weird but I am really looking forward to seeing my classes and colleagues again. I’ve also seen the impact that the disruption of education/life has had on them and am happy to be able to restore some normality/fun/distraction into what for most young people has been a pretty traumatic time. Feel like I’m alone in this. Am I?

I can't wait. I'm frustrated at the restrictions that are still in place within school, to be honest, especially the need for year group bubbles, as it has made everything much more logistically complicated, but I'm so relieved not to be teaching remotely any more, and I'm looking forward to seeing the pupils again.

I don't know any teacher who isn't looking forward to going back.

Being excited and being worried aren't mutually exclusive.

I'm not a teacher but work in schools.

I've been in whole way through.

I have both feelings still. 🤷‍♀️

I can't wait. Looking forward to seeing actual, real life children not just little faces on screens. Also, looking forward to getting out of the house and getting into some sort of normal routine.

Of course, I have some reservations and I know things are going to be strange and very different and I know I'll have a very unsettled tummy and a sleepless night before the first day back but on balance, want to get back.

To add to what I just posted, I am primary and think it's probably easier to maintain secure bubbles in primary than in secondary. I think we will be able to keep primary schools open. I think it will be trickier with secondaries. DH works in a sixth form college and doesn't feel as confident about returning as me.

I can't wait!

I'm looking forward to it . I'm not frightened of covid really but I am of how I will get up in the morning! I'm primary and EYFS so feel pretty safe with the younger children even though there is no way I can distance. My main worry is settling brand new to school children when adults cant come in with them but I'm sure it will be better than I imagine and they may even settle more quickly!

Can't wait.

Will be annoyed if the virus shuts us down again though, or if any of my vulnerable colleagues get ill. Had enough of that thank you.

I am looking forward to it, there's not often I say that after a summer holiday. I can't wait to meet my new children and see my old ones too. Have spent this week checking my planning and thinking about making sure their re-introduction to school is as positive and smooth as can be.

@monkey -well over 45, slightly overweight, so working hard to exercise lots and eat healthily. Not worried about the virus personally, but don’t want to pass it on to vulnerable family.

I can’t wait! Excited to meet my new class... and use my new food flask!

One thing excited-and-not-worried teachers can do for other staff is to maintain social distancing and make sure you don't add unnecessarily to anyone else's anxieties, or to the potential transmission of Covid in the school community. Another poster mentioned "normal and safe" and sadly we really have to make a choice between those two. I've been back for three weeks now and the classes have been great.