If I thought I was qualified

Today was Parent Conference day at Prestigious. Lacking a classroom of my own, I sat in on five conferences (one from each grade), and helped a little at the greeting desk as well. I saw a good sampling of parent styles as well as teaching styles. Some parents come in like they own the joint and the teachers are their personal tutors; others see the teachers as the authority in the room. While there's some weight to the former (the teachers are paid by tuition, after all), a middle ground leaning toward the latter is probably healthiest.

I also had my Goal Meeting. I wrote for my goals that I wanted to get to know the staff and students better over the coming months as a way of fitting in better; and that I wanted to study kindergarten lesson plans and books for next year. The Vice-Head, looking over the goals, said, "That timeline may be changed."

It turns out that Mr. C, the K teacher I've helped out the last couple of days, is taking a leave of absence until the beginning of April in order to rest and recuperate. I'm going to be the teacher in that room, not next year, but starting the week after next.

Yikes. Stepping into the shoes of a well-liked, experienced teacher + mid-term + demanding parents + little kids who like routine + next to no preparation = anxiety.