A reflection for teachers on returning to school
- David OMalley
- 2 minutes ago
- 1 min read

There’s no going back now!
You’ve done it!
You’ve started a new school year.
You are surrounded by colleagues
Who, like you, are looking into uncertainty.
What will this new year be like?
What will be new? Who will be new to me?
How do I want to be different from last year?
What aspects of my professional life do I want to develop?
How do I want my relationships to improve,
With colleagues and with pupils?
How will I use data more easily and efficiently?
How will I balance my daily life pattern?
What personal development do I want to explore?
So many questions!
Each one might be the key to moving forward
And avoiding the temptation to walk the worn paths of earlier years

The energy to make a new beginning this year
also comes from your passion for your subject
So, keep reading, exploring and learning.
Your memory is another energy source:
You will remember great teachers as a pupil
And how important they were to you
Academically, socially, and personally
Now you are called to be that presence
For a unique group of pupils.
Called to build their curiosity, confidence and kindness
Called to surround them with challenges and guidelines
That will shape their future lives and world.
Using the wisdom of RUAH
You will shape young lives
Rough diamonds and vulnerable alike
Into good citizens and flourishing human beings
After the example of Jesus.
See the video version here
