Article August 31, 2009 Issue

LISTENING AND LEARNING TOGETHER

A fifth-grade teacher looks forward to returning to the classroom.

with contributions from Erich Marthaler, Kim Shippey

Erich Marthaler teaches girls and boys between nine and eleven years of age in the fifth grade of an elementary school in San Luis Obispo. California. Kim Shippey invited him to talk about some of the challenges—and joys—of starting a new school year.

Let's talk first about your situation as a teacher. What's going through your mind as you get ready to return to the classroom?

I think the first word that comes to mind is excitement. At the beginning of my career, there may have been some trepidation or nervousness before school started, but having taught for going on 15 years now, I'm excited and looking forward to that first day.

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