Today was eventful for my charges. I wrote earlier about Morgan and her gift, but I also spent time with Pamela, as yesterday was the first day that she spent with the students. She was very anxious, and so I stayed with her throughout the morning to see that she had reassurance, and returned after I had seen Morgan receive her gift.
Though I doubt I had much impact on her anxieties, it soon became clear that they were entirely unnecessary. Pamela was a natural with the students, all of whom are about the same age as her younger brother Evan. She was businesslike but friendly, and firm when they were disrespectful. She and Mrs. Kohn worked well together, having planned carefully—it does not hurt that the two women have become friends in the week they have been preparing. And by lunchtime today, Pamela’s worries had shifted away from herself. She is now concerned as to whether Alex needed to be moved away from Brooks, why Taylor was sitting alone, and what she could do to help encourage shy Marci. I think it is not my bias speaking when I say that she will be an excellent teacher.
One further update encourages me: she had the chance this morning to speak to the man she found so attractive when she first saw him. His name is Daniel Morrell, and he teaches English at a grade higher than Pamela. They ran into one another outside the cafeteria just after lunch and talked for a while—this is his first year of teaching, so he understands how it is to be new, and I could tell that he was impressed by how well she is doing and how enthusiastic she is. She also was impressed by his kindness and his easy manner with his kids, and I know that they both find the other attractive. So even though thoughts of Daniel did not distract Pamela long from the concerns of her students, I think that I will move forward and see if the two of them could make a pair. I will, of course, keep you informed.