I didn't have a single day (barring those with illness) that I have not wanted to come in to work. A great deal of this has been due to my students. Each year for the past several years has been a improvement on the quality of the students that I have had the privilege to teach. There are always those student who refuse to learn, or those who are disrespectful, but this group positively reinforced their love of learning and desire to make the world better. Even when my classes seemed to be "out of control," they would still surprise me with their insights and understanding.
Add to that a student teacher who was helpful from day one (in general, I have been quite fortunate in the student teachers who have served in my classroom) and is with me until the last day. I have always enjoyed the interaction I have with student teachers. I feel that I often learn as much from the experience as they do. Having Derek with me throughout the school year, rather than feeling like too much (as I had feared), has instead given me the opportunity to work with a dedicated young professional with whom I could share my experience, my struggles, and my thoughts. It is going to be hard to say goodbye to him with week.
I know that most other teachers are counting down the days. This year I haven't. Instead, I've felt that the days have passed all too quickly. Partly, I'm concerned that this might be as good as it gets, but mostly I'm going to miss the wonderful people with whom I have shared my classroom this year.