The rising sun illuminates a rainbow arched over Interstate 630 as Laura Hope drives to Forest Heights STEM Academy on the first day of her new 5:30 a.m. routine.
The 23-year-old holds a master of arts in teaching degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, attained after a bachelor's in early childhood education. She spent the summer student-teaching. On paper, she is in every practical way prepared for her first day as a first-grade teacher.
Written on a notebook in her bag are big statements revealing her feelings about her new job: "I Believe children should be partners in their education process" leads the list.
In the still empty classroom, she makes final adjustments to supplies and her Dr. Seuss-themed decor.
Pupils arrive escorted by parents displaying a mix of cheer and anxiety. Hope stoops to greet each child, one at a time. Parents disappear only to reappear for a final wave and hug.
Book bags are placed in cubbies, numbers are assigned, desks are found. Hope circles the small chairs and desks. Kneeling to meet bobbing heads and squirming bodies with a listening ear and a quick response to interruptions, she asks kids to tell about their summer.
As the day progresses, 21 personalities emerge. Hope knows she must meet challenges to order quickly and calmly. Rules for friendship and behavior are created during a brain-storming session in which the kids make suggestions and Hope translates their thoughts into easy-to-remember expectations.
The first day of first grade is a new world of lines to be waited in, stories, conversation, new friends, drawing, sharing and more lines.
Hope walks in the footsteps of two grandmothers who spent their careers in schools. At one point she thought she wanted to be a lawyer, but when law school didn't feel like the right path, memories of her third-grade teacher, Mrs. Compton, led her to try a career in education.
After Hope's 21 charges run back to the arms of their loved ones at the end of the eight-hour day, Hope stays on her feet helping to ensure other teachers' pupils make their way home. Finally the 8-foot Cat in the Hat that hangs on the door grins over a quiet, empty classroom.
Picking up papers she'd only had time to glance at during the day, Hope lingers over a crayon drawing of a young woman in a blue dress with a big pink smile: Day One.
Family on 08/27/2014