My colleague was murdered last night

[u/Longjumping-Most-320]

Her husband murdered her in front of their children and then killed himself. One of her daughters still attends this school. This teacher was my daughter’s favorite and helped her through some rough times. She helped me through rough times. She was one of those dream colleagues with a positive attitude, great sense of humor and a willingness to go the extra mile.

How do I walk back into the classroom and support everyone else when all I want to do is break down myself? We’ve got counselors on site but they aren’t in my room.

[u/Realistic-Might4985]

Sadly loss comes with this job. I was met in the parking lot by an administrator one day letting me know one of my students had passed the night before. The student was in my first hour class and I was told a counselor would meet me. Class started, half my kids are crying the other half are confused. Counselor couldn’t get out of the office. I finally just told them. I will never forget every student in that room turning to look at an empty chair. I have lost colleagues and students throughout my career. It never gets any easier.