b'Sp\x1f ng b\x1f ngs transitionsat schools and parishes. Teachers and catechists leave. The curriculum might change. Gaps in teaching assignments emerge. You may wellnd yourself on the radar of a principal or director of religious education who wants you to teach a different grade level. If that happens, here are a few takeaways from my lived experience:Dont immediately say no. Prayerfully discern. Consider if this could be a God call.Ask for what you need to be enthused and meet the challenge: coaching, supplies, new resourceseven a different text. Approach the transition with a learners mind. Assume that not everything you try will be successful but that you will learn as you go.Prepare! Learn everything you can about the children and the curriculum to set yourself up for success. Be realistic. If you absolutely know that a change isnt going to work for you, politely decline and see if something might work out where you can stay with the same grade level.Change isnt easy, but with prayer, an open heart and mind, and persistence, we can grow into the roles in which our studentsand Godneed us to serve. Subscribe today!smp.org/inspire 43'