The buses are rolling, alarm clocks are set and school bells are ringing across the land. Classes have begun again and whenever that happens, I always wonder, a bit wistfully, about the people who fill the classrooms between September and June. Do they love being back? Hate it? Something in between?

Fortunately, I now have a secret source for all those questions working deep within the Lewiston Middle School. She is Susan Weber, a literacy teacher who has been pestering me for two full years now to come and speak to her class. I’m not about to do that, but at every opportunity, I like to pick Mrs. Weber’s mind about the nuances of school life, and she always delivers. Someday, I’ll bring Mrs. Weber the shiniest apple I can find to thank her for all of these insights. In the meantime, here’s what my favorite schoolmarm has to say about being back to school after a summer on the loose.

Now, spit out your gum (or not) and read on.

What’s the best thing about being back in school? Actually, being back in school! It’s my home away from home. I was one of those who’d rather be in school than out playing with my friends. At the end of summer, I love getting my room ready and then meeting all the new students, refreshed and ready to roll again. It’s also nice to be back on a schedule and have structure. I feel more accomplished.

What’s the worst thing about being back in school? Getting up at 5 a.m. and staying up late planning and grading! Teachers have very long days, despite some folks thinking we arrive and leave with the kids.

What’d you do for summer vacation? I taught summer school for five weeks. After that, I relaxed and recharged. My school was closed for renovations and all my materials were in storage, so I was forced to actually have a vacation. I traveled Maine a bit with my husband, spent time with my three adorable grandchildren, visited New York for my son’s wedding, and went yard sale-ing every weekend. And I did not get up at 5 a.m.!

What’s changed about teaching since you started your career? There are so many mandates – local, state and federal. Everything is prescribed and data-driven. Teachers have less freedom of creativity and spontaneity these days. On the upside, learning is now more student-centered. Rather than teachers feeding students information, learning is inquiry-based with kids working collaboratively, thinking and discovering together. With information a click away, the emphasis is not on rote memorization but on critical thinking skills. Oh, and gum chewing is allowed at our school!

Do kids still pass notes in class? And if so, do you make them read them aloud in front of the class if you catch ’em? Kids “air-drop” notes via their iPads. And if you don’t know what that is, you are over 30. Some are also very good at texting in their pocket while appearing to work. I only catch them if they seem too interested in the lesson or if that one girl squeals on them.

Would you want to have a young me in your classroom? You wouldn’t, I can just tell! Young you? Have you changed since middle school? I always have several. They think up the most ingenious ways to keep us entertained. And as a literacy teacher, I love having budding writers. I tell them if they get down from the windowsill and pay attention, they may one day become as successful as Mark LaFlamme.

If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be? Mmmm . . . If I couldn’t be a professional yard saler, I guess I’d be an efficiency expert or professional organizer. I call it a gift; others call me bossy.