Tales of a Teacher

 As the new year approaches, I am filled with many thoughts about teaching and the education system in general. I always wanted to teach, but that was over 30 years ago and boy, have things changed. It is so different now, and not in a good way. While I was teaching, I noticed that with every passing year, the teaching aspect of the job grew shorter. There were never enough minutes in the day to actually teach. When I first started teaching in the late 80's, we had one meeting a month. And believe it or not, they were informational. Now, there are several meetings a week and they suck!!! Who cares about uniforms, new courses, and the damn climate? What the hell does that have to do with teaching? And the requirements! I went to college, got a degree, and worked hard to be a good teacher. Now, I need more classes???? Why???? No other profession makes you do that.  I still like to teach, but it's so hard now. That's why I got out..... What are your thoughts????

 Ahhhh.....the Christmas concert season is upon us! Let the fun times begin! When I was a first-grade teacher, the Christmas concert could actually be very dramatic. The kids were practicing but really never enough and the chaos was real! I had kids that did not want to sing in front of a crowd. They were scared and shy. There were kids that didn't really know what they were doing even with practice. You mix that with fancy clothes or uniforms that they are not used to wearing and you have a recipe for disaster. There were little girls with elaborate dresses and high heels walking up the risers. I was always waiting for someone to fall. But even with all that going on, the parents were always happy and somehow, once the actual night got here, the kids pulled it together. I will always remember the concerts and the feeling of Christmas being right around the corner. It was like seeing it through the kids' eyes and that was special.

 If you are a teacher, you know all about Christmas crafts. You know all about Pinterest and researching new and exciting ways to kill time during those weeks before Christmas. So, why not make some fun art for Christmas. When I was teaching the younger kids, my classroom looked very festive around the holidays. We made paper chains, angels, Santas, and the list goes on. The hallways in the school were full of classroom Christmas projects and drawings. Everyone was busy! The downside: clean-up, cost, and frustration. There was always something to clean up during that time. From glitter to crayons to scrap paper; it never ended. In almost every school I worked in, the teachers spent their own money to create beautiful art. Sometimes, I got lucky and had parents come in and make things with the kids, but mostly it came from my own pocket. Then there was always the one child who just wasn't that coordinated. They tried to make their art look like the others, but it just didn't. I ...

 It's December! The decorations are up, the ever-growing list of things to do before Christmas day is getting longer, and the weather is definitely getting colder. You are desperately trying to keep yourself in the holiday spirit but on top of everything else you have to do, there is your class of excited little learners. You have to figure out a way to keep them entertained and engaged, teach the curriculum, and embrace the Christmas spirit. It's tough! There is definitely a lot going on around the holidays when you are a teacher. Christmas concerts, Christmas parties, field trips, guest speakers, Santa visits, Santa shops, and the list goes on and on. You are also still expected to teach your standards and keep up with the curriculum. It's no wonder, teachers get stressed at this time of year. So, here's to all the teachers who are trying to make it to Christmas break. I pray that the next couple of weeks goes by quickly and that you do not stress. You can make it!!!

 As a teacher, the best time of the year except the end, is the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Of course, it is more than hectic, and it can also be very stressful, but when you think about it, there is so much joy at this time. I remember the excitement of the kids and the anticipation of the holiday break.  When I was a teacher, I would pull all the fun Christmas themed worksheets and videos for the students in my class. We would decorate the room and get ready for our big movie day. Being in a Catholic school, there was also the story of Jesus' birth that would always bring joy and reverence. I remember the look of the church and the magic in the eyes of the children.  So, even though for most of us, this is one of the busiest times of the year, it is also magical and beautiful. There are special moments that only happen at this time of the year.  Enjoy it and have fun!

 Once it gets to the end of October, you start to get a better feeling for the school year. By now, you know the kids pretty well and you have met the parents. You already had conferences, and the kids are used to the routine. Things have finally settled in, and you are well into the year.  I always liked this time of year. I felt like I had my groove going and I knew what I was doing. I was used to the schedule, and I knew how the kids acted and learned. There was still a lot of the school year left but I usually felt good about where it was going and if not, I knew how to fix it. Hopefully, this is how you are feeling right now. If you teach the littles, you are dealing with Halloween and getting ready for the holiday fun ahead. You have gotten to know your kids and are having fun teaching them. Enjoy this time of year!