Tag: school

Why do I teach?

Installment #3:

In what other profession can you come to work . . .

  • in your pajamas (spirit day)
  • with crazy hair (spirit day)
  • in costume (Halloween, spirit day)
  • in sweats or athletic gear (coaches, PE teachers, game days, field trips)
  • with that ridiculous hat you bought at Disneyland (spirit day)

There are plenty of fun days in teaching–fun days that encourage everyone to let their silly side come out, or their comfy side show.

There’s plenty of reasons to smile in teaching–the fact that sometimes you get to go to work in comfy clothing, or get to be a little ridiculous, that is definitely a big perk. 😊

Things I never knew . . .

Installment #3:

Five things I never knew . . . until I became a teacher:

  • how fast grading can accumulate
  • how much grading is involved
  • how easy grading can be (i.e. spelling, mathematical operations)
  • how subjective grading can be (i.e. writing)
  • how much teachers can disagree on a single grade

Monthly Advice–January

Start fresh.

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It’s a new year!

You’re coming back from winter/summer break, depending on where you are in the world. It’s January, it’s 2019. It’s a brand new calendar year. This can be a new start for you, and your kiddos.

The greatest thing about a long break is the energy and life that comes after it. So, the greatest thing we can do as teachers in January is start fresh.

Interpret that as you will:

  • Write a few classroom specific resolutions.
  • Have your students write a few school-centered resolutions.
  • Participate in a deep-clean of the classroom. Get your students involved–make the fresh start tangible, visible.
  • Revise/create new academic goals.
  • Let go. Let go of any lingering doubt, regret, or negative memories. Teaching is hard, being a student is hard–we all have days, lessons, and moments that are less than beautiful, let them go.
  • Redecorate your room.
  • Change all assigned groups.
  • Rearrange furniture.
  • Buy a few new work outfits. 😉

Whatever you do, figure out how to breathe new life into your work. The year, and learning, has begun again, so start fresh. 😁