As many of you know, I am a teacher. I've been having a difficult year this year, but I do genuinely love my job. I've been thinking about writing this post for awhile now, and today seems like a good time to share some things about my job that people sometimes look down on.
1. Snow Days, 2 Hour Delays, Early Dismissals
It is a fact of winter in Pennsylvania that we will have snow. When this occurs, it is sometimes necessary to cancel, delay, or dimiss school early. Let me assure you, that this has nothing to do with the safety of the teachers and/or staff. It is about the safety of the students. Sure, our grandparents may have walked to school, uphill both ways, barefoot through the snow, but the reality of today's society is that most children have to ride the bus to school. At my school district, EVERY student...even the ones who live across the street ride the bus to the school. If we have an in-service day, and the weather is bad, they will not cancel for just the teachers. Please don't criticize me because I don't have to drive to work in the snow. I don't make that decision.
2. Summer Vacation
True, this is a perk of my job. I love that I get to enjoy the warm summer months without having to go to work. But please don't belittle me or my job because I have the summer off. Also, keep in mind that many teachers work a summer job (or a part-time job all year) to make ends meet.
3. Contrary to popular belief, I do NOT have eyes in the back of my head.
I know that your child is a precious being. I do and will do everything in my power to make them feel loved and safe and to teach them as much as I can. But if Johnny pushes Sally, and Sally doesn't tell me about it, I can't give Johnny any consequences. As a parent, are you on top of your children 24/7? If you have that kind of time, PLEASE, come volunteer in my classroom, I would LOVE a second pair of eyes.
4. I am in charge of 16 + kids. How many do you have again?
Unless you're the Duggars, the answer is probably less than 16. Again, I cannot see or hear everything. I can only do my best to teach your child how to be respectful of others. You are welcome to do the same.
5. Come walk one day in my shoes.
If they're heels, this may not be a very comfortable day for you. I would like you to plan lessons, make copies, keep organized, decorate for the current month, take down a bulletin board, put up a bulletin board, plan the seating chart where Johnny, Jenny, Sally, and Joe CAN'T sit together, hand in reports, attend meetings because of which you lose your time to do all of the above, TEACH, help this struggling student, find something enriching for this advanced student, keep the on-target students on track, keep in touch with parents, and only use the bathroom once....on your 30 minute lunch.
Then we'll talk.
Again, I do love my job.
2 comments:
16+?? I've never had less than 25! Last year I had 31. (I get the point you're trying to make, so I'm not trying to one-up you :)
And teacher-hate is one of the most annoying things ever.
I agree! Although I would give up a whole lot to have less than 20 in a class :) I also get really annoyed with people and their perceptions of teachers.
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