Teaching

Quicksand

| robin

Teaching is like quicksand –

However adamantly I try to stand my ground –

to protect my time

to protect my heart

to stay caught up

I put one toe in and I’m instantly pulled under –

too many meetings

too many demands

too many kids to worry about

And, absolutely never ever enough…

Before I know it, I’m in way over my head…

My Game Face

| robin

My students need my best me- everyday – all day.

It doesn’t matter if I’m having a bad day –

it doesn’t matter if my heart is heavy –

it doesn’t matter if I don’t feel well –

it doesn’t matter if I have needs of my own –

It doesn’t mean they don’t care – because they do.

It simply means they need the best I can give them –

for some I’m the only good they get –

for some I’m the safe place in a chaotic life –

for some I’m the only one who cares in their uncaring world –

for all –

it’s what they need –

my best me –

all day –

everyday.

So, I put on my game face, get in the room and

give those kids the respect, love, and caring they need,

I make them laugh and often diffuse their anger with humor –

only then can I begin to teach them.

They don’t always know what they need, but,

they are children –

I am an adult.

So, June is over and gone…

| robin

The time of year that brings anxiety to a teacher’s heart – July. I am a dedicated teacher and lover of language and writing, but once the school year begins, the demanding and unrelenting nature of teaching, takes over my life. In summer, I always vow to do more, be more fun, and not let teaching take over, yet it always seems to. I often describe my job as a merry go round – once the kids arrive, the carousel begins – up and down, round and round – nothing deters it, until the kids leave at the end of the day. Then you must grade papers, get ready for the next day, go to many meetings, meet with parents, and try to fit in all the other things you’d like to do. How do I find the time and energy to do all I’d like to do? You’d think after 25 years, I’d have mastered everything about teaching, but alas, I still struggle with finding time for everything I need and want once the unrelenting year begins. But, I keep moving forward, hoping I’ll do a better job of fitting everything in. Maybe this year…