So Much Anxiety

I know that I carry so much anxiety (I have a save the world complex.) I completed my first day of teaching at a new place and new school in a new state, with new standards and expectations. After being out of the job force for two years, I was reminded to get more sleep, thicken my skin, be tougher, I have to restablish standards, expectations, etc.... They don't know me, they don't know they shouldn't mess with me. Respecting me is very big.

I survived with my Dr. Pepper, but thinking, wow-this is going to be a hard challenge. I hope I can do it?!

I did it!

I completed my first 5k and my goals for the race, which were not being last and under the Goal time, I set for myself. YEH! My sister and I did it together. WOOT!WOOT! I am hoping this is just the beginning.


After the Race!

It has been...

It has been 8 days since my last post. What have I been doing?
-lesson planning
-ward camp out
-lesson planning
-playing volleyball (twice)
-singing karaoke at the camp out
-dancing at the camp out (good times)
-playing basketball
-lesson planning
-putting up my bulletin boards
-Niece and nephew spent the night
-sisters, their children, and I went to park and had a picnic
-slept 3.5 hours (nap) after camp out and still went to bed on time.
-finally saw Night at the Museum 2 at the dollar theater
-clean my shower (real good with a toothbrush)

Good times!

Myths about teaching and teachers

1. Teachers get their summers off (3 months of vacation)
Reality is that teachers have about one month of real vacation during the summer. We have to stay after school is out and finish grades and cleaning up. Most teachers are in their classrooms a month before school starts, preparing for the new school year. Also, with year round schools-no summer vacations.
2. Those who can, DO, Those who can't, TEACH!
As funny as this quote is, it is not true. Teachers DO teach.
3. Teachers should all be GOOD!
What is interesting is that newer teachers are expected to teach at the same level as experienced teachers.
4. The teacher hates my child.
Most likely, the teacher doesn't hate your child but is frustrated with the child's behavior and choices. Be aware of how your child affects others. We all have personality conflicts-we have learned to deal with those people. Learning experience.
5. It is the Teacher's responsibility to teach my child.
Yes and no-The child, parent, and teacher work together for the child's learning. You can't force feed someone who doesn't want to be fed. Although, they can make the food look more exciting to eat.
6. Teachers should be available in the evenings.
Teachers have lives outside of their jobs just like everyone else. Do you call your boss or clients at dinnertime?
7. My child is perfect and would never do that.
Oh, silly parents-defending your child is important, but also please be realistic about your child. Children have pulled the wool over their parent's eyes. Parents jumped to conclusions very quickly and forget about perspective and civility. I am not taking away teacher's fault or responsibility, but try to find out both sides of the story before making the leap.
8. It is easy to teach. Anyone can do it.
HAHAHAHAHAHA-with No Child Left Behind the expectations for teachers is high. Teachers are expected to do miracles. I would love to see those that think they can, substitute for a day in jr. high or elementary school-see how it goes.