Spring Break ended and I was, as usual, eager to return to school after a week of sleeping, eating, and peeing when I felt like it. After being back for nearly two weeks, the usual list of things I feel I should be doing better is rapidly accumulating and includes…
o I’m not working with my low readers enough.
o I’m not challenging my high readers enough.
o I’m not giving any attention to my middle readers.
o See the above 3 guilts and change "readers" to "math students."
o I’m not able to put any of these writing assignments on the bulletin board.
o I’m not communicating expectations appropriately.
o I’m over-communicating expectation.
o I’m not communicating with parents enough.
o I’m not communicating with lawmakers enough.
o I haven’t formed a mutually beneficial connection with a local business… ever.
o My lessons feel unnatural, as though I have never taught anything like them before (many I haven’t).
o I should have tried that experiment at home before doing it for the first time in front of the class.
o I should leave work at a reasonable time and spend more of the evening at home.
I take a lot home (usually in 2 bags), and that does not include feelings of “I make a difference.” But, make no mistake. I wouldn’t want any other occupation. I am still glad to be back, and disappointed that the school calendar is losing pages faster than the chocolate milk crate empties. When summer vacation rolls in I won’t miss the stress, but I’m going to miss the amazing moments that occur on a daily basis. If you’re lucky, you have a job that is challenging and even more rewarding. If you’re as fortunate as me then your day included…
o Seeing a former student reminding his brothers not to laugh at someone behind his back.
o Hearing multiple conversations with the phrase, “So, let’s try this…” during a small group problem solving activity in math.
o Watching your students encourage differences they see in each other with a hearty, “Let’s synergize.”
o Guiding students as they create power points for their Student -Led Conferences.
o Realizing that the children are singing “Stand by Me” quietly as they work when it rolls around on this week’s language arts centers playlist.
o Spying a stack of peanut butter cookies on your desk wrapped in tin foil with a post it note, “Mr Mikula, you are working so hard. I hope you like the cookies.”
o Catching the smile when the student notices your return post it note, “Thank you for the delicious treat. You are incredibly thoughtful.”
