Teacher Week at http://babblingabby.blogspot.com/

babbling abby
is doing teacher week, so here is my first entry, and hopefully more to come.
Ten things about me as a teacher
1. I really became a teacher because I believe in the notion that having an educated public leads to a better nation and society. Really.
2. I have a dry sense of humor and can be sarcastic, and blunt. Don’t take it personally.
3. I’ve been teaching for 15 years. I think I kind of have the hang of it mostly. I still like to learn and try new things, though.
4. Parents can be soooo dumb. If I hear, “he said you don’t give any homework” “he says he does his homework at school” I will scream. Also, if your kid was a behavior problem before, don’t act surprised that your kid is still one. And, if he/she has never been one, and is suddenly now doing stuff to act out – pay attention! Oh, and don’t criticize my teaching to your kid, it prevents a good relationship. I mean, I don’t bitch about your stupidity to your kid….although I’d like to sometimes.
5. I loathe grading papers. I try, (and am going to try more) things to minimize this task. I wish I had an assistant who would do it for me, and then show me the papers for me to review and note where I need to reteach, teach better, etc. I just don’t have the energy or desire to do both.
6. I really want to have fun during the day. I don’t want to sit through boring drudgery, so I like to find ways to make it fun. BUT…if I have to expend energy on kid’s stupid adolescent drama, other teachers’ stupid adolescent drama, and ridiculous meetings, I don’t feel like taking the time to find fun stuff. I fall into this trap every year, and last year I never got out of it. I’m gonna work real hard to stop that from happening.
7. I love to have a neat organized classroom that is decorated in a cute way. But, I hate taking the time to keep up with it….
8. This time of year, I plan bulletin boards, and fun lessons, and cute outfits to wear, and get so excited! By Thursday after Labor Day, I am over it.
9. I know how a great principal can make the school so wonderful. I have begun many sentences with “If I were principal…” But, I have very little desire to actually be a principal.
10. I have these weird urges in school buildings: pull the fire alarm, tell people what I REALLY think, paint the walls in my room (oh! if I could I would!), and burn candles. OH, and smoke. LOL.