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Home : 2003 : January : 11

Hang in there
By Suz

I can sympathize because I am going through that frustration too. I feel the same things you all mentioned, no time with my kids, no respect from the district, the public blaming of teachers for every problem in society,
etc!
I think we have good years and bad years, and perhaps we are all having a bad year. I do know that in today's economic times, we are pretty fortunate that we have job security (most anyway). I know that I could be laid off at anytime in another field.
I think it's good that we are all asking ourselves some reflective questions. But, keep in mind that every job has it's pitfalls

and negatives. There is no perfect profession.

I had completed one semester in my master's program, but I've decided not to continue at this time. I am not sure what I want to do when I "grow up" yet. I am 36, and this is my 1st REAL profession. I was in medical office, and even tried being a nursing assistant. I didn't like that at all.

I felt guilty during my credential program because my peers were saying they were becoming teachers in order to shape the future of children, better society, etc. I went into teaching because I wanted the same schedule that my kids had!

Ironically, it didn't work out that way because my district has different schedules for the highschool, and I have one in highschool and one in elementary. This week I was off, but my son wasn't so I had to get up early and drive him to school. YUCK!

Hang in there! Maybe some of you are still doing the "staying late" thing. Take some advice my principal gave me during my first year:
Have the kids correct their own tests, then quickly put them in your book, and let them take them home.

Don't correct homework with a fine-tooth comb. Tell parents ahead of time that your policy for homework is to spot check for completeness, neatness, and correctness.

Don't spend lots of time on fancy bulletin boards, get one generic board that you can change with student work. Don't worry about the seasonal borders, etc.

Enlist parent help! I have a few parents that collate math packets at home. It saves me so much time! I have another that checks homework in on Fridays, and prepares the following week's homework.

I never copy anything, I have wonderful volunteers that do that!Work with your grade level to organize copies for everyone on things that you all do.

I know that these tips won't work for everyone, but the do for me, and I leave EVERYDAY at the bell. I arrive 45 minutes early each morning, and get ready for the day. I have a lot less stress than many because I can leave at the bell with no guilt and no piles of work to take home!

I am still looking at my options. I do a part-time business selling jewelry that makes me a lot of money, and maybe I will leave teaching in a few years. In the meantime, I put on my happy face!