#long term sub

[miss-v-is-fine]

Obligatory Teacher Appreciation Post

I appreciate me.

I work hard and care hard and I deserve love and respect even when I make mistakes.

I appreciate me and all that I do!

[tokidokiteacher-blog]

First day of long term subbing went a LOT better than expected! I did have to do a lot of “first day of school” stuff like the other teachers on my team suggested/foreshadowed, but it did make for a pretty smooth day. I’m most excited that we successfully went up to the forest and everyone followed expectations! That means more outdoor and forest learning the rest of the year :D Gotta take advantage of the warmer weather!

I also successfully sent home my first letter to parents. I had it vetted by at least 4 people so I felt pretty good about it. Some parents have already joined my Remind class so they somehow made it to the end of my soliloquy. 

Looking forward to tomorrow! Still working on figuring out the math centers... 

[miss-v-is-fine]

Teaching Shakespeare is a trip and a half.

[miss-v-is-fine]

The rules are simple.

[miss-v-is-fine]

A Seat At The Table

My long term sub status meant that there were a lot of times when I wasn't really sure whether or not it was appropriate for me to go to certain functions. I wanted to be part of the community but I questioned how much a part of the community I should allow myself to be since I was only temporary.

I went to the end of the year luncheon for staff today. I was invited, so I decided to go and say goodbye again. Everyone's goodbyes seemed so final. I understand that I was a part of the community, but does it end now?

I really want to get the job for next year with this group. I want to be sure I'm supposed to go to events and in-service days and be a more permanent part of the community.

While I have other irons in the fire, this is where I really want to be. These are the kids I want to serve and the people I want to work with.

I really want this job and the end of the year stuff is scary because it's so sad but also I'm trying to hold out hope that it isn't really goodbye.

[miss-v-is-fine]

Unappreciated

After a long day and evening of planning lessons, trying to pick reading that suits the kids best, putting materials together without breaking the bank, and planning so that the lesson is engaging and interesting and teaches the skill the kids need, I come home to anti-teacher tumblr memes.

You've all seen them: People making convoluted memes about how they hated being forced to learn about symbolism or read a book they didn't enjoy.

I know we're all doing our best out there and certainly our kids can be appreciative, but I'm so tired of this aggressively anti-teacher rhetoric.

We get it. You didn't like the book or the schoolwork. I put a lot of effort into differentiating appropriately, providing multiple means of representation and expression, and making things interesting. But, your teacher tried to tell you a red door is symbolic, and instead of focusing on learning the skill your teacher is trying to help you learn, you stayed up all night making a meme about how there isn't any symbolism. Totally understand why you and your teacher might have a strained relationship, but don't take it out on the profession.

We're over worked and under paid and we do it for you. Stop being mean about it.

[miss-v-is-fine]

Admin: Make sure you update this student's tracker every day.

Admin: *Doesn't populate tracker until at least halfway through the week*

[miss-v-is-fine]

Laugh of the Day

We took a unit test in my morning classes today. As usual, the students were reminded to be respectful of their peers by maintaining silence even if they are finished with their tests.

Cue my intensive English class. A student who has finished her test raises her hand. I go to her, and she tells me, "I have to fart. Can I please go fart in the hallway?"