The Week Before

The days leading up to any substantial break is always a nightmare for teachers. Though this is only my first year teaching, I have my student teacher experience to reflect on. It's a long haul through the desolate months from Winter Break to Spring Break, and last year was no different. March is the absolute worst month, as the days seem to drag with little to no half days or days off. The students drag as well, and heck... so do teachers.

This coming week consists of 4 and 1/2 days, instead of the usual 5.

Will we survive it?

Of course we will, because we are teachers, and we endure. Whether we get through the week unscathed; however, is another matter.

All whining aside, it is astounding how quickly this year has passed. It seems only yesterday I finished my student teacher experience, and began the job search. Some days have been harder than others, but no job is absolutely perfect. You've got to take the little victories as they come. For instance, I participated in the Faculty-Seniors Basketball game, which was a fundraiser for After Prom. I had an absolute blast, and even received compliments on my skills the next day.

Despite these little victories, it will be an uphill battle, commencing tomorrow, but I'm armed with what I need to survive it. I'm going to get my students, and myself, up over the breach, and down into the valley below, filled with flowers, video games, junk food, and whatever else these kids do for Spring Break.

The week before a break, the pressure is also on from the higher ups. They urge us to keep students occupied from bell to bell, and to avoid playing movies. It's hard, because the kids don't want to work, and half the time, teachers don't want to either. But, again, we endure. We press on. We complete our sacred duty to enrich the minds of America's youth. Yes, it may often be a thankless job, but someone's got to do it.

The count down begins tomorrow...

Onwards and upwards, teachers and students! 'Do not go gentle into that good night'!

Ciao, friends!

P.S. There will be a brief break of blog posts, as I will be in Dublin next Sunday. But you will hear all about my Spring Break adventures the Sunday after!

I Survived!

It is Sunday. Monday is looming before me (all of us really). I will begin my second week of teaching.

Needless to say, you can consider this proof that I survived the first week!It wasn't perfect by any stretch. The early morning wake ups are horrendous, but it sure is nice when 2:05 p.m. comes around and I'm done for the day. Prilosec has become my closest friend, I have discovered. When the gastric juices are flowing a little too much because of nerves, Prilosec calmed the storm.So far, my students have been decent. Of course, we are still in that blessed honeymoon phase. Everyone has been well behaved, even the Freshmen. One can hope that it will hold out as long as it can. The key is being consistent with your own rules and expectations, and coming down on infractions when you see them. You don't want to be the bad guy, but you have to assert your authority as the adult in the room. It's difficult when you're a person who isn't exactly a hardass, but you don't want to be that person that rolls over either. "Don't smile until Christmas," they say. Well shoot, I'm tryin'!What I hope to see out of this next week is a bit more student engagement. I'm at the front of the room, acting a fool, and I'm getting zero reaction. Questions are flying everywhere, trying to get someone to answer, and all I'm receiving in return are blank faces. Alright guys, I get it. You're tired on the first week back because you've been staying up late all summer. It's go time now, kiddos. Let's do it!Here's to week two, and only 176 more school days to go!

Ciao, friends!