This has been my view this weekend. It has been a working weekend for me in my classroom. If you had asked me on Friday my feelings about this, I probably would have rolled my eyes and given you a semi-grumpy response. I had report cards to fill out, comments to complete, general planning to do, and a list of odds and ends that could have competed with the Berlin Wall.
Saturday morning started with a leadership meeting at 8am. Hours were spent reading, deliberating, searching, printing and organizing. The time together was pleasant and somewhat fruitful. The meeting ended and my time in my classroom began. Soon the hours had zoomed past and somehow the work had not been finished. You know what they say about rabbits multiplying? Well, that reminds me of my work load...
My heart sank as I realized that I would have to return today. 7 days! 7 days in a row I would be in this room- working. 7 days plus the 5 ahead. Ouch. My heart sank. No rest. No spurr of the moment walk to the park. No afternoon lunch with a friend or movie in the basement. Just work.
I hauled myself out of bed this morning and decided to go in and get things finished. This way, I wouldn't feel panicked and I could come home to...work. Laundry to be done. Furniture to dust. Meals to cook. Homework to be started. The list at home grows too!
My morning was productive and even provided a little different vantage point. I still had the same view as above, but I started to notice some details.
A parent made this for me last year. I remember being so touched by her thoughtfulness and the quote itself. She took time to make something for me that expressed her gratitude. She saw the work and effort it takes to be an educator. It is a 7 day a week job (sometimes). What a great reminder. All this work has a purpose. The kids.
Just a little farther to the left brought me to this drawing. Sweet little K gave it to me last week. I love artwork from students. I regularly rotate through the things they make for me on my wall. I even have a file where I keep them to pull them out later and remember. Yep, that's me on the left. I am dressed like a giraffe- because they are my favorite animal after all. What a great reminder. All this work has a purpose. The kids.
Even farther to the left is a quote from some colleagues a couple years ago. For some reason this has stuck with me and I framed it to remind myself of how powerful it is. This was just the perspective I needed. I work because they deserve it. They deserve my best. They deserve a bright and hopeful and passionate future. And Regie is right... I can do it! What a great reminder. All this work has a purpose. The kids.
So, even though my stance on Friday was understandable, I sure am glad that these reminders brought me back to this view. I am a teacher. An educator. A helper. They deserve my best. I am happy that tomorrow I can talk with them, watch them, and help them knowing that I am giving them the best I have to offer.
You are an inspiration - beautiful story of how you do it for the kids. What a gift you are to them. Thank you
ReplyDeleteA great reminder for all of us that have spent a weekend at school! I love your pictures!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the positive reflections. We are expected to be everywhere all the time, and we do a lot of things for everyone else. Your post is a reminder that it is all worthy of our time, our lives.
ReplyDeleteYou have made lemonade from lemons. I hope that you will find some small ways to "take a break" during the week ahead. Truly, this is too much work! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou're right that teachers work hard -- and many times it is 7 days a week. But don't forget to take care of yourself, too. I hope you have a good week.
ReplyDeleteI had a similar change in perspective this week. I needed a reminder of why I do what I do. Your post so eloquently expresses that. I love the student artwork and the quotes.
ReplyDeleteI love your artwork and the quotes you surround your workspace with. It's a great reminder when you aren't feeling at the top of your game...like a Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning when you are still "at the office." It is true that teachers work hard, but I wouldn't have it any other way! Would you?
ReplyDeleteYes, no wonder you have that beautiful picture....best teacher ever....and dressed like a giraffe...your favorite animal...how sweet. You have touched many hearts . But do when you can, take a breath and rest. Jackie http://familytrove.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI hear you...same type of weekend for me, only I did manage to do all my work today from home. That may make a couple headaches for me tomorrow, but I'll deal with it then. I'm glad you had the visuals to remind you why you do it. It is a lot of work, but it's important work and it matters.
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