tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546425043426425595.post8776667669872030478..comments2023-09-01T01:50:56.343-07:00Comments on This May Be A Dream Come True: Sometimes I feel the cracks are beginning to show...Laraf123http://www.blogger.com/profile/13283945251427328960noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546425043426425595.post-14487274493169859842013-10-18T22:08:30.598-07:002013-10-18T22:08:30.598-07:00Claire, I'd have to second Lara's descript...Claire, I'd have to second Lara's description of the current state of teaching. Instead of teaching getting easier each year due to gaining more experience and perfecting one's "systems", it just gets harder because we're asked to do so much more each year (in the name of accountability!) with less, be it less support, less funding, less personnel, fewer resources. I've been teaching middle school language arts for 19 years now, and this year is the absolute hardest it's ever been. I am honestly not sure how I'm pulling it off, yet somehow it all gets done and somehow I am still getting good reviews from my administration and fellow teachers. I think I have them all fooled, really, because things just feel like they're falling apart. I definitely could have written Lara's post as well. But like Lara, I still love it, most days, anyway. I work with the greatest staff in the world, which really does seem to make all the difference. And I have some pretty fabulous students, as well! Like every year there are a few stinkers, but that makes the progress that much sweeter. :) Hugs to you, Lara, and every other teacher out there too!Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13361585193237968343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546425043426425595.post-11148202762874228952013-10-16T19:01:34.837-07:002013-10-16T19:01:34.837-07:00As you know, I'm struggling with balance, too,...As you know, I'm struggling with balance, too, and I just have one right now, and he's not involved in activities. <br /><br />My new theme song is from Finding Nemo "Just keep swimming!"Shannonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14647211529119137824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546425043426425595.post-48069915077925226512013-10-16T18:55:45.247-07:002013-10-16T18:55:45.247-07:00Sorry to hear you are feeling a little overwhelme...Sorry to hear you are feeling a little overwhelmed. I hope you get a small break sometime soon! In the meantime, maybe more paper plates and pizza delivery?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546425043426425595.post-78848924502614997052013-10-16T17:56:39.212-07:002013-10-16T17:56:39.212-07:00Honestly, I can't recommend a teaching career ...Honestly, I can't recommend a teaching career one way or the other. It is what I was meant to do--I know that but the tangible rewards are few. Teaching students is only about 50% of the workload. The other 50% is comprised of meetings, grading, communicating with parents and more meetings. I do have a total of 13 weeks "vacation" but our state's pension program is almost bankrupt. It's unlikely there will be any retirement benefits whatsoever in 20 years. I wish I wanted to change careers--it would make financial sense, but for four hours each day, I'm really, really happy in my job.Laraf123https://www.blogger.com/profile/13283945251427328960noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546425043426425595.post-26132604026008030572013-10-16T15:55:32.914-07:002013-10-16T15:55:32.914-07:00So give you credit my dear! You so amaze me for on...So give you credit my dear! You so amaze me for one who sees people who have no kids struggle with so much less to be on time. But I guess its like comparing apples and oranges. Cant walk in someone else s shoes anyways. But I do know you inspire me and just know I am pulling for ya and you have my prayers!<br />Big Hugs!Cin2hopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07480721349830293089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546425043426425595.post-48451818720068104132013-10-16T02:52:55.229-07:002013-10-16T02:52:55.229-07:00It sounds you're spread thin & the light s...It sounds you're spread thin & the light seems very far down that tunnel. Those are the 2 metaphors that came to my mind as I read. I say hang in there but doesn't seem very helpful. Tiarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17511522028218347560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546425043426425595.post-69529216717325636452013-10-16T02:26:07.694-07:002013-10-16T02:26:07.694-07:00Finding the balance between work and home is never...Finding the balance between work and home is never easy, never mind when you have to balance everything without the help of a partner. Sending you a big hug. xoJodyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17727309623355194213noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546425043426425595.post-85790166353474819832013-10-15T20:53:21.456-07:002013-10-15T20:53:21.456-07:00PS, Fiona was 10 minutes late to her 30 minute swi...PS, Fiona was 10 minutes late to her 30 minute swimming lesson today. Sigh...Clairehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18090532551103414307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546425043426425595.post-55175902140880956762013-10-15T20:52:18.834-07:002013-10-15T20:52:18.834-07:00I could have written this post -- yes, far too muc...I could have written this post -- yes, far too much for one person to do, I am late to everything, and I just fall farther and farther behind at work, on home maintenance projects, and in personal goals (LOL at that last one). I have been very seriously considering/pursuing a career transition out of research (consulting/govt work) and into teaching secondary science. But what you describe here is a major concern, that I would have to take work home every day... and I just don't see how that could work and how I could be happy with that. I've been wanting to post on my blog asking that exact question to the teachers who I know read it, but I also hesitate to be too open with these career plans because I have colleague-friends who read my blog and I don't want this to get back to my bosses. So thanks for reading my mind and confirming my fears... Clairehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18090532551103414307noreply@blogger.com