Having taught for almost a year now, I consider myself wise in the ways of teaching and feel I should share some truths/debunk some myths for you non-teachers out there:
- Teachers who say they don't have favorites are lying. I absolutely have favorite students and even a few who I'd consider hanging out with if it weren't a little Mary Kay Letourneau-ish (don't worry, the one i'd like to hang out with are NOT boys)
- I am actually considering not failing a student who has absolutely earned their F because the thought of teaching them again makes me die a little inside
-I LOVE grading. I know that many teachers find grading a chore but I love it. Grading typically affirms that I've done a good job and always provides a good laugh. 7th graders have some pretty creative answers when they have no idea what else to say.
- Sometimes, secretly, I nap behind my desk. It should come as no surprise that I plan my lessons way ahead of time so I find myself frequently without things to do during my prep. I may or may not keep a small pillow and blanket in my file cabinet.
- There are days when I have no idea what I am going to do in class. And yet, I never have days when we have excessive down time. This is not because I am a super teacher...it's because I am a super great maker uper of activities.
- I really like that my students like me.
-I like even more when I get to put my "mean face" on and lay down the law. Today I kicked a student out for screaming "Mt Everest" at the top of his lungs.
Teaching has been the best experience of my life thus far. I really like junior high and feel incredibly blessed to be here. Thank goodness that I teach students who are always more awkward than I am.
Oh man. I am inspired to do this as well. I'm going to get thinking.
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