The Teacher Diaries

At my school, I have developed the reputation of being the go-to person for any and everything that you may need. Band aide, got it. Lotion, I’ve got ya. Aspirin (for colleagues), always. Air freshener, whiteboard cleaner, and multi-purpose cleaner, come to me. I have it all. As the summer winds down, I am thinking about what I will keep in my personal stash to help make my classroom my home away from home. So far, I’ve decided on the following toiletries and treats:                     Scented hand sanitizer                     Hand cream                     Liquid soap, (because the soap in the bathroom smells weird)                     Toilet paper                     Contact so...

Being an effective teacher can be both a blessing and a curse. While you get great evaluations, you are also expected to do it all. You can handle the easily excitable student and lead workshops. Well, I know that while I give off the appearance that I can do it all, I need a break. About a month before summer vacation began, my supervisor texted me the following: Hey. Are you interested in working summer school?  I politely replied with "No thank you :-) . Thanks for asking." I haven’t worked during the summer in almost ten years. I put in so much energy during the school year that I need the rest. During the last week of school, one of the school psychologists approached me informing me that someone recommended me to him to teach the incoming special needs students for a new program. While I was again flattered, I politely declined. Much of the special needs population that attends our school have severe behavioral and emotional needs that I was not willing to sacrif...