Schools out!

Schools out and I have 8 weeks to get things accomplished around my house and get some sanity back before the next school year begins.

These weeks off are welcomed by teachers around the country. I used to think that it would be great having summers off so you can go on vacations and have a good time. Don't get me wrong, that will be great one day when I have money to go on a vacation. That day is not today.

I have just finished my fourth year teaching and I need these weeks to unwind and regain some sanity before I start another crazy year. It seems from Christmas through the end of April all teachers are a ball of stress. Pressure and stress are pushed down to us from above (and from us on the students) concerning "THE TEST!"

They say that 50 percent of new teachers leave the profession within 5 years. Leaving the profession has crossed my mind on many occasions. I do not think all of those teachers leave for lack of passion, but because so much stress is placed on them from the national government that has trickled on down. Teachers are told (in a very polite and politically correct manner might I say) that if the kids fail, it is our fault.

When kids do not pass the test despite their teachers best efforts, teachers wonder if what they are doing is worth it. There comes a point where everyone in every profession has to do some reflecting and decide if this is really what they are supposed to be doing. That is a daily ritual for me those weeks just before "THE TEST!"

There is that old adage.... "Those who can, do.....Those who can't, teach!" (of course I don't agree with that!) I think that for everyone of the doers, there is a teacher that pushed them to push themselves and realize that they can do. I think that teachers are some of the most unrecognized heroes in the world. I thank God that I am a teacher now, but it was never the first choice for me. I had plans to go to medical school and become a doctor but life got in the way. I am happy knowing that I am helping people reach their potential and I hope that one day some of my students look back and say that I helped them become who they are. That will be all the paycheck I need.

Speaking of paychecks, no teacher goes into the profession thinking that they are going to strike it rich. For many teachers, we know that we could be doing something different and making a lot more money. Those who put in the time and effort required to provide students with the best education possible go to work each day because they are called to the profession. Those who come for summers off are the ones who are out of the profession with in 3-5 years.

Don't get me wrong, there are some teachers out there who are not there for the right reasons. We all know those teachers and have probably been taught by them. I am talking about the teachers who stick it out and do everything they can for the benefit of their students. I like to include myself in that number and I hope that those who know me and teach with me think the same thing. If not, I need to work harder! I'm not looking for recognition, accolades, or awards from anyone. The only person I need to please to sleep good at night is Josh and his conscience.


Ok, ok.....enough ranting! I am leaving in the morning to go to Folly Beach which is just outside of Charleston, SC. I had never heard of it until I was asked to go. Evelyn, Ellie, her parents, and I will be spending the weekend on the beach and hopefully eating some good food while we are there. I am excited about getting away, even if it is only for a couple of days. Hopefully these days will help with recovering what bits of sanity I have left.

I will try to update when we get back with pictures and hopefully a couple of good stories.

Thanks for listening to me rant for a while.