You’ve probably noticed a lot of changes on the blog lately, particularly in the area of design, layout, and functionality. I take what you think extremely seriously, and after reading through the survey results, I decided it was time to get to work. I didn’t make every change that was suggested. I’m far too stubborn for that. However, I did take them all into consideration, and the final product is what you see today. There may be slight changes to the sidebar in the future, but the overall look and functionality will remain the same. In other words, it will be a heck of a lot easier for you to find what you want!
I’ve also stumbled upon a win-win situation. There are a sizable percentage of readers who would like to see more posts each week, including posts that involve my daily struggles and victories as a teacher. However, since I’m no longer in the traditional classroom (read more about that here), I had to search for a relevant solution. So, I’m digging up my files from an old, abandoned personal blog. It contains stories about my first years of teaching and beyond. Many of the posts go back several years, so I’ll include the date in which they were published for context. I’ve labeled these entries as Flashback Fridays and will post one each week, starting with today.
I would apologize for not having written in so long, but I was just married this month, and everything that goes along with that takes priority over my own sad excuse of a blog. However, I know some out there still read this, so I soldier on gladly.
You’ve given up on me posting regularly, right? If not, it would be a wise choice.
Anyway, the school year has begun, and with it comes another slew of changes, good and bad. The good is that our school (just ours, not our corporation) has been ranked number one in the county, so says our principal and superintendent. We were also ranked number two in our own 50 mile (give or take) radius. So, we’re pretty awesome. But…you knew there was a “but” didn’t you? We’ve had an influx of students without any addition in staffing, mostly because of continuing budget issues. This means that lots of students were spread over already full classrooms. As Brandon put, “Well, you won’t be number one for long”. I have to agree. Our teachers may be great, but you can’t squeeze blood from a stone. And frankly, I feel like that stone lots of the time.
There are more changes than just those involving class size, all of which I’ll address later. What you should keep in mind though, is that I’m feeling entitled, in part because I’ve survived the changes. I’ve given up a whole lot of stuff to be the competent/good teacher that I am, so it pains me to give up conveniences that so many educated workers enjoy every day. Take for instance, coffee. If one has an office (which I do), one is usually entitled to populate said office with personal items. If the office is not intended for clients or customers, then the office can hold all kinds of personal joys, like microwaves, mini-fridges, and signed posters from your favorite band. All of these things can be points of inspiration. So, when you’re outlining your tasks for the day, you can look up at that signed poster of Bob Seger and feel renewed, remembering that your life is full of happy memories, ones that don’t always include work-related business.
Unfortunately, our school has put the kibosh on anything that is electrical/personal in nature. There can be no microwaves, no mini-fridges, no candle-warmers, and…..no coffee makers. The reason? We have to save money. Well, forgive me if my patience has ran out, but I’ve been pink-slipped twice, I’ve given up a raise to help save other teachers’ jobs, watched my paycheck diminish despite being a “top teacher”, and all but given up on getting any new instruments…ever. Patience. Gone.
Hmm, no coffee-makers they say? Well, what the school doesn’t know is that my Kuerig just happens to fit inside an old purse of mine, along with some K-cups and vanilla creamer. And it just might happen that tomorrow morning, I’ll casually swing that bag over my shoulder and take it with me on my drive to school. I might forget to leave it in the car, and it might accompany me to my office. It might be stored in one of my many cupboards nobody checks, and pulled out later, after I’ve shut my door and checked for intruders. And after all of this, I might be walking into morning collaboration with a cup of coffee in my hand and a twinkle in my eye.
Shh, don’t tell.
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| Photo Via Imgur |
2 Responses
Haha! I don't have a need for a personal coffee maker in my room, but if I did I'm pretty sure I would totally do something like this. It is hilarious how I was NEVER rebellious as a child, but I have become rebellious as I hit my mid to late 20's. 😛
Same here. My rebellious nature didn't appear in full force until I started working 🙂