just need to talk...

I'VE HELD IT IN AS LONG AS I CAN...

I can tell you that I am loving that I have an opportunity to work with teachers that I had back in Middle School...we called it Jr. High, though.  I truly cherish veteran teachers.  You cannot buy their experience in a book or hear about how to have it in Inservice...there is just something about a veteran teacher and their wisdom...I try to surround myself with them:)  The feel of the school is because of them...and would not be the same without them.  IF you teach, you know what I am talking about.  ha 

I love the way they know what to overlook...the way they assert themselves with nonsense that goes on.  I love that if you ever wonder who someone is...they know...because they had their mama and daddy.  I love the way they don't sweat the small stuff...usually.  I had one tell me the other day that they were a little concerned about me because I was old school...like them.  (meaning...I believe sometimes  kids need a paddling instead of a Jolly Rancher ) I consider myself extremely fortunate because I learned from the best veterans at Dresden Elementary and Gleason School, when I first started teaching, and then at Martin Primary.  I just expect kids to act right.

Time has passed quickly...I'm not the new girl on the block, really.  I have hit mid-career point.  I have been teaching for 15 years.  wow. 

All this being said,  the way things are at all schools now...I expect to see more veteran teachers pack it up and go to the house.  The new evaluation model is discouraging...pressures to teach more when the kids are struggling to grasp all that we throw at them now.  This is all just too much.  We are told to shoot to be average and that reaching the highest mark is unattainable for any of us. 

I am praying for all teachers more now than ever.  Many are in crisis mode.  The state needs to let us breathe...sometimes things are just out of our hands as teachers.  I decided that all I can do is my best.  I just hope my veteran friends will hang on...and hopefully some of this will blow over.    

For all you older and wiser teacher friends and family...thank you for all you have taught me.  I will always cherish my time working with you.  You are each a treasure to me:)