This post is dedicated to anyone who has ever had the dream that they show up to school, or work, or life naked. (I will tell you now that this an absolutely true story - I couldn't make this up). Enjoy ...
It was a dreary day in Maine. The sun was hiding, and the threat of rain lingered as the lunch bell rang. The morning had been normal - meeting, writing center class, first freshman class. Nothing extraordinary happened, and there was no reason to think that this day would be special for me at all.
After sending all of the freshman to lunch, Meg and Sara came to my room so that we could enjoy lunch and conversation. The morning had been so packed, however, that there had been no time to use bathroom! It was an emergency. And so, before I could enjoy the chicken and noodle lunch I had waiting, I needed to go from my portable to the main building.
As I hurried through the courtyard, I was heckled by several shop students. They were outside completing the shed their class worked on as a project. "Hi, Mrs. D," one yelled. "There's no ring on this finger! It's Ms. D," I retorted while wiggling my hand in his direction. The student wanted to annoy me, but it didn't work. I was too focused on getting to the restroom.
When I finished washing my hands, I adjusted my nylons and the brand-new, Old Navy, jersey skirt I had chosen as the day's outfit. With a final glance in the mirror, I rushed out the doors and back into the courtyard, where the shop students continued to work and our JMG specialist walked to his car.
Less than ten feet out the door, I felt something strange at my knees. All of a sudden, the freedom a skirt gives was gone. Something constricted my legs. I glanced down to check and ... well ... the waist of my skirt was at my knees.
That's right. My skirt had fallen down, leaving my nylons and panties free for all to see!
I panicked, of course, yanked the skirt up, and frantically looked to see who was laughing at me. You know what? Not one person had seen my catastrophe. Not one. Immediately relieved, I jogged back to my room, laughing hysterically. Try explaining that laughter to your co-workers and friends. Did I get sympathy? Heck, no, and if it had been someone else, I wouldn't have been sympathetic! I got, "the only thing that would have made that better is if you fell!" Darn right!
This event, though potentially tragic, brought laughter to many people today. Most of us needed it desperately. I learned a few things as well.
1. Laughing at yourself in an embarrassing moment is far more productive than tears or anger.
2. Sharing your disasters is therapeutic for both you and your audience.
3. My Nana was right - you should always wear good, clean panties. You never know who might see them!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
On class advising
Well, I broke my own goal last week. No post. However, I have forgiven myself as my reasons are legitimate and acceptable. Reason #1 is that I was sick last weekend with bronchitis, and I even took Monday off from school. Reason #2 is that it was homecoming week at school, and as a class adviser, I had to supervise construction of the float for the class of 2012. Which brings me to the topic of this post: being involved at school (and knowing when you need help).
When I interviewed for my current job, I made it a point to say that being a class adviser was something in which I was interested. Next thing I know, I'm hired and given the freshman class to advise. It was awful that first year. I had no idea about homecoming, or the fact that each class builds a float for a town parade. Nor did I know how to fundraise. I. Knew. Nothing. And worse, no one helped me.
I literally begged for help that first year; help to supervise activities, help to organize fundraisers, help with ANYTHING. No one could/would help me. In fact, most of the time, the emails I sent to ask for help were ignored completely. In retrospect this was the best thing that could have happened. Since the class officers and I had to figure it out on our own, we are now a well-oiled machine with lots of know-how. Last year was easier in terms of knowing what to do and when, but I still struggled with trying to find help from other teachers. This year? Best year yet.
Another newer teacher at my school, who taught nearly all of the 2012 kids last year, helped with our float every night! In fact, because I was sick, she was there more than I was! There's no way, and I'm serious here, that our float would have gotten done without Sara. She helped us organize, construct, clean, and make a BEAUTIFUL FIRST-PLACE Cat in the Hat float. It was so great for the kids, and even better for me! I got to spend every evening with amazing students and one of my favorite colleagues. Our float was beautiful, but even if it hadn't been, we still would have been winners. We would have been winners for a lot of reasons, but here are just a few:
1. The class of 2012 and the freshman class worked together better than anyone could have imagined. They shared materials, helped each other build, and even took turns getting each other pizza. It was great to see them be so kind.
2. Spending time with students outside of teaching time is an important part of education. They need to know we care, and that we are human. I get more respect from students after they see me doing something to make their experience better (like building a float).
3. It's just fun. The kids who come to do these extra things are the kids who go the extra mile, and it's so neat to hang out with them and talk about more than English class.
The first year I took the role of class adviser, I thought I was nuts. Now? I can't imagine letting someone else be in charge of my class. There's a sense of pride when they succeed that I wouldn't have without the extra time I spend with them. I dread the long days of float-building week, but the time I spend working with the students definitely makes it worth it.
When I interviewed for my current job, I made it a point to say that being a class adviser was something in which I was interested. Next thing I know, I'm hired and given the freshman class to advise. It was awful that first year. I had no idea about homecoming, or the fact that each class builds a float for a town parade. Nor did I know how to fundraise. I. Knew. Nothing. And worse, no one helped me.
I literally begged for help that first year; help to supervise activities, help to organize fundraisers, help with ANYTHING. No one could/would help me. In fact, most of the time, the emails I sent to ask for help were ignored completely. In retrospect this was the best thing that could have happened. Since the class officers and I had to figure it out on our own, we are now a well-oiled machine with lots of know-how. Last year was easier in terms of knowing what to do and when, but I still struggled with trying to find help from other teachers. This year? Best year yet.
Another newer teacher at my school, who taught nearly all of the 2012 kids last year, helped with our float every night! In fact, because I was sick, she was there more than I was! There's no way, and I'm serious here, that our float would have gotten done without Sara. She helped us organize, construct, clean, and make a BEAUTIFUL FIRST-PLACE Cat in the Hat float. It was so great for the kids, and even better for me! I got to spend every evening with amazing students and one of my favorite colleagues. Our float was beautiful, but even if it hadn't been, we still would have been winners. We would have been winners for a lot of reasons, but here are just a few:
1. The class of 2012 and the freshman class worked together better than anyone could have imagined. They shared materials, helped each other build, and even took turns getting each other pizza. It was great to see them be so kind.
2. Spending time with students outside of teaching time is an important part of education. They need to know we care, and that we are human. I get more respect from students after they see me doing something to make their experience better (like building a float).
3. It's just fun. The kids who come to do these extra things are the kids who go the extra mile, and it's so neat to hang out with them and talk about more than English class.
The first year I took the role of class adviser, I thought I was nuts. Now? I can't imagine letting someone else be in charge of my class. There's a sense of pride when they succeed that I wouldn't have without the extra time I spend with them. I dread the long days of float-building week, but the time I spend working with the students definitely makes it worth it.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Go team!
I was on my way to bed (10 minutes ago), when I decided to check my email one more time. That led to checking my favorite blog, which led me to my own blogger dashboard where I realized I was about to fail at my goal of at least one post per week. So, instead of reading, I'm writing. A fair trade, I think.
After my last post, some of you might be wondering how this past week went. I'm happy to report that it went well. The weather was fall-like, and both the students and I have begun to sink into a routine. I always seem to forget that the beginning of school, though exciting, is also terribly stressful. Compound the normal amount of back-to-school stress with a brand new schedule, a brand new freshman team structure, and a brand new curriculum, and you could potentially be asking for disaster. I, however, have discovered (though I already knew this) that I am one lucky girl. I have the best group of people to work with, and it makes all of those very stressful things seem much less daunting.
When our administration chose the teachers they wanted to man the two freshman teams, I truly believe they hand-picked us. There are around 40 teachers at my school, and the 8 manning these teams are pretty phenomenal when put together. I think that all of the staff at my school offer amazing things to students, but the 8 of us working on the teams compliment one another in great ways. Not only did they get a great spread for the whole thing, but they split us up perfectly. Here's a little run-down for you ...
Team T is very logical, very detail-oriented, and very flexibly-rigid (in a way that works well with the students). I guess, if I were trying to portray this team with a person I would choose Tom Selleck. Strong and sturdy, consistent, and super dependable, all while being approachable and willing to compromise.
Team O (my team) is not logical (in a good way), we pay attention to the details, and we are flexible (in a way that works well with the students). For this team, I would have to choose someone like John Travolta. Really a big teddy bear, but with a tough exterior. Able to be firm, but also able to turn into jello if it's called for.
I love my team. The team I'm on, both teams, and the other staff involved in our adventure (special ed teacher, literacy coach, admins). I feel very supported, and I know that when I have a problem with a student or parent, the others will be there to back me up. We are able to use one another as sounding boards to get ideas, share ideas, or just rant for a minute. It's different for me this year. I don't feel like I'm going at my teaching alone. In fact, I feel more supported than ever. Not only do I have a wonderful team on my side, but I have a fabulous friend and colleague in the English teacher on the other team.
She and I plan together. Check in on student progress together. Share a portable. And we generally have a great time too. We worked for countless hours last year planning a new curriculum, and to see it come to fruition is exciting and scary. Ms. W and I compliment one another really well. Instead of both of us being really good separately, we're AMAZING together.
I could keep going on this post and list all of the ways that I'm benefiting from our freshman teams, but it really boils down to this:
No teacher, or person, should have to go at school, or life, alone. We can be great alone, or extraordinary together. I can't imagine putting myself into a box, closing the door, and shutting everyone out. How lonely and sad. So, I choose extraordinary. Every time.
After my last post, some of you might be wondering how this past week went. I'm happy to report that it went well. The weather was fall-like, and both the students and I have begun to sink into a routine. I always seem to forget that the beginning of school, though exciting, is also terribly stressful. Compound the normal amount of back-to-school stress with a brand new schedule, a brand new freshman team structure, and a brand new curriculum, and you could potentially be asking for disaster. I, however, have discovered (though I already knew this) that I am one lucky girl. I have the best group of people to work with, and it makes all of those very stressful things seem much less daunting.
When our administration chose the teachers they wanted to man the two freshman teams, I truly believe they hand-picked us. There are around 40 teachers at my school, and the 8 manning these teams are pretty phenomenal when put together. I think that all of the staff at my school offer amazing things to students, but the 8 of us working on the teams compliment one another in great ways. Not only did they get a great spread for the whole thing, but they split us up perfectly. Here's a little run-down for you ...
Team T is very logical, very detail-oriented, and very flexibly-rigid (in a way that works well with the students). I guess, if I were trying to portray this team with a person I would choose Tom Selleck. Strong and sturdy, consistent, and super dependable, all while being approachable and willing to compromise.
Team O (my team) is not logical (in a good way), we pay attention to the details, and we are flexible (in a way that works well with the students). For this team, I would have to choose someone like John Travolta. Really a big teddy bear, but with a tough exterior. Able to be firm, but also able to turn into jello if it's called for.
I love my team. The team I'm on, both teams, and the other staff involved in our adventure (special ed teacher, literacy coach, admins). I feel very supported, and I know that when I have a problem with a student or parent, the others will be there to back me up. We are able to use one another as sounding boards to get ideas, share ideas, or just rant for a minute. It's different for me this year. I don't feel like I'm going at my teaching alone. In fact, I feel more supported than ever. Not only do I have a wonderful team on my side, but I have a fabulous friend and colleague in the English teacher on the other team.
She and I plan together. Check in on student progress together. Share a portable. And we generally have a great time too. We worked for countless hours last year planning a new curriculum, and to see it come to fruition is exciting and scary. Ms. W and I compliment one another really well. Instead of both of us being really good separately, we're AMAZING together.
I could keep going on this post and list all of the ways that I'm benefiting from our freshman teams, but it really boils down to this:
No teacher, or person, should have to go at school, or life, alone. We can be great alone, or extraordinary together. I can't imagine putting myself into a box, closing the door, and shutting everyone out. How lonely and sad. So, I choose extraordinary. Every time.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Too much, too fast
Well, the first week of school is over, and it was easily the toughest first week I've had in four years of teaching. I can't say it was all bad, because it wasn't. I may have suffered, but I also learned a really important lesson. Anyway . . . well, here's a run-down of the week.
Monday - Teacher day. I won an award for being AWESOME STAFF, got to catch up with colleagues, and I finished setting up my classroom. It was hot.
Tuesday - Freshman orientation. Even though we had the day planned out really well, things went wrong, but nothing huge. I met my homeroom and they were great. I spent the day with them, and with a former student who is a mentor for the freshman. It went well overall, but I was super stressed out the ENTIRE day. I barely remember what we did all day because I was out straight the whole time. That's what I get for being "too competent". Also, it was very hot.
Wednesday - First day for all students. Worst day of my teaching career. I thought I was going to be sick as I drove to school. I blamed it on the heat and being nervous. I walked into the teacher's room, and started crying. I spent the rest of the day going between tears and nausea. Sometime during the late afternoon my arms started tingling. I had class at the university at 5. I only stayed until 6, and then went to walk-in-care for the crying, tingly arms, and nausea. Diagnosis: panic attack caused by the list of things I need to do that seemed to keep growing and growing. Also, it was very, very hot.
Thursday - I hadn't slept for an entire night in about two weeks and I had barely functioned the day before. And so, I took the day off. I needed to be home and take care of myself, so I did. Best decision of my career. Oh, yeah, and it was very, very, very hot.
Friday - Feeling so much better, I went back to school and had a great day. Had fun with my classes, learned some names, and enjoyed the fresh breeze.
And so, you must be wondering by now what lesson I learned. It's simple really, and a must for all teachers (but especially new ones): say no. When you start to feel like you're taking on too much, you are. It's ok to say no. Taking on too much isn't healthy (trust me, I know), but it also means that your work suffers for it. And sometimes your mind and body too.
I've got a long weekend now which I plan to spend with books, tv, my bed, and family.
Monday - Teacher day. I won an award for being AWESOME STAFF, got to catch up with colleagues, and I finished setting up my classroom. It was hot.
Tuesday - Freshman orientation. Even though we had the day planned out really well, things went wrong, but nothing huge. I met my homeroom and they were great. I spent the day with them, and with a former student who is a mentor for the freshman. It went well overall, but I was super stressed out the ENTIRE day. I barely remember what we did all day because I was out straight the whole time. That's what I get for being "too competent". Also, it was very hot.
Wednesday - First day for all students. Worst day of my teaching career. I thought I was going to be sick as I drove to school. I blamed it on the heat and being nervous. I walked into the teacher's room, and started crying. I spent the rest of the day going between tears and nausea. Sometime during the late afternoon my arms started tingling. I had class at the university at 5. I only stayed until 6, and then went to walk-in-care for the crying, tingly arms, and nausea. Diagnosis: panic attack caused by the list of things I need to do that seemed to keep growing and growing. Also, it was very, very hot.
Thursday - I hadn't slept for an entire night in about two weeks and I had barely functioned the day before. And so, I took the day off. I needed to be home and take care of myself, so I did. Best decision of my career. Oh, yeah, and it was very, very, very hot.
Friday - Feeling so much better, I went back to school and had a great day. Had fun with my classes, learned some names, and enjoyed the fresh breeze.
And so, you must be wondering by now what lesson I learned. It's simple really, and a must for all teachers (but especially new ones): say no. When you start to feel like you're taking on too much, you are. It's ok to say no. Taking on too much isn't healthy (trust me, I know), but it also means that your work suffers for it. And sometimes your mind and body too.
I've got a long weekend now which I plan to spend with books, tv, my bed, and family.
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