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A Teacher Never Sleeps


Super busy weekend! The majority of it spent on schoolwork. It began Friday night. I never left school until after 6. From the time school let out until I left, I was networking with other teachers, tutoring a child, and correcting papers. When I packed my bag to head home, the majority of the papers came with me – uncorrected. Here it is late Sunday night and they still sit in my bag – uncorrected.

Saturday came bright and early; although, it took me awhile to get out of bed. I enjoyed the crisp, fall morning under the covers reading a book I was planning to use for my 8th grade class. (I have since changed my mind.) After taking Patti to a friend’s house, I received a phone call from a colleague. He is a first year teacher. He has one of ‘those classes’ that tries the patience of even the best teachers. Many of these students are staying back due to not passing the EOGs. Some of them are gang-bangers or wanna-bees. Some are good students, but struggle desperately with reading. These are students who don’t play the game of school well. They see no use for it. He is a teacher full of ideas, passion, and an innate knowledge of what works. During our conversation, it came out that my favorite group is a struggle for him. I like the challenge. He is at a loss of what to do with them. Fortunately, the period he has them is during my prep time. I offered to do some teaching with him.

Saturday we spent almost three hours planning. There is something invigorating about planning with another teacher ~ especially one who shares a similar philosophy. We ended up with a unit based on music. I am excited to be teaching with him. I will be reflecting on the class daily. With any luck, we will reach them on some level.

Sunday began with a walk with Beatrice. (Patti had come home sick from a sleepover the night before. No mother/daughter time today.) Two miles later, I was back  home ready to plan for my other two classes. Problem/Solution essays combined with Red Scarf Girl took up most of my day. Late in the afternoon I got a call from a colleague. Time to get together with her and work on some testing arrangements. If I am going to have to spend two hours every week specifically preparing kids for the test, I am going to make sure that time is organized for all of us. I am happy to say the 8th grade is organized and ready to go. Now to do the same for the 7th grade. Back home to work on lesson plans for another two hours.

I am feeling very prepared for school; yet, not quite as rested as one would think after the weekend. Sean comes next weekend. I am hoping I can find a way to get my work done before heading to the airport. In the meantime, I am ready for school tomorrow and the team teaching that will be taking place. I have filled the void left by the absence of Tony and Sana with all that being a good teacher brings.

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