Momma Baier

I have just completed my first six weeks as a fifth grade teacher.  I am exhausted.  I don’t know what I was thinking when I changed careers at age 40 with three young children at home!  Teaching is the hardest thing I have ever done.  It is even more difficult than parenting, because as a parent I have been able to heal any mistake I have made with an apology, a hug, and a kiss.  The love my children and I have for each other far out ways any mistakes we make.  However, with teaching, mistakes with students, one wrong word, can cost you everything.  It seems so unfair that teachers are no longer allowed to be human once they enter the classroom.  They are expected to always be professional and dignified no matter the circumstances.  I ask you, do you handle every situation in your job with dignity and grace every second of every day?  And while you a mauling that over ask yourself when the last time you needed to use the bathroom and just could not because you weren’t allowed.

Now don’t get me wrong, it isn’t all bad!  I love the students.  They are funny and bright and full of interesting stories to tell.  Sometimes I would rather just sit and talk with them then teach!  But hey, the SOLs will be here before I know it and I have to get through the pacing guide!  Time to move on to division! 

I think we would have a far better educational system if teachers were supported and included in higher level decisions more often.  Hey, maybe if teachers were treated the way they are expected to treat their students, we would have happier and better teachers in the classroom for our youth.   It is very interesting being on this side of the fence after being a parent for the past twelve years. 

I am so excited about the prospect of making a difference and really helping children feel success.  I hope all the other “stuff” does not taint me as I have seen it taint so many teachers.  I now have sympathy for them rather than criticism.  I know now how and why it happens.

So much learned in just six short weeks. . . . .