I love everything you write, Amy, but as a veteran teacher, this is one of my favorite posts. Thank you for your humor and for being such a bright light as a person and as a teacher.
I’m going into year 14 and most of this rang very true for me except stay out of the office/lunch room! I started eating with colleagues last year after ten years of eating alone, and I much prefer it! When things get gripey, I just channel the conversation into how we can utilize our role as union members to improve working conditions!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! As a twenty year veteran, mostly at middle school, I agree with all of this. I switched districts last year and had to Swedish death clean my classroom. I wish I had been following your twice a year classroom cleanout.
This is amazing! The point about avoiding the lunchroom is so real - it’s crazy how much worse my mood is if I spend too much time in our staff break room.
And the receipts!! My students always are reminded that I’ve kept receipts, so when something is going down I give them the option to own up to it first in front of their parents/admin so we can have the conversation’s tone be one of accountability and ownership - because if they don’t they best believe I have evidence! It’s crazy how much more productive a student-parent-teacher conference is when the kid starts off saying they’ve dropped the ball rather than me.
I love that -- I always give kids the same choice, too. Do you want to explain or do you want me to? It's always so good to have conversations about accountability. I always hope it doesn't feel punishing but rather than I really am keeping track of things and trying to be fair.
Having just seen your child, he is going to be just fine (as long as he doesn't have to share a locker with one of his messy friends, he says). He'll be incredible.
As a fellow longtime educator, I loved this so much, Amy! I nodded along to every single item, and despite my tenure, definitely needed these reminders. Every year I vow to be better and do better, and you have fully reinvigorated this resolve ♡
I love everything you write, Amy, but as a veteran teacher, this is one of my favorite posts. Thank you for your humor and for being such a bright light as a person and as a teacher.
I’m going into year 14 and most of this rang very true for me except stay out of the office/lunch room! I started eating with colleagues last year after ten years of eating alone, and I much prefer it! When things get gripey, I just channel the conversation into how we can utilize our role as union members to improve working conditions!
I think it can be great -- I think that his advice was more about the spirit of avoiding the complaining as opposed to never socializing :)
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! As a twenty year veteran, mostly at middle school, I agree with all of this. I switched districts last year and had to Swedish death clean my classroom. I wish I had been following your twice a year classroom cleanout.
I love cleaning it out. After 20 years, I imagine that would be so overwhelming!
So good, definitely saving!
Thank you!
This is amazing! The point about avoiding the lunchroom is so real - it’s crazy how much worse my mood is if I spend too much time in our staff break room.
And the receipts!! My students always are reminded that I’ve kept receipts, so when something is going down I give them the option to own up to it first in front of their parents/admin so we can have the conversation’s tone be one of accountability and ownership - because if they don’t they best believe I have evidence! It’s crazy how much more productive a student-parent-teacher conference is when the kid starts off saying they’ve dropped the ball rather than me.
I love that -- I always give kids the same choice, too. Do you want to explain or do you want me to? It's always so good to have conversations about accountability. I always hope it doesn't feel punishing but rather than I really am keeping track of things and trying to be fair.
This was so good! Definitely a lot of advice that can be used in parenting too (especially as my child starts middle school next month OMGGGGG what.)
Having just seen your child, he is going to be just fine (as long as he doesn't have to share a locker with one of his messy friends, he says). He'll be incredible.
As a fellow longtime educator, I loved this so much, Amy! I nodded along to every single item, and despite my tenure, definitely needed these reminders. Every year I vow to be better and do better, and you have fully reinvigorated this resolve ♡
This is so kind, and I'm wishing you a wonderful year!
I love this so much! You’re a brilliant teacher — and you’re very right: much of this applies to life beyond the classroom. Thank you for sharing ❤️
Thank you friend!
I'm not a teacher or ever plan to be in a situation where I have to rally kids, but this was a delight to read. I wish you were my teacher in jr high!
This is so kind. Thank you!
I enjoyed reading this. It sounds like you are a great teacher, colleague and employee. Thank you for sharing.
Ha, my colleagues, students, and boss may feel differently lol but I do try to be and take it seriously!