The Weary Teacher

ssential “First Day of School” picture. I left for school wide-eyed and eager to tackle my day, but it was the end of the day feeling captured in my first photo that so many teachers related to, when I posted it, comments and words of encouragement filled my page and inbox. I received so much compassion and support from my community (and the teacher community), it was amazing, and gave energy to my weary soul. My photos became a funny way I could document my first year as a teacher and share the antics that make up my every day. Class parties, holidays, spring fever, school breaks, snow days; the ideas have just kept flowing. Let’s face it, I have an abundance of inspiration at hand every single day. So, with all my experiences, and experiences shared with me from other teachers, I've continued to create different scenes throughout the years. I'm now starting my 8th year as a teacher. Nothing can ever prepare you for those "teacher" moments. Teaching is not for the faint-of-heart or the weak, it’s tough, tiresome and you’ll find yourself at least once a week wondering just what did you get yourself into, but OOOHH, the rewards! Seeing a child learn, making a difference in a little person’s life, teaching just one student something new… Those moments make it all worth it! What I’ve learned in doing this is, it’s just not my crazy life, or the crazy life of a new teacher. Sure, I have things to learn, but the stories that have been shared with me on this journey are overwhelmingly similar. Whether I’m talking to a 5, 10, or 20 year teacher, or an elementary, middle or high school teacher we all relate. That in it of its self has given me comfort… It’s not just me (sigh of relief)! We all feel like we are going to lose our minds from time to time, lol, and that’s okay. So, take a deep breath, I feel you, I got your back, I’m here! We are all in this crazy profession together, and maybe if nothing else, you will get a little laugh from my journey.