Short answer…📣📣📣 WE DON’T!!

I just finished my 20th year of teaching and it was my toughest one yet. The year before that, where we were online for most of the year, was also extremely tough. I have not been loving it these last two years…I’m exhausted and drained.

But, I still LOVE teaching 1st graders! Most of the things that are making it tough don’t have anything to do with me actually teaching my group of students in our classroom each day.

Things Teachers LOVE! 💗

• helping and supporting kids (duh)
• seeing academic and social growth
• getting and giving hugs and high fives
• teaching problem solving strategies
• reading great books
• watching and supporting students as they learn to work with their peers
• supporting parents and helping them help their learner at home
• creating a love for reading, writing, science, math, social studies, and more
• watching students “get it”
• collaborating with great colleagues
• making learning engaging and fun
• watching kids set and reach their goals
• getting tons of sweet notes and adorable drawings
• being creative
• sharing what we are passionate about
• watching students add their touch to our classroom
• …and so many more!

Things That Are Making It Tough 😟

• kids who come to us without basic social skills or any school readiness skills
• districts not protecting and supporting us
• false information about teachers/teaching on social media (I have too many standards to cover to take time to indoctrinate anyone…)
• active shooter drills and school shootings
• feeling sad and/or scared for some of our kids when they go home
• lack of fair pay and adequate raises
• book banning and watching some teachers being told to ignore important historical facts
• bureaucratic paperwork and video-watching that does not help me in my classroom, yet takes up my time
• micromanaging administration (mine are good, but I’ve heard horror stories from others!)
• parents who are in denial about a child’s behaviors or abilities and choose to lash out at the teacher instead
• canned curriculum and not letting teachers do what’s best for kids
• too much on our plates
• large class sizes
• laws being passed in certain states that blow my mind

I could go on for both categories, but those are definitely the things that are top of mind at this point! Are you feeling the same in any of these areas? What would you add?

I am definitely hoping that this school year is not as challenging as the last. Wishing for a good, safe, happy, and fun year full of learning for all of us!

Thanks for reading!

Jennifer ~ Practical Primary Teacher

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