Just because I'm a teacher...

Just because I'm a teacher doesn't mean I have to pretend to know all the answers. Just because I'm a teacher doesn't mean I can't learn from my students. Just because I'm a teacher doesn't mean that I'm a liberal and agree with everything the Democratic party stands for. Just because I'm a teacher doesn't mean that I agree with everything unions do. Just because I'm a teacher doesn't mean that I have three months a year with nothing to do. Just because I'm a teacher doesn't mean that I think I am underpaid. Just because I'm a teacher doesn't mean that there aren't other aspects of my life outside of teaching that further define who I am. Just because I'm a teacher doesn't mean that I wasn't smart enough to do something else. Just because I'm a teacher doesn't mean that you know exactly what I do everyday because you were once a student. Just because I'm a teacher doesn't mean that I think I am entitled to more than what I am given. Just because I'm a teacher doesn't mean that I'm politically charged up. Just because I'm a teacher doesn't mean that you should expect me to raise your children. I have the joy of working with kids, helping them learn how to navigate life and shaping our country's future while making a good living, providing for my family, and further developing myself just because I'm a teacher.

Middle of August

There is nothing like the middle of August. The weather is beautiful. There is plentiful time to be spent with friends and family. Tons of projects both around the house and hobby-related are getting done. The "second career" is in full swing. And from a school year view, a new year is just around the corner. And I could not be more excited! I always love it when people address the fact that the school year is approaching. They are preparing for a response of utter despair, longing for it to be June again, or some shameful comment about having to deal with students again. Instead I love shocking them with my authentic joy and enthusiasm toward getting back. The response is always classic. "Really, you can't wait?". "Wow, you are dedicated." "Your family must be driving you crazy." That last one always gets me thinking that maybe I shouldn't be so excited. I love spending time with my family and realize that the school year shakes things up quite a bit. Right now, family life is wonderful. And the challenges of the schedule, my mind not always being present when I'm home, my own kids' homework and school challenges and then the dreaded early bedtime make family life more difficult. But we fall into a routine and life is good. No, I really am excited about getting back. I can't wait to work with the students I had last year and watch them continue to progress and reach new levels. I can't wait to meet the new students and let them know that middle school is going to be an incredible three years of their lives. I can't wait to go to work every day and wrap myself up with music, music and more music. There is nothing better than going to work and getting to do what you love! I can't wait to learn more myself. The first two weeks of school, I have three guest speakers coming in presenting on the topics of the music from India, hip hop and flute playing. I will learn just as much as the students. I can't wait to see my colleagues again and work together to come up with great new ideas. I can't wait to make music together as ensembles. August is always a time that legitimizes my decision to become a teacher. I get so excited to go back, that I know I'm doing what I should be doing. There is nothing like the middle of August.