Teaching is more than lesson plans and grading—it’s a blend of faculty parties with suspicious open bars, students who think Sporty Spice is a compliment, and the sudden realization that you’re ‘The Man.’ Here’s a glimpse into the hilarity and chaos of life as a teacher.

December 3, 2009
Yesterday, I learned at the faculty meeting (a.k.a. the world’s most unnecessary invention) that the holiday party will have wine and beer. I’m deeply suspicious of any work-related event featuring an open bar. So let me get this straight: all the booze I can drink, and my boss will be there? Sounds like a trap.

December 11, 2009
From the “What was I thinking” file: Since starting at this school, I’ve made some questionable decisions. Last night, I attended the talent show. Then I broke four traffic laws (and possibly a law of nature) to get home to a mind-erasing margarita.

And today? I’m taking 31 students, ages 12-19, on a field trip. Do they have internet access in prison? Asking for a friend.

January 2, 2010
Prepping the next unit for my Government class got me genuinely excited—we’re covering political parties. I’m planning a section on political ads, starting with the Daisy Girl, working through 3 AM, and ending with Vote Different.

Naturally, I’ll need to include the original 1984 commercial for context and explain Orwell, dystopia, and ‘The Man.’

And then it hit me: to my students, I am ‘The Man.’

Crap. When did that happen?

May 27, 2010

Sporty Spice* or not, our measly 5 teacher team wiped the floor with 4 different student teams of between 7 to 9 kids each: 15-0, 15-0, 15-4, 15-6!!!!! Old n busted? My ass!!!

                                                      * (Finals over, afternoon student v. faculty volleyball game. Changed from school to gym clothes at lunch. One if my students remarked “Hey, hey! Looking good there Sporty Spice!” Compliment? Or do I smack him into next week- discuss!)

July 21, 2010

You know you’re taking too much work home when you put your bag on the passenger seat, and the fasten seatbelt chime won’t stop.

Note to self: take-home work should NEVER weigh as much as a child.

Final Thought:

Teaching is like carrying a suitcase that’s always one size too small. You start the year thinking you’ve got everything under control, but somehow, more and more gets crammed into the bag—field trips, volleyball games, and a work bag heavy enough to set off a seatbelt alarm. Along the way, there are moments of hilarity, exhaustion, and pride (yes, even for destroying students at volleyball). But no matter how heavy the load, you keep going, because teaching isn’t just a job—it’s a chaotic, meaningful adventure.

1. Teachers: What’s the funniest compliment (or insult) you’ve ever received from a student?
2. Parents: If you could give one piece of advice to teachers, what would it be?
3. Everyone: Have you ever realized you became “The Man”? How did you handle it?