"Teaching is a Thankless Job..."

I just finished the book "Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire." The epilogue starts with these words. And I am left thinking that yes, it is a thankless job. My question, though, is aren't there a lot of thankless jobs? This got me thinking...

I've been in tears because of a student. I have been frustrated because of an administrator. I've been reamed by parents (more than once!) I've gotten the "oh you have it so easy, you only work 9 months a year, you get summers off..." I've even heard the "those who can't do - teach!" And, too often I think we equate $$$ with thanks or no thanks, and the fact that teachers are not paid well in many places, I suppose seems a little thankless. So, yes, I get it...and hopefully in a year I'll have a job and can write something along those lines.

But ---
Why do we as educators spend so much time thinking about how thankless our jobs are. I think we need to keep our eye on the ball --- the students are our thanks. And I am sure that many of you who teach remember times you've been touched by something a students said, or rejoiced in that "aha" moment when the student gets it." How can we become better about recognizing that is our thanks?

Happy Easter!

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Happy Easter from our little chicks!


Alex (almost 2), Lisa (4 months) and Lucas (3 1/2)

And of course, the "My First Easter" Bunny Picture that we've done with each child.

Pages...

This title has multiple meanings:

First: If you are looking for some new pages to read, I absolutely, positively, whole-heartedly recommend that your read "Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire" by Rafe Esquith. WOW! We're reading this for my class, and it. is. outstanding. Especially for you teachers (Erin, Laura, April, etc) really, pick it up. It's so good. We talked at class on Tuesday about how so many teachers who write come across as being self-centered and a "hero." While Esquith has a few ego incidences (don't we all) it really is such a great book.

Second: Here's some of my scrapbooking I've done in the last month or so.

A Sense of Happiness -

I just had to - HAD TO - note that the time change and the longer days of sun seems to be making a huge difference in my life, as well as many of my dear friends. The other day, I was driving somewhere and the sun was out, the day was just BATHED in the sunlight. I felt - really felt - the weight and heaviness of the long winter, the darkness being lifted. What an amazing feeling.


I am sensing the gratefulness of a new hope, renewal, rebirth, awakening - from so, so many I hold dear.

Up and Down

Its been so crazy. I think I should go back and count how many blog posts I have that start that way.

Last Saturday was Jeff's 30th birthday. We had a great surprise birthday party for him on Friday night. About 25 friends and family were there to wish him a happy day.





On Saturday, we drove to Mpls where I interviewed for a teaching position in...Las Vegas.

The interview was pretty generic - nothing like I've ever experienced before. I guess the rumor that the Vegas area will hire anyone who can talk and has a pulse must not be too far off. But, I did get a great compliment from the guy who interviewed me. He is an administrator at one of their schools and said that he would love to have me on his staff if he has an opening. He told me that I am obviously passionate about education and a lot of what I believe is nicely in line with what he hopes to do in his school. He is the take over administrator - his school has failed to meet AYP for 5 years --- so change is his game, and talking to him --- wow he has some great plans and is forward thinking and tough enough to make it work. It was really neat. But, I don't know if we'll end up there.

I have also applied for 7 other positions around the area. One is in the school I so desperately want to be at. I have subbed there for 4 years, I like the school, staff, students, etc. But there are no guarantees there either. So, Jeff and I have decided that if that school falls through and nothing else in this part of the country happens, then we will move.

In all of this, I am so fortunate to have a few things on my side.

First, Jeff. He's been so supportive. He keeps telling me that my resume, cover letter, etc are exceptional and he is SURE that I will get multiple interviews and offers this year - what a sweetie. He's really picked up the slack I'm making in the child rearing/house hold department while I spend so much time searching. And he's great when I am at the end of the rope.

Second, my profs who are so, so awesome. I have three of the greatest former/current professors who have written such positive and forceful (in a great way) letters of recommendation. I read one and almost started to cry!!! That she thinks so highly of me and wrote such positive words meant a lot. I've had such great conversations with these profs. and my adviser that are really keeping me afloat, so thanks to Lynn, Camille, Erin, Boyd, Bryan --- it means so much. And, the fact that they are letting my work be a tad late this month is even better :)

Third, we have great family and friends - thats all there is to say! These people are being so encouraging, and while all of them say that they don't want us to move - they are being so positive.

Finally - Faith. I can not imagine how crazy I'd be going if I didn't believe that what's done is done and after that - it's in the hands of God. I have no control over the end result and I keep saying to myself, as a reminder - that God has a plan. If I was able to believe that and carry on during the years of miscarriages, losses, scary pregnancies, etc...then I know that it will carry me now.


I remind myself, as we head into Holy Week ---

Amazing Love/ How can it be
that you my King would die for me/You died for me
Amazing Love/I know it's true
It's my joy to honor you/In all I do
Let me honor you

Random Life...in pictures

Here's us in February....

Lisa on Feb. 26, her 3 month birthday


Alex (so sweet!)


Busy Boy!


The Three Amigos:


Daddy and his kiddos.


Baby and me...

Applying For Teaching Positions...

...is no fun. It's a lot of work. Not that I mind work, but things have sure changed since I had my first teaching position. Five years ago, one would just send in a paper resume, cover letter, references and transcripts. Now, things have changed. Instead, you scan all your docs, upload them to school sites, and on. and on. and on....

Not that I mind saving a tree and postage. It's just much more complicated. I've been to Copy Max three times today (and have to go back again tonight) just to get four pieces of paper scanned so I can upload them. I miss just putting a bunch of stuff into an envelope and sending. Oh well - if I get an interview, it will be worth it.

But, the other part that is hard now (and wasn't then) was searching for open jobs. Five years ago, I could spend hours looking for positions and filling out online applications. Not so with three kids. It takes me about 4 hours to fill out one online application. And, just searching for the open position is a task in itself. I tell you, finding a job is like having a job. If only I was getting paid.

I also am planning on attending the Educators Fair in MN this year, for the first time ever. I have always been a bit skeptical of teacher fairs, but I keep hearing Erin and Laura's description of the one they went to four or five years ago, when the Virginia (state) reps told them they'd take 'em all!!! I hope you are right :)

And, I have an interview in Mpls this weekend for a position in....Las Vegas. Wow. I don't know about that, but after some of what I have read on Social Studies Teacher chat rooms, I think I should feel fortunate just to have a job interview!

Also, to my teacher friends out there, I ask a favor: click on "Social Studies Central" in my links list. I created that as a website/info center to show potential employers...but how do you think I can market it? Ask your husbands, ask your friends. How do I put that on a resume?