Top 10 reasons you know you are in a small school district....

I have spent a week in training; meeting new friends and colleagues and getting my new room together (or shall i say box).. During the many mind wandering moments i had, i comprised a list of differences or reasons that you know you are in a small district versus a large district.. I thought it would be nice to share..

10. No free water or chocolate during training... And they expect me to stay awake?!?
9. If you are breathing you are hired.. Yes, #1 quality.. all others can be fixed..
8. You co-teach with scorpions.. Don't piss them off..
7. More micro-managing.. No where to hide.. Even if you are 4 feet tall..
6. Dinosaur technology if any in the classrooms..
5. No free stuff from administration.. Where are my post its and cool teacher stuff?
4. No a/c in classrooms while setting up your room.. (Box turns into an oven)
3. Admin more in tune with dress code.. No capris (doesn't apply to me.. but no jeans ever.. Not even on Fridays when we have to wear a t-shirt.. what the * uck..
2. Walking into a local eatery or store and having someone call your name and give you some bit of information about you that you wonder if are listed in the local paper under single, breathing, and employed..
1. And the #1 reason is money.. there is none.. no tree, not under a rock, and even the idea of new taxes is like george w bush passing a 5th grade TAKS test.. even with three tries.. impossible without mods..

Hope you enjoyed and laughed a little.. I am looking forward to this school year of substantial change and learning.. Both feet in (and on the gas)..Breathing..

Head examined

I think after today I should have my head examine for any sign of sanity.. I got up before God and drove for an hour and a bit more (and I don't even remember the drive), went to the first part of training for New teachers not new to the district.. So, i sat through 4 hours of how to login into your email, curriculum, messenger, etc.. The 2nd half was even better.. 4 hours of special ed info.. what is an IEP, ARD, TAKS-M, REED, etc.. HELLO!!! I am a special ed teacher where is the quiz I can take so I can leave? And I had no book! UGH

Well, we did leave early but I had a stop on my way home so I left at 6:05 and got home at 6:30.. Nice huh?? Where is the nearest head shrink.. It is going to be a long year.. I must say there are 21 new teachers at my school and at least 10 of us live here so I am going to set up a car pool.. That'll help right?

Exhausted and breathing barely..

Full circle

Today began with an oops.. Apparently, I was supposed to be at work but I wasn't in attendance due to lack of communication on their part.. So, now I have to report to school tomorrow and for the rest of the week.. Although, I am excited about beginning this school year in a new setting I am wary of the traveling.. But you work through the difficult times to do the thing(s) you love. I do love teaching and being a teacher, I think it is what I am meant to do and to toot my own horn I am good, no very good, at it. My life this year has been a roller coaster ride with more dips than rises.. But through it all I have persevered. I have learned many life lessons, met new friends, said goodbye to old ones. I have begun to make new plans for the future which was hard for me because of the scars I have and doubt that hides inside.. But, I have nonetheless.. I know that I have people out there that love and value me which has become my life support.. Life comes around in full circle when you least expect it..

Another oops today was a call I made to inquire about a friend from work.. I learned that a Melvin friend did not get anything he expected but got what he deserved. Does that sound harsh? If so, too bad.. I smiled with that news and felt a little bad but that did NOT last.. I believe that being in education and now working in a small district with the same aspirations our paths will cross again and time heals wounds.. I predict this within the next 2-4 yrs.. I will be a stronger, wiser, mentally healthier person..

My parents (especially my dad), all told us that when life hands you lemons make a pie and share it..

I love you dad and mom.. I miss you a lot.. But, I am here and I will continue on..

breathing..