LAUGH
Thank you, Jimmy Fallon, for making it impossible to say “Thank You” without that intonation, and imagining lifting a pen in the air.
“James, can I get some “thank you” note writing music?”
1. Thank you, stomach bug during the first six weeks of school…
Not only are you punctual and very proficient (dare I say distinguished?) at your job, you are also an equal opportunity virus, making sure to touch base with all campuses, students and staff alike, regardless of race, religion and socio-economic factors. You truly are the constant in an otherwise changing world.
2. Thank you, admin…
…for “randomly” placing every child with discipline problems, head lice, failing test scores and flatulence into my class this year. I’m not sure what I did last spring to deserve the honor, but navigating these land mines makes each day truly exciting.
3. Thank you, helicopter parents…
…for raising a generation of children that are unable to think critically, take responsibility for anything, and who feel so entitled that it makes classroom management nearly impossible for us teachers. But that’s probably our fault, right?
4. Thank you, recess temperature restrictions…
Above 40* and below 95* gives us here in the South almost a solid month (November) of recess opportunities in the first semester of school. Unless it’s raining.
5. Thank you, state education agency…
…for having testing windows coincide with allergy season. I’m onto you. I feel certain Kleenex and Germ-X are sending you kickbacks. But, thanks for the opportunity to spend a solid 4 hour testing period (and lunch!) trapped in a box with a snot germ to person ratio at a bajillion:1.
6. Thank you, parent-teacher conference night…
…for being the one night in October scarier than Halloween. While some might think spending a crisp fall evening outdoors around a campfire is a pleasant experience, we teachers much prefer spending it inside a classroom making realizations that the apple never falls far from the tree.
7. And finally, thank you, teaching profession…
…for being an enigma. You give me the opportunity to simultaneously loathe a million little things about you, and yet love 22 very special little “things” that make it all worth it.
This article was written by a guest blogger, teacher, wife, and mom of one, who is going into her 11th year teaching 4th grade. Her belief is that successful teaching is based solely on building relationships with her students…. but also Sonic drinks and a sense of humor.
