If you’re reading this, I’m going to go out on a crazy limb here and guess that you are a teacher. If you’re not a teacher, well, I welcome you. You are probably either thinking of becoming a teacher, dating a teacher, married to a teacher, or were sent this link by a teacher. Regardless, you have stumbled upon an enlightening blog that will shed new light on the world of education. Bravo.

Whoever is reading this, you’re about to be on the receiving end of a giant, sleep-deprived, teacher-nearing-the-end-of-September rant. Consider yourself warned.

I was casually having brunch with my non-teacher friend earlier today. After a couple of mimosas, I mentioned how exhausted I was after completing my first full week back at school. Teachers, you understand that “exhausted” is an understatement. Anyway, my friend’s response sent me flying into a fit of rage. Can you guess what she said? Can you? I bet you’re thinking it.

You just had a three-month vacation. How can you be tired? Stop complaining.”

Although the rage was bubbling inside me, I chose to be a mature, responsible adult and not flip the table over in the middle of the restaurant. Instead, I smiled politely, averted eye contact, and changed the subject quickly. Now, however, I am going to unleash my wrath.

First of all, teachers absolutely do not have three months off in the summer. And anyone who thinks otherwise should retake third-grade math. That is a disgusting myth that has been perpetuated either by people who hate teachers or by people trying to recruit more young people into becoming teachers. The truth is, taking snow days into consideration, teachers likely do not begin their summer vacation until the last week of June. After enjoying a, yes, I’ll admit, blissful, July, most teachers are summoned back to work somewhere around the third week in August. Contrary to popular belief, this does not equate to three months.

Second, just, why do people think it is socially appropriate to respond this way when a teacher vents about her work exhaustion upon returning to school? Yes, you know what, I did just have a long (well-deserved) vacation. Going back to work after a vacation is never easy. I’ll remember your reaction the next time you vent to me about returning to work after your 2-week long vacation to Greece this year. Human empathy and decency are apparently skills we still need to teach in school.

Third, since I am among friends, I am just going to say it. Non-teachers cannot possibly comprehend the amount of energy and stamina a teacher needs to have to effectively complete her day in the classroom. So I will just say now what I wish I could have said to my friend at brunch today. Yes, I am tired. I am exhausted from the thousands of questions that were thrown at me this week, the dozens of office forms that needed to be signed and returned by all of my students, the detailed lesson planning, the back to school night, open house, looming progress report deadline, IEP meetings, and learning the names and learning preferences of 75 wonderfully unique children.

Teachers. Don’t feel ashamed for admitting you are tired in September. You have earned the right to feel tired, even after just one day back at school. Keep fighting the good fight. You got this.