Why Teach? Why Bother?

I haven't blogged for a long time and I am going to use the tired, consistently used excuse of "no time."  Really I can make time for it but haven't.  Unfortunately I am going to use the blog entry as a time to vent rather than a place to show off cute, goofy pictures of the adorable Mr. Ethan and Mr. Owen.

So the world of teaching sucks, for lack of any refiner word.  Being a teacher is like a stand-up comedian with no routine - you get booed, criticized, and shuffled off stage as fast as you entered and often by people who have never given the same experience a try!  I am trying to figure out why I feel this way and what made the feelings all erupt in the past two years but I don't know if there is an answer.  I can make an argument that economy has something to do with it or politics, or perhaps my new coach position or the change in priorities with E and O, or maybe ultimately I am becoming that old "fuddy duddy" teacher.

It is sad to think of my hopes, dreams, excitement and aspirations of being a teacher since high school have all been dashed and squashed before I am 30 years old.  It isn't fun to read this article, I Don't Want to be a Teacher Any More article, and be able to relate and agree with almost all of its contents.

I think it is even more frustrating and difficult to deal with when I know, deep down inside, that I really do love teaching and want to teach but can't get past the current realities of teaching.  It is difficult to look at Ethan and Owen and try to envision their educational experience when I know I am not the only teacher who feels this way.  It hurts to know kids are taking the biggest hit for selfish, money-controlling adult decisions that seem to have been made without common sense.  It is hard to justify continuing to work and plow through the difficult educational times when the weight of the issues get carried home and affect my family.

So as I think about where I want to go, what will make me happy, and many options still come to mind.  Maybe I will try something completely different, maybe I will be a dentist.  :)  Maybe I will stick it out.  I really don't know.  In the mean time, it is a lot of reflecting and trickles of random thoughts.  I guess the action step is yet to be determined.

In the meantime, I want to share a video that I find powerful and hope to see a successful education paradigm shift sooner than later.




Bonus Blog Section:
This is a funny article comparing the game of Angry Birds (available in Apple app stores and android market as well) to formative assessment: Formative Assessment and Angry Birds.

Lego Land

For living so close to the Mall of America we don't utilize it as much as we could; at least for a place for the boys to play when it is cold outside.  With Charlie living the luxurious Miami life (in talking with him I am not sure he would rank it luxurious) for part of this week, Britt and I planned to take the boys Saturday morning to Lego Land.

We packed up the boys, bob strollers, snacks, beverages, and extra diapers (for Britt mainly) and headed to the MOA.  We quickly realized that the mall is not busy Saturday mornings during their opening hours except for the areas where families can bring their kids to run around.  Apparently several families had the same idea to bring their kids for some child entertainment.  I ran into three Edina teachers' families in about 30 minutes time.  The boys even got to see Jack and Max from Char's.  Jack and Max came to play at Lego Land as well.

The highlights of the trip included and not in any particular order:

• E and O staring at the large Old Navy sign
• Both boys quietly observing all the people and stimuli the MOA naturally brings.
• Ethan watching a little girl run all over the seating area at Lego Land and not understanding why I wouldn't let him run on an elevated surface around several annoyed adults.
• Owen crying and shaking in fear at every ride and large character display at Nickelodeon Universe.
• Owen finally calming down to realize Nickelodeon Universe is not too scary and you can ignore it for the most part if you focus on building with legos.  
• E and O enjoying their first Happy Meals of chicken McNuggets, apples, and milk.  

 

 The trip went really well.  So well that Britt and I are planning on going to Underwater World on Monday.  Teachers get in free any time of the year by just showing their badge!  E and O are young enough to be free too!  If all goes well this might be our new weekend routine.  :)

Elf Spotting!

We have two little elves that are very excited for Christmas!  They have been patiently waiting to open the presents under the tree.  Each day they tear a little bit of wrapping paper until their terribly mean mommy and daddy (who have cruelly left the presents under the tree) ask them to stop and wait.

Yesterday, post bath, they were very anxious to see what was in their stockings!

Good news - the wait is almost over.  We will rip open the presents tomorrow!!

It is that time of year! Jib Jab!

Winter Break

It is almost winter break - 2 more days!  We are all very anxious to be able to wear pajamas all day, sleep in, and have nothing to do! We are excited for warmer temperatures so we can bundle up to play outside too.  We would like to just play outside, NOT work outside - so please NO MORE snow!