Tired Teacher Thoughts #ThrowbackThursday

19 Jul 2018 108 Comments

by Ritu in Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

We are nearly there, the finish line is firmly in sight!

Across the country you can hear the count downs, some with 3 days some with 5 left, but the quiet whispers of ‘One Monday left, One Tuesday left…’ has now changed to ‘5 days, 4 days…’

And no, that is not the school children getting excited at the prospect of their six weeks of bliss with no homework, no getting up early, no teachers and NO SCHOOL!

I am talking about the teachers!

I have always said teaching is a vocation.

You either want to do it or you don’t.

But even if you really want to do it, nothing, and I mean NOTHING, can prepare you for the all encompassing exhaustion that accompanies the best profession in the world!

You see the little seeds of your pupils planted in your care at the beginning of the year, and as you realise what they need to flourish, you chart every stage of their germination, encouraging growth academically, emotionally and physically. The end of the year sees you proudly showing off the blooms you have helped to cultivate.

But not without wiping yourself out.

What with planning lessons that will engage and encourage, delivering all singing, all dancing lessons, assessing and marking, filling in spreadsheets and creating classroom environments to inspire, alongside termly reports and progress grids, not to mention our own teaching observations and performance management meetings, we still have to deal with staff meetings, parent meetings, parents in general and other class based issues. And I can’t forget the extra duties such as subject responsibilities, and clubs that we may run.

It is truly exhausting.

And we thank the day that the school gates finally shut in July… to the children anyway.

You see, contrary to popular belief, once the kids go home, it doesn’t automatically mean that the teachers pack up and leave in a ‘Let’s party! School’s out!’rush.

No.

Many of those teachers will probably leave earlier than normal, then the following Monday will be back in class. (Or maybe the last week of the holidays)

Yes.

We love our jobs that much.

Because it’s not possible to give your children the education they need without planning and preparation. And if we are teaching in the term time, and during school hours, we need to put in that overtime (unpaid, might I add) at home, and in school, to get things ready for our class of angels!

So, I will finish on Tuesday (Yesss!) then be back on Wednesday with my colleagues, clearing the classroom, sorting through resources, preparing display boards, naming books, printing resources, filing paperwork, ordering necessary items. We may be back all week, it may be a few days, but that will be the start of our break.

Then once we leave the school gates, our summer can finally start, but we know that wherever we go, our teacher mind is on somewhere in the back ground, collecting things that will help with our teaching, and any spare moments, we will probably be browsing Pinterest, saving ideas for the next year. And we will keep seeing stationery that would be soooo great for our class! (Cue spending from our own pockets, because we just can’t help it!)

You think your name (Mr/Miss/Mrs …) will be forgotten for the summer, but as you walk through your hometown, you can guarantee you will find a student, or their family, calling your name. Sometimes you want to hide, to forget you are a teacher, but for the most part, you relish the recognition! After all, a child remembers you and wants to speak to you, even out of school! That must be a good thing, right?

A teacher’s work is never done.

And I wouldn’t change it for anything!

( Actually, that’s a lie! I would change it so that there weren’t so many unrealistic expectations on the children, so much demand for accountability, so much paperwork and red tape, taking the fun out of lessons you could be teaching… Oh and a pay rise would be wonderful!)

So, once my extra stint is finished at school, I will be off to spend time caring for Pops, and getting some rewriting done on that finished but not forgotten manuscript (in between keeping the kids apart! 😉 You know what I mean!)

And before we know it, September will be knocking… actually August, because we go back on 30th August… well, us teachers, anyway!

But I am soooo not thinking about that end of the holidays yet!

108 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. EDC Writing/Believing Sight Unseen
    Jul 19, 2018 @ 06:58:35

    Ah, the shortest 6 weeks of your year – the longest of mine – says a grandad to a 12, 10 and 7 year old who he now gets 3 days a week, with a 3 year old in tow. Must put the Samaritans number on the fridge! Enjoy your well deserved break Ritu – you’ve earn’t it! Cheers. Eric.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. teachingtipsbh
    Nov 23, 2017 @ 15:53:11

    Teaching is the only life cycle which keeps going endlessly. Despite this fact, I adore my job. Thank you for this post. I enjoyed reading it.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. justbrittanyblog
    Nov 06, 2017 @ 03:29:52

    Wow wonderful post !! As a fellow teacher . I️ love you to follow me !

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. I am Aranab
    Oct 17, 2017 @ 04:34:59

    As I started my journey as a lecturer, within 3 weeks I have started appreciating my lecturers/teachers tenfold more. Even the ones who i thought were shitty.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. thetremendousteacher
    Aug 28, 2017 @ 20:45:04

    I love this! Thanks for sharing. I feel like you might appreciate my blog as well. I just started, but I think you’ll relate to the first two posts (or just laugh at my teaching reality) http://www.TremendousTeacher.com Thanks for any feedback! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. Konsgaard
    Aug 18, 2017 @ 13:35:05

    Here in Greece teachers have 3 full months off… Mid June to mid September if you are at a public school and you get paid your normal salary during these months.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. yorkshireteacherblog
    Aug 17, 2017 @ 10:24:53

    Hopefully you’re recharging fully right now! 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Aug 17, 2017 @ 11:07:55

      I’m trying… but what with my writing.. my mind is still whirring. At least I can snooze in the afternoon being as it’s the holidays!!

      Like

      Reply

  8. IwriteYouwrite
    Aug 11, 2017 @ 14:33:50

    A teacher’s work is nicer done…no truer statement ever!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. Saved you a Spot
    Aug 02, 2017 @ 12:36:33

    I totally relate! September is just round the corner…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. amandaknipe
    Aug 01, 2017 @ 21:55:33

    Teaching is the most challenging profession but it can also be the most rewarding. That was an awesome read 😊 very interesting to see someone else’s perspective. I am studying at the moment to be an early childhood teacher so I loved it 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. Jack
    Jul 26, 2017 @ 04:32:25

    You mаy play it aytime you want.? Ⅾaddy аnswered. ?As a result оf
    speaking about how nice Ԍod is makes hіm joyful аnd itss
    worshiρ. Play іt before you fаll asleep tonight and if you wake up within tһe morning andd God might be near you all daʏ long.

    Like

    Reply

  12. classroomandkitchen
    Jul 26, 2017 @ 00:12:38

    Teaching is wonderful, but no one really prepares you for the never-off-duty part. 😛 I have run into students on out-of-state vacation! Enjoy the remainder of summer and here’s wishes for a refreshed beginning of next year.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  13. thattrueteacher
    Jul 24, 2017 @ 11:20:36

    Holidays just finished here in NZ, first day back today 😦

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. josypheen
    Jul 23, 2017 @ 19:47:49

    GO RITU!!

    Now its the weekend you have basically done it. The clean up on Monday might be tiring, but not as much as teaching. You totally deserve a long break! Have a lovely lovely summer!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. emilypageart
    Jul 23, 2017 @ 17:19:56

    What amazes me are the teachers who teach summer school, too, so they just never get a break. I don’t know how they do it, because it is truly exhausting. Thanks for doing what you do!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. Lucy Mitchell
    Jul 23, 2017 @ 14:10:34

    Having kids and watching them go through school makes me realise what miracle workers you all are. I think its wonderful what you all do as well as being temporary parents to them whilst we all work. Great post! xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  17. Shallow Reflections
    Jul 23, 2017 @ 12:18:29

    The only time I want to be a teacher is during school vacations and snow days, Ritu. But I am forever grateful for the dedicated individuals who respond to this calling with hearts and soul. Enjoy your time off! #SundayBlogShare

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  18. thebeasley
    Jul 23, 2017 @ 12:17:56

    I have nothing but respect for teachers. It’s one of the most important jobs in the world. Hope you get some relaxing done this summer!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  19. Marje @ Kyrosmagica
    Jul 23, 2017 @ 11:15:23

    Enjoy your well earned break Ritu. I just found out my daughter’s been offered a job teaching English as a foreign language in South Korea! Freaking out a bit about this at the moment. But, she is ecstatic – a huge Korean pop fan and loves Korean food etc.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  20. Terri Webster Schrandt
    Jul 21, 2017 @ 18:46:12

    I’m already preparing for Fall semester. Teaching three university classes. Educator’s work is never done!! Enjoy what’s left of your summer!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  21. eoilsforthesoul
    Jul 19, 2017 @ 01:17:13

    The best part of school was having those favorite teachers all of you make a big impact ! ☺

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  22. Anna
    Jul 18, 2017 @ 18:57:57

    You teachers matters. Don’t ever forget that! Without you we would go completely dumb.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  23. Writer
    Jul 18, 2017 @ 18:01:43

    It’s true! I was just in my classroom and it’s the middle of summer. Ridiculous, I know, but it’s that time of year to get back-to-school deals for our classrooms. Now, let’s rest and get back out in the sun! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  24. Holistic Wayfarer
    Jul 18, 2017 @ 05:09:08

    When I got home from teaching 5th grade (way back in my other life), I was DrAiNeD.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  25. Jennie
    Jul 18, 2017 @ 03:26:29

    Yes!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  26. crosscountrylifeblog
    Jul 18, 2017 @ 03:11:42

    Nice post! Great!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  27. Rae Longest
    Jul 17, 2017 @ 21:05:08

    Been there…am there. Like you said Sunday, even my tired is tired! Today I was at the school “setting up” by 7:00 am, class ended at 10:15, five minute bathroom break and office hours (extra individual help) until 11:00, doctor’s appointment in the next town at 11:30, down the street to another doctor by 1:00, to the lab down the street and home at 2:30. Exhausted? I think that’s my middle name!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  28. @g33hubb
    Jul 17, 2017 @ 20:09:05

    Well written Ritu! I work in Primary school admin (or at least I did before my health decided enough was enough), so I know how exhausting teaching is and I take my hat off to all you teachers out there. You are so right when you say teaching is a vocation – you really have to want to do it. So, have a wonderful break when you can, and forget about September for the time being!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  29. Erika Kind
    Jul 17, 2017 @ 19:27:36

    Like being a doctor, nurse, priest… or teacher, I always said it is rather a calling than a job! But that doesn’t mean that you also need your rest and breaks! Soon…

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  30. Shivangi
    Jul 17, 2017 @ 14:58:42

    A noble profession but with great responsibility! Happy holidays Ritu…you deserve a nice break😀👍

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  31. aka Cibo the Anti-Pasti Poet
    Jul 17, 2017 @ 14:11:53

    Yay! Doing a job you love and doing it well. G:)

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  32. Sara Gethin
    Jul 17, 2017 @ 13:17:35

    So remember that anticipation of the holidays approaching, even though I’ve been out of teaching for 10 years or more now. Have a wonderful and refreshing break, Ritu – and I hope all the things you’d like to change about teaching come true sooner rather than later!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  33. Judy E Martin
    Jul 17, 2017 @ 12:49:14

    I hope you managed to get some much needed rest over the holidays, Sis 🙂 xx

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  34. bitaboutbritain
    Jul 17, 2017 @ 09:32:22

    I wonder what Mr Chips would have made of it all?

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  35. Sobhalisha Panda
    Jul 17, 2017 @ 09:29:19

    Teaching small kids takes more effort than teaching the older ones,,I have my cousin about 5 years old and teaching her is the most difficult thing I have ever done,,,

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  36. Cheila
    Jul 17, 2017 @ 08:40:35

    Not to make you jealous but, in Portugal, we have 2 and a half months of Summer vacation. Wanna move here?😊

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  37. TanGental
    Jul 17, 2017 @ 07:52:49

    I have this image of you recognising someone, now in their 20s, as a former pupil and squealing and running up to them…. or is that just we bloggers you save that for?! Have a great summer and think about that book, eh? You don’t have to increase your blogging now you’re free.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Jul 17, 2017 @ 08:05:06

      I would 100% do that with former pupils! I had one come for work experience last year!!!
      I will try so hard to relax His Geoffleship ! Xx

      Like

      Reply

  38. gouparchery
    Jul 17, 2017 @ 05:39:59

    good post ,awesome

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  39. robbiesinspiration
    Jul 17, 2017 @ 05:05:34

    I know that teaching is not the part time job many people think it is. I also know that teaching, particularly small children, takes a lot of energy. I hope you get some R&R, Ritu. You deserve it.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  40. Ashwini Nawathe
    Jul 17, 2017 @ 04:59:17

    Hahaha..I know that feeling 😛 And yes it is so exhausting to shepherd around a bunch of kids (mine are unruly 17/18 year olds). But running into them at random places and getting recognized and loved is a bonus. Only yesterday I met a past student of mine and she told she was getting married! I suddenly feel so old now and I’m just 26!! God…

    Teaching is something I love and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Period.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  41. anhistorianabouttown
    Jul 17, 2017 @ 04:22:36

    You’ve got this, Ritu!!! Hopefully it will be a little quieter and more relaxed for you once it’s just you in your classroom 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

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