You know, spring break comes along at just the right time of year. As I work diligently on my island in Facebook, read my chapters for my own studies, hang out with my family, and just generally do a lot of nothing I realize how much we all needed to recharge. I also realize, much to my husband’s chagrin, how difficult it is for me to stop being a teacher. It is an occupational hazard, I suppose, but one that our families invariably will protest at some time or another.
My own husband often bemoans the time I spend planning lessons and activities and generating ideas. We were at the store just browsing and I kept seeing things I could use in my classroom. Finally he turned to me with a heavy sigh and said, “Please…could you just stop being a teacher for a little while? You are on MY time now.”
I confess to being a bit of an over-achiever. I admit to spending (probably) too much time doing school work. Ask any teacher and they will tell you the same. That is why, as I enjoy my week off for spring break, I have found myself reading educational books and working on lesson plans. I’ve updated my classroom wikispace (voki is VERY cool) and worked on creating an animated movie for students to use in case of absence or just not “getting” the information in class. I am beginning another class in the pursuit of my M.Ed. (2 classes left after this one!) and teaching myself to paint. I am looking for field trip ideas for the GT students and getting dirty looks from my husband.
Today I went visiting with my family to see my aunt. We had a great time and ate WAY too much of her wonderful cooking. Then….yes, it’s true…we began talking about education. My husband, resigning himself to his fate, kicked back in the recliner and proceeded to “not snore” very loudly. My children also remained outside playing as we gleefully discussed our views of education and its direction.
Now, as I type this there are various items on my desk: laptop from school, books, papers, plans, and grades; I wonder….when do I get all that time “off” that everyone talks about teachers having? Hm. Someday, perhaps when I retire!
Christine Moore currently holds a degree from Howard Payne University and is actively working toward a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Married with four children, Christine teaches 6th grade reading in Brownwood and has been working in education at various levels for the past 14 years. Her husband, Jeremy, owns a local company that specializes in web design, custom computer builds, and on-location repair called DreamSoft Design at www.dreamsoftdesign.com. Christine welcomes your questions and comments and would love to hear from you!
