Mission

Bibliophiliac is the space where one passionate, voracious reader reflects on books and the reading life. You will find reviews, analysis, links, and reflections on poetry and prose both in and out of the mainstream.

A book must be the axe for the frozen sea within us. Franz Kafka

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

My Job Just Ate My Life

As the first day of school approached I felt anticipation, anxiety and excitement.  Now I feel tired yet exhilarated.  Monday was our first day, and I love my students.  I also love my schedule.  My feet, however, are screaming out, and my calves aren't too happy either.  I forgot what it was like to be on my feet all day long, and so far this week I've been in the building for 9-10 hours each day.

Here are three good things about this year:

1.  I am starting to get to know approximately 130 fascinating people.
2.  I'm teaching two sections of creative writing.  The most wonderful sound in the world:  a classroom full of students who are totally absorbed in the act of writing.  Amazing!
3.  I snagged another bookcase for my classroom today.  I also snagged a burly wrestler who graduated last year and just stopped by to visit:  He carried the bookcase!  His comment:  I just got here and you've already got me doing stuff!  Yeah!

For those who don't happen to work in public education:  teachers are the most ruthless scavengers in all creation.  For the record:  I came by that bookcase through the honest use of flattery.  A very important rule for the public schoolteacher:  befriend everyone in the building.

Now there are stacks of books teetering on my nightstand, on the floor next to my bed, on my desk at school--most of them school related:  When Kid's Can't Read; I Read it But I Don't Get It; The Poet's Companion.  Isn't life grand?

9 comments:

Laura Kozy Lanik said...

I wish I could be excited as you to go back. The stress of teaching 5 sections containing over 35 students per period really starts to takeover my life around December. I start on Friday with a workshop all day and then I will be able to get in my classroom on Monday. I hope you have a great school year!

Frances said...

Oh yes! I am an accomplished scavenger myself in our public school. And an extra bookshelf is one of the most coveted scores available. We are still in teacher prep and pd right now. Our kids come back Monday and I can't wait! I will remind my feet of the challenges ahead before Monday. :)

bibliophiliac said...

@Booksnob: I feel your pain--last year my classes were large. We are on A/B schedule, on the block, so I teach six sections--3 on A day and 3 on B day. I have three preps, not that bad when I know teachers with up to 5. I hope you have a great year!
@Frances: I agree, bookshelves are the big score. Now I just need a table for the back of the room....

Vicki @ Grams Made It said...

How lucky those students are to have a teacher who loves what she's doing. Have a great year!

Anonymous said...

This post makes me so happy because my high school creative writing teacher changed my life! I'm so glad to hear other students have the opportunity to have a dedicated, enthusiastic instructor. It really does make a world of a difference.

Happy school year!

Priya Parmar said...

130? and you still had time to write that? wow. it sounds like you are such a truly wonderful teacher.

Aisle B said...

Sending you the foot karma bodhisattva your way... Hmmm tell me you're wearing sensible shoes first.

Great to hear that creative writing is a plus among the students. There's nothing more gratifying than being part of the writing process.

Good luck and please send the foot karma bodhisattva back when done.

PK

Stephanie said...

I LOVE your passion for teaching. :-) I have my eye on I Read It, But I Don't Get It. I wonder whether it would help me be more effective with my homeschooled kids.

Emily said...

My dad (also a teacher) always says there are three people you should always be nice to: the janitors, the secretaries and the lunch ladies. Way to score a bookcase! Hope the rest of the school year is as exhilarating as the first day :)