Tuesday, August 14, 2007

This Too Shall Pass

We are two days into the school year and I am one tired mama who misses her kids and feels like she lives at school.

My Hubs was a teacher for five years before being hired as an assistant principal at a local high school. I've asked him a few times over the past few days if the stress and hours are normal to start the year (I'm a fairly new teacher and this is my first year experiencing all of this without a mentor to guide and protect me). Looking for reassurance that this too shall pass.

This is what he told me:

"Mel, You have 35 years worth of first weeks of school ahead of you in your career. Every year it is rough to start. Every year it gets better after you settle in. Just put that in your pocket so that we don't have to have this conversation every year."

In my pocket. Got it.

Thanks for the pep talk Honey.

And once I did the math, I only have about 30 years of back-to-schools left, thank you very much.

12 comments:

Beck said...

My mom has been a teacher for 37 years and she still finds the first couple of weeks stressful. It will soon become normal again and life will get back to its regular self.

Anonymous said...

I think that even if you know it'll be like this, you can still have the talk every year!

Jenifer said...

Bah. Make sure you mention it every year just for good measure..or is it only me who thinks like that?

Good vibes for everything to settle down quickly...

Aliki2006 said...

Back to school blows--it doesn't matter WHERE or WHAT you teach. This is my first day back today and...blech.

Jacqniel said...

You can call me and complain any time you want. I will be your listening ear. Hubs' first two weeks of school wasn't anything like yours - I can guarantee it!

California mom said...

That sounds so much like something my husband would say. I just don't think that men "get it". It is perfectly fine to have this discussion every year if you want!!! I've never been a teacher, but I've known a few and all of them said the first week back is tough. Soon things will settle down for you and you'll remember why you love doing what you do.

kristi said...

My sister went back to work today. She works at the school daycare. She is nervous because she knows she will be exhausted at the end of the day! Hang in there.

Stacey said...

Ha!

I absolutely respect every (well just about) teacher in the world.It is a very difficult job and so you get props from me!!!
Hang in there!

Michelle said...

well I guess if you wanted someone to tell it like it is then hubby sure did! LOL I think it's probably a little stressful and chaotic for students and teachers alike when school starts back up, and then you just get settled back into a nice routine after a couple weeks. Hope it's not too crazy for you!

Melanie D. said...

For better or for worse - that is one thing I can count on my husband for. He does not sugar coat, he does not beat around the bush, he is h-o-n-e-s-t. He's taught this bush-beater-arounder a thing or two over the years. :-S

OhTheJoys said...

Funny. He's so ENCOURAGING. Heh.

nikkis30by30 said...

MEN. It isn't about sugar coating.... it's about COMPASSION!!! That's the one major bone of contemption between my J and I. He has no compassion.

As I think you have been told in several other comments.... it WILL pass. Addison's first teacher, Mrs. Pasho, has been a teacher for 25-30 years now and she even said she can't believe how every year it is the same thing. She loves her job; but much like you she is HUMAN.

You can do this Mel. And you will. And YOU, my dear, are the BEST person for this job and for these kids.

HUGS!!!