Even though school is out, Teachers, don’t forget to smile :)

Posted by Kira on June 29, 2010

Yes, I said “even though” school is out. The end of this year was rough for me because my district has been threatening to lay me off since February. I caught myself saying the age old “I can’t wait until this year is through!” But now that it is, and in a stroke of luck or miracle I did NOT lose my job, I find myself not smiling as often. As I dressed this morning, in sportswear for a walk that I never get to take during the school year because of my long commute and early wake-up time, I realized it’s been weeks since I’ve had a good belly-laugh, or since my face hurt from smiling for almost 6 hours straight.

I teach high school students. Yes, I do enjoy it thoroughly. You see, that’s the trick. If you don’t enjoy the kids, you may find yourself saying ridiculous things to yourself, things that are negative , things that will make you not like your job. I never say those things to myself or anyone else. Instead, I stand outside my classroom door- fist-bumping students on entry, making “gagging” noises at the ones who stop to make-out with their “significant” others before going to class, making encouraging hurry-up motions to the ones who lag behind after the bell rings, and generally making a fool of MYSELF for their benefit. I always get a laugh, for them and for me. It breaks down the classroom-entry barrier so class can start on a light mood. Since I don’t have much of a reason to act this way at home for the benefit of my husband and three cats, I miss those moments. I have to find other reasons to smile and laugh during summertime.

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