Really.
I love reading what you write. I feel that I have come to know many of you over the past few months/years—months in the case of some of you, while it is years in regard to others.
I have been weighing a decision lately. I feel that at the present time it is the best one I could make. This is largely due to the long hours required of being a teacher – more specifically, the hours it takes me. This time is about to go up yet again as I take on the role of remedial Reading and Math instruction with students after school and an extended day schedule this year. Basically, it means leaving for school at 7ish in the morning and not returning home until 6ish or later at night.
I have discovered that I am faced with a choice: I can be a good teacher and have a bit of a life, I can be a good teacher and have no life, or I can be a terrible teacher with a life.
Something has got to give.
You guessed it…I’ve decided to go with blogging. Though this is something that I absolutely love, it is going to need to take a backseat for the time being. Oh, I still plan to write, and I still plan on reading what you’ve got to say, but I realize that I can’t comment on your posts like I had over the summer. I simply cannot do it all without something suffering. I don’t wish to give up my own life as then I’ll have nothing to write about, and I don’t wish to shirk on my responsibilities as an educator—after all, I love my students far too much.
Just know—as some of you have probably noticed over the past week—that I will be commenting much less than I have been…probably not that often for the time being. Just know that I am still reading your words, and will make my presence known every once and again.
Thanks for understanding. My students thank you, too.
36 comments:
The sign of a good teacher! I've been feeling the same way. I tell myself that I will be on the computer 1 hour a day then before I know it, 2 hours have gone by and I've missed Matlock!
Take care!
We will miss you! But those kids deserve it.
I'm with you, sir! I'll be here when you are ready to return.
FYI: I have felt very similar lately and may have to scale way back as well. Teaching is just too important. (As is my new church calling, but I won't get into that now.)
With my blessing, I give you leave to achieve your duties and goals. May you go in peace. :) (just don't forget about your humble minions...)
Good man! Great teacher! Now tell me again why you can't teach at my kids' school??
Love the picture - I can tell that your students LOVE you!
Totally understand about the lack of time. Sometimes things really do have to give :)
This is kind of off the subject but I just wanted to Thank You (even though you don't teach my kids) for being a wonderful and dedicated teacher. Teachers are not valued quite enough in our society sometimes and when I see a really good one it kind of makes my heart grow with gratitude.
Thank you.
As much as your frequent posts will be missed, because they will, I think you will come to enjoy the time away from posting.
phew! glad that u are not leaving us totally... i completely understand believe me!. i know the long hours and the endless paperwork especially on the special needs kids and u are one of the rare ones that i know that stay after school and tutor!. kudos to u...
I understand, I think your making a wise choice.
Going private my self, have a crazy mom who is bugging me. I don't want her fallowing my blog. Even had her friend fallow me one day from the door of the school out to my car.
Good Luck.
TOTALLY understand and agree.
Mostly because I can still call you and get my fix ;)
I totally understand. Glad you were able to sort through and prioritize - that is difficult.
The hard thing is that many people think that teachers go to work at 8:00, get off work at 3:00 and go relax by a pool somewhere. They whine about the summer's off business. They have no idea what you people really do. Being with kids can be exhausting under the best circumstances- throw in a few kids on behavior plans, IEP's, those who have trouble academically, or at home - and well, it takes a lot of energy. I see teachers planning, arriving early, staying late, attending everlasting meetings, working summer jobs, keeping up on their credentials. All of this for the little pay and little respect. It is heartbreaking. I hope there is a special place in heaven for teachers.
Teach, you embody all that is good about teachers, please do what you need to do to continue being that person!
Good for you Mr. Z - I'm sure the blogging will flow when it's supposed to and the kids will thrive under your more focused attention. This only increases your awesomeness, but I'm sure you already know that.
word verification - jersi
How does Blogger know where I'm from?
I love it when people prioritize well and use the word "no" judiciously.
Happy teaching :)
Totally understandable. I'm feeling the need to cut back and I don't have a classroom of students depending on me. I will take no offense to not receiving very many comments from you, but will still be reading your blog.
Totally understandable, and of course you're making the right decision. At least you'll still be writing. I've just discovered your blog! I think you're probably an awesome teacher and this just proves that fact!
Mom taught for 39 years - long before the advent of blogging. Her journal entries grew more sparse during the school year - same effect, different technologies. Being an awesome teacher is indeed the right choice - goodonya.
w/v "proppe" - You made the proppe decision!
Funny. I thought once school started I would have more time to blog.......
Not when I'm walking back and forth to the school 500 times a day. (Only a slight exageration ;)
A guy/gals gotta do what a guy/gals gotta do.
Back at 'cha! Thanks for reading my blog and commenting. It always made my day when the famed Teachinfourth would stop by and comment! Although I agree that sometimes blogging needs to be scaled back. It IS a sign of a good teacher, parent, employee who can recognize that! I did the opposite, took blogging off for the summer and am now back into it a little...now that my kids are in school! I'm going to try and spend less time on here so the fact that there will be less to read will help me out some! Although, I will certainly miss keeping up with you so often! See ya around!
Something's got to give every now and then, Jason. I was in a similar spot several many years ago--five or six--faced with the choice of being a great mom and wife or a great teacher to my 130+ students. It was really getting to the point where I simply could not do both, and I felt so frazzled and frustrated, and also like I was abandoning either my family or my students when I had to dedicate 100% of my attention to one or the other. It was a tough decision.
I started staying home, though, because there really was no other choice, and I am so unbelievably thankful that I did.
Take your breather, and pop in every now and then refreshed and with an hilarious story about Joey. I can't wait to read them.
Good choice. What an example to those amazing kids you are.
Totally get it. Don't feel bad. Have fun at school!
Ah, I had the feeling the time would come. I've said it before, your students are so lucky to have you.
I'll look forward to your posts whenever you can publish them.
Welcome to the club:)
Thanks to RSS I'll know when you've updated. Best of luck. You're doing the right thing.
Totally know the feeling.
Guess that's why I only follow the few blogs that I do.
But I will be here ready for your next Joey story. Gotta have the Joey fix!
Totally get it! Back at ya. Same boat. See ya a little now, and a lot more next summer, bloggy friend!
I've been the same way too lately. I've been keeping long hours. Life first, blogging second as I always say. Your sanity is paramount :0) Your dedication as a teacher is amazing. It's nice to see someone doing what they love.
Now that is a sign of a good teacher...and a good person. I'll keep checking back, no matter when the posts come. And appreciate your comments all the more now. Good decision friend!
I think you've made the 100% right decision.
My internet has been messed-up for the last month or so. It only works in the morning and late at night. So suffice to say I've spent less and less time online and blogging. (I need a new router)
In retrospect it's a good thing....
Your students are very lucky to have you :)
And this makes me love you and respect you that much more!
I wonder if the kids and their parents truly understand and appreciate that they are blessed with an educator who is really good and REALLY cares!
Thanks for being so understanding, guys. Just know that I will still post a time or three a week (three if one of them is a Media of the Week and one is a "Moments with Joey").
I will still be reading over your adventures and, like I said, will comment when I can.
You guys are awesome!
By the way, have I ever told you that I think you are one, big, beautiful bunch of people?
Yeah, I thought I had...
I don't mind being called beautiful but big? I thought we were friends!!!!
I'll miss your comments, but your kids deserve your full attention!
Btw, how did your Christmas in September get together go?!? Do share (when you have time of course)!
Great choice (which I totally understand as I do this too, and then some), and while we're talking great... Great photo! ;D
See you around now and then.
PS I read some more this morning. Great writing; I wish I had more time to do more writing myself. Keep up the great work! :D
I had to make the same choice about being a mother. Less comments, more mothering. Good luck!
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