The Diary of a First Year Teacher

Tomorrow is the last day of school and the last day of my first year of teaching. When I say it flew by, I mean it. So, on my students' last day of middle school, I am going to read Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You'll Go, and have them write letters to their 6th grade selves giving advice for what middle school is like. In connection with that, I've decided to write down all that I've learned this year:

Never in a million years did I expect to be teaching middle school, but now I can't imagine teaching high school.

The entitlement of the young generation is real for about 75% of my students. 

I am so grateful for my mother and the fact that she took and adult's side over mine and made me do all of my homework before I could "play," and that she made me take responsibility for my actions and words.

I have said things I never thought I would: "Did you just spit on his jacket?!" "What is 'on fleek'?" "No, someone farting in your face does not cause pink eye." And so much more...

I didn't know what I was doing about 80% of the time, but I think I faked it pretty well.

Teaching is a humbling profession. Lessons won't work. Kids will prove you wrong, and that's OK. 

The first fire/tornado/lock down drill about made me pee my pants because I had NO idea what to do.

Speaking of bathroom breaks, teachers have to have bladders of steal.

I can eat lunch in 17 minutes while monitoring students, telling them to sit down, and still have time to go to the bathroom.

Standardized testing is a pain in the rear. I like to call it "the 88 ways I can lose my job."

Middle schoolers smell. Seriously.

Boys are more concerned with their hair than any girl I've ever known.

If I really waited every time I said, "I'll wait," I'd be 85. 

I have told a stranger in public to pull up his pants. 

I have wine more days of the week than I ever did in college. 

When I get angry I say things like "good night," "jiminy cricket," and "son of a monkey's uncle" to keep myself from saying what I'm really thinking.

I never knew so many ways of avoiding work existed until I met my students.

Nothing could ever have prepared me for how stressful the end of the year would be. I don't think I've ever been so stressed out in my life.

My coworkers are incredible. I've laughed in front of them, danced in front of them, and cried in front of them. I truly wouldn't have made it through this year without them. 

I cannot believe tomorrow is the last day. I am so grateful to God for this year of learning and growing. I've learned so much more than what's listed, but that'll be for another day...