Real Talk Teaching

Teaching is real.
It is raw.
It is messy.
It. is. hard.
It is also relational.
It is impactful.
It is life changing and life affirming.
It is my life and I wouldn’t change it for anything at all.
That does not mean that I’m going to spread rainbows and glitter and tell everyone to be happy all the time because telling the truth is hard to hear.
Having parents misunderstand you and make unrealistic demands on your time is HARD.
Having your time micromanaged down to things that you could care less about is HARD.
Being compared to other teachers with data and being shamed into improving your practice is HARD.
Being the only teacher of color in a school and looking for authentic discussions and community is HARD.
Having your time taken up with pointless meetings is HARD.
And on…and on…and on.
It. is. HARD.
We certainly can not live in that space, and I am not advocating that we do.
I choose to live my life transparently and authentically, and if that means that I post on the realities of teaching that show the not so fun side, so be it.
I’m not going to be shamed into silence by anyone.
I’m just tired of being made to feel like I’m cranky, or harsh, or bringing down the profession because I choose to share the good and the bad of this #teacherlife.
So here is what I’m advocating.

Let’s stop pretending it’s not hard.  Let’s stop pretending that if we just put a smile on it, it will be better.  Let’s start being the change we want to see in our schools.  Let’s start using our voices to talk about the change our kids need…AND that our teachers need.  Veteran teachers…I’m asking you…no, really, I’m begging you. Find a rookie teacher and mentor them.  Really mentor them.  Tell them that their voice matters…even if it only matters to YOU.  Make them know that this job is worth it…in SPITE of how hard it is.  And please…for the love of teaching…please let them know its okay to have good days and bad days.
No one is perfect.
Please.  Let’s all be real…AND messy…TOGETHER.

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