Chasing Orchid: Ten Reasons Why It's Great to Be a Teacher (Revisited)

Okay so I've been gone a while. Let's just say internet problems, then computer problems, not to mention a new job and a hundred and one things to get done. However, I'm glad to get back to writing, it's a great outlet. So if I'm a little rusty please forgive me, I've been grading less than stellar papers lately, I think it may be rubbing off. *chuckles* Enjoy. ~Orchid

1. You can send your students home at the end of the day.
Okay this is still true but that’s provided your students do their work for the day. My seventh and last period is a pain in the ass!! I have 13 students in a portable room, the majority of whom are boys. I teach juniors in high school so my room is packed.

These kids are ready to go home by the time I get them and work is the last thing on their minds. So I found a way to get them to work. Unfortunately it involves my staying after. I simply told my students that if they didn’t get the work done by the time the bell rang they would be staying after until they finished every last assignment.

Luckily this tactic worked and no one had to stay after…but the threat is still out there.

2. Their minds are like sponges they will soak up any knowledge you wish to impart.
Damn I must have been on some sort of hallucinogen when I wrote that!

3. They always manage to make you laugh.
Well it’s either laugh or cry! Just joking for the most part. My students are actually a pretty good bunch. They love to tease and I have at least one, if not two or more class clowns per period. Of course I do have to keep reminding them that I’ve heard every short joke in the book. *chuckles*

4. You’re always learning.
This one especially holds true for me. I’ve learned some Hawaiian words (some of which I won’t repeat). I’ve learned even more patience and I’ve learned to laugh even more. Oh yeah, and I’ve also learned every which way to form a sentence using curse words. *shakes head*

5. You get to give the tests instead of taking them.
Still true but……sometimes grading those tests is more painful than taking them. Screw it, maybe I’ll just chuck the tests. *grins*

6. The light bulb moment.
Ummmmm still waiting for this one.

7. You’re shaping the minds of the future.
This is still applicable as long as you can get past the blaring iPods, cell phones and chit chat. Let me tell you that can take a whole period in and of itself. Of course *laughs* one can always do what I did and call security when the student won’t give you the phone that’s been going off constantly. Somehow word got around and I really haven’t had much trouble since then. Hmmm I wonder why?

8. The hours rock!
You know…when Lenny wrote his response to my original teaching piece, I yelled at him and told him not to burst my bubble for at least another month or so. I knew the hours were bullshit, but at least for me, I can take my work home with me and do it in relative comfort. For the most part I still get out of work by three at the latest so I can’t complain too much.

9. You get the BIG desk.
Well yeah, I do like having the big desk. Unfortunately I don’t really sit in it much…but it’s nice to look at.

10. June, July, and August
Ummmm well….I teach year round….need I say more?