Spring Break does not mean "Time Off"

Maybe I was in my own little world. Maybe I was too idealistic. Maybe I just didn't realize the reality of the situation. Whatever it was, I thought that spring break would be the moment of breath that I needed. With but two weeks to go in the homestretch of student teaching, it seemed as though I would have a solid week off with nothing but loads of time to aid me in preparing my last unit to be covered. I made a neat little chart, because that's who I am, clearly planning out my time off so that I could get some work done and find a moment or two to relax. Boy, was I wrong.

It is now Wednesday and I am currently only beginning the process of preparing my last unit on Imperialism in Japan. Things just began popping up that required my immediate attention and pulled me away from my unit. The barrage of parent emails have occupied much of my time over the last few days, as parents are voicing their opinions about their children's report cards. Speaking of which, a solid two hours or so went into entering grades into an online system for students to view their grades online. Not to mention, some time was burned putting in individual comments and statements about each student's learning progress. Mix in some fun calls about tax forms and wedding planning, and its no surprise that spring break is almost gone and I have yet to complete my unit.

I am finding myself so amazed by the fact that a teacher's job seems to never end. That is to say that no matter what time of day or year, the teacher is always performing some sort of action that pertains to the profession. And yet while this statement is true, I have received some great advice with regard to the never ending to-do list of teachers. The social studies supervisor told me that over 90% of the teachers that receive the National Teacher of the Year Award end up divorced. She told me that no matter how crazy things may get in the classroom and with having to complete paperwork, that I should always make time for my family. The laundry list will be there in the morning, and you need to put your family first.

It was very encouraging to hear this from someone in administration. It is good to know that some people have an understanding for the constant "Go, Go, Go" attitude that teachers abide by, and that they are equally concerned that your home life is as healthy as your classroom. That in mind, I think I'm going to start my unit and then go for a long walk around the lake by my house. I need it.