Between Classes

It would be difficult to identify the first teacher who encouraged me to stop dragging home bank boxes full of papers to grade over the winter holidays. It took a number of years before I listened, so in my mind’s eye, I see a Greek chorus full of mentors chanting, “Don’t do it!” Now it is advice that I give to other teachers; I recognize that teaching well requires me to have patience with myself, not just students. I accept that public education has not been waiting for me to exhaust myself as the secret elixir to all its problems. I believe that if I want students to “study and prosper, like I have” then I need to be sure to live a life I seem to be enjoying!