Teacher Tuesday - 7 Questions

Happy Tuesday, friends!  Today I'm combining my 7 Questions and Teacher Tuesday series and answering 7 "teacher related" questions.

- WHAT ARE SOME TIPS YOU HAVE TO KEEP EVERYTHING RUNNING SMOOTHLY UNTIL SUMMER? - 

Communication, communication, communication!!!  I post homework, test dates, reminders, etc. on our RenWeb system (online gradebook system) for students and parents to see.  I also post the same reminders (along with links to helpful videos, blank copies of notes, extra copies of homework, links to online games, etc.) on each class's Google Classroom.  I also send home class emails weekly and individual emails with student concerns as needed.  The last month or so of school I print out a calendar with all of the due dates for my class and give them out since a lot of kids don't keep paper planners.  

- HOW DO YOU FIND TIME FOR YOURSELF TO RECHARGE THROUGHOUT THE DAY? -

I feel like it's like any job... including when I'm home with my kids in the summer ;)  I just sneak it in when I can.  I have lunch duty a couple of times a week and on the days I don't have duty I'll put on some worship music in my classroom, eat and maybe read a little bit (as much as you can in 20 mins - hahaha).  I like to listen to music or podcasts during my planning time as well which helps me recharge. 

- WHAT DO MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS WISH PARENTS KNEW/DID? -

That middle school is a training ground for high school.  This is the time to let kids learn how to study, how to stay organized and how to navigate time management.  LET THEM FAIL and let them experience how that feels.  Students need to "buy-in" and take ownership of and pride in their grades and if you're constantly stepping in and saving them (or doing things for them!) they'll never learn those valuable skills.  

I've heard more times than I like to admit that "middle school doesn't really count" and while the classes may not count toward a GPA the skills learned (academic and "life") are the foundation for high school and beyond.  

- HOW DO YOU NOT GET OVERWHELMED WITH YOUR KIDS EXTRACURRICULARS AND YOUR TEACHER DUTIES?  I'M STRESSING OUT! - 

Oh, girl! I feel you!!! I will say that it's super helpful and convenient for us that football, soccer, speech, math olympics, etc. are all held on campus.  I keep track of everything in my paper planner and try to get everything ready for the next day the night before... clothes, shoes, water bottles, etc.  

I shared this picture last month - but this is an example of how I stay organized on a super busy day. 

- WILL YOU EVER TEACH A DIFFERENT SUBJECT OTHER THAN MATH? -

I really don't see myself ever teaching another subject - I LOVE math and LOVE helping students overcome obstacles in what can be an intimidating subject area.  I love that answers aren't subjective and while there's a significant amount of grading it's typically pretty straight forward. 

If I had to teach another subject I think biology and/or anatomy would be super fun. 

- WHAT IS YOUR CELL PHONE POLICY - 

Our middle school allows students to have their cell phones at school, but not out in class unless instructed to have them out by a teacher (like for a game of Kahoot!).  They're allowed to have them during passing periods and at lunch as well.  Honestly - I wish that they weren't allowed to have them during school hours at all.  Even in backpacks/lockers they're a distraction and while I understand the need for parents to be able to get in touch with their kids - I really wish we could to back to "the good old days" (#grandmastatus) where if you needed to tell your student they were going home with someone else that you called the office and they relayed the message. 

 "But what if my kid forgets their PE clothes and needs me to bring them to them?!?!"  LET THEM FIGURE IT OUT!!!  ;)  Maybe they run in that day in their regular clothes, maybe they get a tardy for the day or maybe they borrow an extra set from a friend - but letting them figure it out will give them confidence, problem-solving skills AND they probably won't forget again.  

I can tell you that MOST kids are not using their phones to talk to their parents during the day... they're texting friends, snap chatting, making Tik Tok videos and taking pictures.  None of which are essential for the school day :) 

- HAVE ANY UNIQUE TEACHER APPRECIATION IDEAS? -

This.  Just this.  

Honestly, the biggest hurdle teachers face is being undermined by parents at home.  It makes teaching and classroom management beyond difficult when students don't see you respecting and backing up their teachers.  Not to say that you have to agree with everything a teacher says/does and of course you should do your due diligence when it comes to your child's education BUT your kids seeing a united front between their parents and their teachers makes a HUGE difference in the classroom.

HAPPY Tuesday, friends!!!