A True Gentleman

Not many people can say that they get to go to work and hang out with their best friend, but I do. And even though we are teaching in different grade levels this year (I am in Kinder and she is in first) we fortunately have the same bell schedule so we get to each lunch together. After I drop my kiddos off at the cafeteria I grab my lunch and head down to Robin's classroom where we eat, talk, and some times grade papers. It is a nice little break in my day where I get to enjoy some great company and get a change of scenery. This last week, one of her students earned lunch with her in the classroom. This little boy had been on his best behavior all week long and was now being rewarded with lunch with his teacher. When I entered the classroom I asked him if it was okay if I joined in on his "lunch date" with Mrs. Noyes. He excitedly said yes, and I headed over to the table. I set my food down and before I could do anything else this little first grade boy stood up and said, "Here Ms. Jennings, let me get your chair for you." He pulled out my chair for me like a true gentleman. Robin and I each gave each other a look that said, "Oh my goodness, that is most adorable thing ever." It was definitely the highlight of my day, if not for the entire week. Well done, young man. Well done.

How I "Deal" (aka why I still love my job)

Today one of my many teacher friends asked me how do I "deal". How do I deal with our messed up educational system, our lack of funding, the new evaluation system, etc. Despite all the extra work resulting in longer days and the extra tasks and data collecting and what have you I can honestly say that this (so far) has been the best/most enjoyable year of my career. So why is that? After a moment of reflection, followed later by some more deeper reflecting, this is what I came up with: How I "Deal" (aka why I still love my job): 1. God's grace - it's the truth. There is no better, easier, simpler, truer explanation. I can't imagine doing this job without Jesus right beside. I don't know how people do it. 2. I do the best I can to be positive. I put a smile on my face, I trust that people have good intentions, and whenever I can I avoid listening to grumbling and complaining. That I feel is the biggest thing. Complaining is contagious, and never helpful. 3. I know that whatever happens it is not the end of the world. This whole new evaluation system doesn't scare me. Why? Because I know that I am a good teacher. I know I am not the best and I can always get better. But I know that I have my kids best interests at heart: academically, socially, emotionally.