Inside The Life of A 2nd Grade Teacher

The alarm goes off at 4:30 a.m. and another busy day begins. Off to the gym to burn off calories and frustration from the school day before. Hit the shower and get ready next, but who knows why you even care about getting ready as a teacher because we know you will just get dry erase marker all over your hands, clothes will be wrinkled from sitting on the floor with your kiddos, and then of course all those great goodies you pick up from your kids. Dodging traffic to get to work on time so the principal doesn't see you walk in fashionably late. Unlock your classroom door and turn on your lights. I wonder if I just keep my lights off and hide in the corner if anyone will even notice I am gone all day? Get everything ready for the day ahead of you. Make sure the whiteboard has today's date and journal. The learning center assignments have been changed and make sure your head is screwed on tight. Run around frantically at first trying to get lesson plans ready, make sure all your paperwork for whatever reason is where it needs to be. Next check your phone messages for any angry parents who want to let you know that little Tommy didn't like staying in for recess yesterday because he hasn't turned in ANY of his homework this year so far! Ahh just when you think you can sit at your desk and breath for one moment that blessed bell rings. As you walk out to greet your children all the frustrations and problems just went out the door because like any other great teacher does, you put on the cutest smile and greet each one of your 26 angels and tell them you are so happy they are here today and let's get ready for a wonderful day!! The day begins with reading and you hope with the blank stares your kiddos are even processing one thing, then off to recess where you can take a little potty break (finally!) Now it is math time and then lunch where you have to stuff your face because as a teacher you barely get a 20 minute lunch. Then the rest of the afternoon you are trying to stuff just enough writing, science, social studies, etc in so that they can meet the needs on those darn (I could use other not so nice words) state test. Then finally just when you are about to pull your hair out cause little Sally is crying because Brittany called her something naughty and little Zach is picking his nose and eating it just disgusts you. That end of the day bell rings and they are out the door as you end your day with another smile on your face (this time you mean it) because you are so thankful they are leaving and you can finally get to work on all the other great things teachers have to do. Oh all the extra goodies we just love!! Then finally after being at the school for over 11 hours you decide to just leave cause you are so exhausted because it is 6:00 p.m. and you really should get to your husband and be with him for a few hours. As you walk out the school doors and turn to look at the school you remind yourself that what you do for the children you teach is significant and that you do have the greatest job in the world. Blessing the lives of many young children!!