It's Personal

 Teaching is Personal

    Being a teacher is a big responsibility and is so very personal. We are responsible for the safety, health, and education of the students in our classroom. Any one of those things is big but put them all together and it's no wonder teachers have a hard time when they have to be out of the classroom for even one day. Because we have to hand over our students to someone else.

    This year has been a continuance of schools lacking substitutes, so not only have teachers been unable to legitimately take their contracted personal or sick days without guilt about taxing the rest of the staff, but they are leaving the care of their students to substitutes that may or may not have such a vested interest in the students. Even if they are great at what they do, the students feel somewhat abandoned by their primary caregiver. 

    I have had to take some personal time off and despite my best efforts, I have been torn about how to take care of all of those in my care. Of course, my family is my top priority, however, students are also a big priority and I actually think of them as my family too! My hope is that I have taught them to be independent and respectful in the classroom, but I also know that they miss having the constant in the classroom. Every teacher has their own personality and style, and kids have a hard time adjusting to a change in "leadership" no matter what that person's ability is to do a good job in our stead.

    I guess I wanted to acknowledge this because being out of the classroom is just plain hard for everyone. I know the kids are fine without me, but no matter what happens...they are always in the back of my mind and it's hard to let that go- no matter how many times people tell you not to worry! I take my teaching responsibilities personally.