time!

Shaimaa - posted on 12/13/2009

Well, unfortunately, teaching is a tough profession. And you know what? Your husband is right! Teaching and mother take all your timead energy that you no longer have the strength or even the willingness to show love and dedication to a third party.
Hang in there. It's the most rewarding a person can have!

Clare - posted on 12/05/2009

My baby is 5 months old. Teaching seems like a world away now and I can't imagine going back to work. I loved being a teacher. I remember though how much time I spent on school work when at home... marking, reporting, planning and making resources.... it was hard to tune out and stop thinking about work, the kids, the parents etc.. I loved doing it (well most of it) but I wonder how teachers as parents survive. I struggle to find time to connect with my husband as it is and I am a full time mum! It's going to be crazy once I start back at work again. One thing I really appreciate at the moment though is having some time to focus on my family and the other things (besides teaching) that are important to me.

Kirsten - posted on 12/05/2009

I just returned from maternity leave and it's very overwhelming. Like others on here, I spend my planning period pumping, so I don't get anything else done during that time. In the mornings and afternoons, I'm rushing to get as much done as I can. I've been getting a lot of comments about how quickly I walk down the halls! It's nice to know that there are others in the same boat...

May - posted on 12/05/2009

Quoting Nicole:

I really wish that all those people out there who say that teachers have it made - you know the ones - "you get summers off, weekends off, short days, etc" could spend just one day in our shoes. I saw this the other day : "Teachers make all other professions possible." I wish more people would say this - we need appreciation - especially when we are moms!

I used to think this too before I became a teacher Nicole! I got into teaching because I thought it was the most family friendly job ... not really what I anticipated! I love it though!! Our holidays start at the end of the week but I've just gained unofficial head of agriculture, so i think there won't be much holiday time!!

May - posted on 12/05/2009

A few months ago I was home early, had tea cooked and then went out again the next morning and my husband said "It was lovely to see you, please come again" ... I decided I'd better start setting boundaries etc!! I started teaching after we got together, was so determined to do well at it I nearly forgot the whole "balance" bit!

Nicole - posted on 12/03/2009

So, what do we do?
We put on our goggles and dive into the poop.

Megan - posted on 12/03/2009

It's so helpful reading your comments. I feel like I am not at the top of my game both at work and at home. Also, there is such little time for myself. Some days are harder than others. It's a constant juggling act!

Nicole - posted on 12/03/2009

Exactly Jocelyn!
I have a ten month old who I still breastfeed, too - I have to pump at work - prep and lunch - and I have a two and a half year old! I feel like I never see them and never get my work done.

Jocelyn - posted on 12/03/2009

I'm finding it quite hard with my 6-month-old son. I only get to spend about four hours a day with him on weekdays because I get home around 4 pm and he goes to bed around 8 pm. My one prep hour a day at work is spent pumping and I have to pump right when I get home at 4 (I am an exclusive pumper). Then I spend all evening playing with, feeding, and reading to my son before I put him to bed. After that, I'm so whipped that I just want to chill for an hour, pump, and go to bed! School work is definitely getting neglected this year! It's catching up to me now because grades and comments are due Monday, I have a ton of work to correct still, and we have friends visiting us this weekend... hmmm. Not sure how that's all going to work out! Can't wait the 11 days of school left until break!

Nicole - posted on 12/02/2009

I really wish that all those people out there who say that teachers have it made - you know the ones - "you get summers off, weekends off, short days, etc" could spend just one day in our shoes. I saw this the other day : "Teachers make all other professions possible." I wish more people would say this - we need appreciation - especially when we are moms!

Pam - posted on 12/02/2009

This is my 20th year teaching. I spend way too much time on my job. My youngest daughter is a senior and complains all the time about how much I work. Still haven't figured out how to get it all done.

Nicole - posted on 12/01/2009

I find my school work lacks...I teach middle school and have three kids - it is so hard - by the time I get to sit down at the end of the day to grade papers or create lessons I am so tired that I generally say the heck with it and go to bed - then I get behind in grading - about every other week I get Daddy to take the kids somewhere or I go to Barnes and Noble and get caught up on grading.

Annalie - posted on 12/01/2009

it really is heart warming knowing that there are people who acknowledges our challenges in life yet offer solutions to make it bearable. thanks guys!

annalie

Senga - posted on 11/30/2009

I find if my home life is running smoothly, work isn't and vice versa. I am getting more organised as years go by. Both kids at school was a godsend as this is a small town and child care options are very limited. Now my time is spent trying to work out how to get 1 child looked after, the other off to footy training and me into staff meeting all on time! I really appreciate the support of a caring leadership team but even that gets hard when they say we are having a social activity and no children are able to be there. I feel it is important to build social links with staff but wow it is hard!

Annalie - posted on 11/29/2009

yea...but sometimes it is easier said than done especially when you enjoy your work..so hard to detach...

Annalie - posted on 11/29/2009

hahaha!..nice to know there are others who is in the same boat as i am!

Sharon - posted on 11/28/2009

It is hard. I teach several different pre- school age groups and there is a lot of prep time required at home. I also feel I am harder on my daughter's own academics(3rd grade) because I teach. I think it's just a matter of finding some sort of balance and knowing when to put the job aside and spend quality time with the family. I just haven't succeeded at that yet.

Stacey - posted on 11/28/2009

I know the feeling. If you try to spend time with family you feel like your not doing enough for teaching as well.

Stephany - posted on 11/28/2009

You have to set boundaries. Make time for work and time for family.