Life as a Teacher

I've recently been caught up in the exciting world of teaching music... to 600 students a week! Almost 600, actually, in 25 music classes plus a 70 member choir. And this has been my weight-loss program, lol. As with all first full-time "real" jobs, it was an adjustment at the beginning of the year. Get up early, go to work, come home, teach private lessons, eat dinner, spend time with husband, go to bed, repeat.

I'm actually enjoying the "routine" of things now, which is a huge step because this ADD girl has never been one for routines. Also, I officially feel older than my parents. When you have to call and tell your Dad to stop riding the 4-wheeler around because you're trying to go to sleep... well, that's just not normal.

A few perks about being an elementary music teacher (in no particular order):

1. Automatic workout every day. Basically, I only sit down during planning and lunch. And there's lots dancing and bending down and picking up heavy instruments and tying shoes and such. I kid you not, I have lost 20 lbs since this summer (Okay, maybe I've been eating healthy also).

2. It's just about a guarantee every day that someone (other than husband) will tell you that you're sooo pretty (so what if that someone is seven?).

3. Hugs.

4. Sonic-type ice. Yes, our teacher lounge has an ice machine that makes soft ice like they have at Sonic. This really should be listed as perk #1.

5. Dress-up days. For example, I got to dress like a hippy Wednesday for Red Ribbon Week. And, as a student told me, "If you're a hippy, you support no drugs!" Yep, totally what that means.

6. Getting home by 4:15 (most days). I try not to bring work home.

7. Stores that give teacher discounts.

8. My awesome name tag that makes me feel very official.

9. Full creative reign over class content.

10. Can tell kids anything and they'll believe you. This is fun.

11. The salad bar. A kid told me one day that he wanted to be a teacher when he grew up. When I asked why, he said, "So I can get the salad bar!" I guess there are worse reasons.

12. Candy at meetings.

13. Creating bulletin boards. A Kindergartener asked me today, "Are you sure the art teacher didn't make that for you?" They learn backhanded compliments early.

14. Having a room that looks like this!