Trading Chaos for Quiet
“Base, you got a minute?” I hear it constantly and I know within the next few moments, one or more of the following will happen, I’ll: get a change in schedule, get a new student, have to write an IEP, be asked to provide progress monitoring for the intense state audit, go to a meeting, get a duty change (hehehe—‘duty’ still makes me laugh), do something for the new teacher evaluation system or drop everything and deal with a kid in crisis. Add to this the endless stream of phone calls and emails (which I am fastidious about returning), eluding that kid who has become my shadow, yelling at my desk mate as his stuff creeps onto my side again, and leaving the building for the relentless fire drills. Top this all off with all the regular start of the year stuff, actual teaching, planning and reflection, and you’ve got a very busy teacher. I couldn’t wait to get on the trails. On the trails, all I have to worry about is whats 4-6 feet