Do you ever get on your own nerves? This morning I went to school, and the day just started out plain rotten. My nerves were tapped out before my twenty-two 4th graders ever arrived. I couldn't quiet put my finger on the reason for my short temper, but I recognized how irrational I was being. My kids picked up on it pretty quick, and I felt like I had this bright red button pinned to my shirt that screamed "Push ME!". Every little thing they did just got under my skin. Of course most of the behaviors were not out of the ordinary, but for some reason I just couldn't let it go. Needless to say there were an above average amount of conduct marks.

Now, someone reading this, might think, "Well, why are you a teacher then?" And that is where I pause long enough to remember that I love what I do, and even in the midst of frustrating mornings like today, their is purpose in the process. You see, I get to practice acceptance. Accepting that I can't control everything. I must have classroom management, but at the end of the day, each child chooses who they will be. There will always be kids who ruffle the teacher's feathers, and there will always be days when we wear our emotions on our sleeve. I have to remember that. In the meantime, I will cut myself some slack. Don't all teachers loose there minds every once in a while?

So there you have it. The ramblings of a single school teacher. Are there any other fellow educators out there who share my plight?