There is one common misperception in regard to teachers and teaching that makes me crazy…
THE STORY
…and that is that we have such an easy job. We have summers off after all, not to mention long breaks for various holidays. We only work 7:30 to 3:00 and have all of our weekends off. And of course we make boatloads of money for livin’ this sweet life. Let me preface this by saying I am absolutely not looking for a pat on the back. I do what I do because I love it, not for accolades. I just want to toss out some food for thought. Really think about this for a minute though…especially if you’re one of those individuals who misperceive what teachers do or if maybe you know someone with that misperception. I entertain not only your child, but an entire roomful of other people’s children all day. All. day. long. And by entertain, I mean educate. Not only do I have to keep this roomful of hormonal messes (I am a middle school teacher after all) entertained, but while entertaining them I have to teach them how to successfully use math in the real world, read, write, do science experiments, and teach them about their community and world around them. And let’s not forget social skills. That my friends is an all day every minute of the day thing.
That’s the academic stuff. Now let’s look at what’s really important, at least to me. It’s my job to take care of these kids; to make sure they are safe. And happy. At least for the seven hours a day I have the privilege to spend with them. During that seven hours I (along with my co-workers who share the responsibility) have to decide the best way to take care of the child who has been crying for three straight hours because he’s sick, but afraid to go home; protect the child who’s being bullied by his “friends” when he’s changing classes; help the child who’s bleeding, but doesn’t quite get it because she hasn’t been taught about her monthly cycle; intervene when a child is starting down a bad path because of the company they are keeping. And that was just yesterday. No, I’m not playin’. That was all in one day. And no, I don’t mind. Because that’s what I’m there for. But I do mind when people say, “Oh, teachers have it so easy. They’re off three months of the year and get paid for it.” My compatriots in education and I pack more “work” into one day than many people pull off in a week. Like I said, just something to think about.
THE OUTFIT
This is actually a lace trimmed sundress doing double duty for winter. I’m a huge fan of multi-tasking clothing and the easiest way to get more bang for your buck with a summer dress is to layer it; in this case with a cowl neck tunic sweater. I wore this a few weeks back during one of our random cold snaps (how is that possible I’m saying “random cold snap” in Pennsylvania in January/February). Over the knee boots and leggings that are also multi-tasking as tights were required because a girl’s gotta stay warm. Why were leggings standing in for tights? If you’ve been around FFD long enough, you know of my soul-deep loathing of tights. Yes, I’ll wear them when I have to, but they’re so freakin’ uncomfortable that I sub in leggings whenever possible.
THE TIP
Always be on the lookout for different ways to wear/style things. Layering summer skirts and dresses with sweaters is probably a no-brainer, but for my fellow tights haters out there, have you ever tried replacing them with leggings when you’re wearing a taller boot? With a tall boot and/or a longer skirt it’s a barely noticeable switch that makes a world of difference in comfort.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Dress: Three Bird Nest; Sweater: Walmart; Boots: JustFab (Similar)
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Prize: $500 Nordstrom Gift Card
Co-hosts: TonieGirl // To Be Bright // tanyafoster.com – a lifestyle blog // Jenns Blah Blah Blog // The Mommyhood Mentor® // Krystal’s Kitsch // Sand, Sun, & Messy Buns // High Latitude Style // Peyton’s Momma //Threads For Thomas // Tailored and True // LeHoarder // Fashion Fairy Dust // Cityrocka’s Accessories and Celebrity Gossip Blog
Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!
Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 3/7 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.
Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!
