i think she really means it…

Over-educated?

Monday, September 24th, 2007 | Sara the Wife | 2 Comments

Is it possible to be “over-educated?” After this past week, I would say, “yes.” For example, if a 7th grade teachers tells me too much about a particular student’s past behavior, I have a hard time being unbiased when interacting with that student. Sometimes it’s important (and better for everyone) if the teacher knows only what is neccessary and beneficial for developing a relationship (the rest is just gossip, or personal issues).

This is what brought this little thought to my mind… The book I’m reading (Mommy Wars), gives lots of details about child birth and the first year as a new mother. Well, I am certainly a member of Generation Me and think that the more I know about a situation before making a decision, the better. However, if I keep putting off having a baby because of the pain, misery, and sacrafice these mothers make having a child sound like, I don’t know if we’ll ever start a family.

I have a wonderful example of a mother, and incredible friends who have had children of their own and are able to get by without wearing their “I-suffered-through-28-hours-of-labor-and-gave-up-my-promising-career-as-CEO -of-a-major-company-not-to-mention-my-perfect-body–to-birth-this-crying-baby” badge. I think the less I know about something, the more I can trust God to lead me through it. And there’s one thing I know for sure as a result of all this “over education.” I won’t have control over everying in my future. The only hope that I have is that God has promised to take care of me for the rest of my life. For that I am grateful.

How Many Hours Does a Teacher *Really* Work? (2)

Wednesday, September 19th, 2007 | Sara the Teacher | No Comments

Keeping track of my hours this year is making my head spin! Not to mention a little depressed. I was doing a little “math” this morning as I was getting ready for school.

• I am paid a salary 10 months of the year.
• My contract time is “officially” 8:00 am to 2:30 pm.
• There is NO WAY a teacher can do what she must do each day in 6.5 hours (and that includes a working lunch).
• I put in 43 hours of work alone the week before school started (and no students were even on campus!).
• Last week, I put in 54 hours. According to my contract, I was “paid” for working 5-6.5 days. That’s 32.5 hours.

It’s unfair–plain and simple. Good teachers are not paid for the work they do. In any other business a good worker would earn yearly raises, promotions, etc. “Good” workers don’t get paid the same as “bad” workers. And most “bad” workers don’t stick around very long. Unfortunately, all teachers get paid the same (according to their years of experience) despite the amount of time and energy they put into their classroom.

So, I don’t know if I really want to continue this little experiment of mine. I’m more aware than ever the extra hours that I’m spending on my classroom, but it’s not motivating me to cut back (should I really just do my “job” in the given time society thinks I can do it, or do I think my calling goes beyond 6.5 hours a day?).

My students are way to precious for the bare minimum a teacher can give. God has given me a heart for these kids that stretches beyond my job. I don’t want to loose sight of my real purpose.

Thoughts on Mommy Wars

Monday, September 17th, 2007 | Sara the Wife | No Comments

I have really been enjoying my latest read, “Mommy Wars.” Each chapter is written by a different kind of “mommy.” From career moms to stay-at-home-moms to hybrids of the two. I find that my opinions are evolving, and that God is doing a work on my heart as well (more on that later). The two points I have been thinking most on these last few days are as follows:

1. Being a mom is not a job–it is a relationship. For us “gen me-ers,” we have a very difficult time investing our time and energy into something without a given recipe or algorithm to follow. “Follow these steps, and you will have healthy, well-rounded, and most importantly, happy children.” Unfortunately, like all relationships (being a daughter, or a wife, or a granddaughter) there are no rules to follow. Being a “successful” mother is not something that can be measured on a standardized test. The amount of love, care, grace, and guidance given by any mom cannot be calculated to determine the type of people her children will turn out to be. Becoming or not becoming a stay-at-home-mom cannot be the only factor that determines the “success” of a family.

2. A good mother is a good mother, working or not, just as a crummy one is crummy whether she’s home all the time or hardly at all. I hadn’t thought about it that way before. Lots of working moms put their children first, no matter what. If there’s a meeting at the office, but the baby is sick, a good mom usually finds herself at home tending to her little one. If the latest designer bags are out for Fall, and the self-centered, at-home-mom just has to have it, she can often find a way to make irresponsible decisions to provide for her needs before caring for the needs of her family. Staying “at home” does not always mean “present,” just as “working” does not always mean “absent.”

Back to what God is teaching me through all of this. I have come to realize that I have a very judgmental spirit about these issues. I have been reminded that my opinions are simply my opinions (and as Pastor Mark said on Sunday, “We’re all tired of your opinions”). It must break God’s heart when I am quick to judge a challenging student in my class (“well, his mom must work outside the home because this kid’s got major discipline issues!”). I am learning that what works for me and our family is not the answer for every woman out there. That instead of looking at “career” moms with squinted, critical eyes, I should look at them with eyes of compassion. After all, there is no rule book to follow. And for those women trying to raise their children on their own, and have yet to reach out to God for help, it is not my place to judge. Rather, I should *love* the women and their children I come in contact with daily. God has called me to do nothing more than LOVE. And the only Book that will teach me how to do that is God’s Word.

Two Weeks Down…

Friday, September 14th, 2007 | Sara the Teacher | No Comments

Well, I’m just finishing my second week of school. I forgot just how much energy teaching takes. I’ve fallen asleep on the couch every night this week at about 9:00. I’m exhausted! I feel great, though.

It’s good to be back with 8th graders (did I just say that “outloud?”). I’m really enjoying my job right now. I’ve taught these lessons before and now I can have some fun with them. I made up a game last year to reinforce writing numbers in “expanded form.” There was very little “prep” for the game this year, as I made all of the pieces and the rules poster last year. Every one of my classes *loved* the game. I couldn’t believe I was walking around a classroom with every student engaged (a true dream-come-true!).

I feel more confident in my teaching style and ability. That gives me time to enjoy my students and really be aware of their learning needs. I think I still get a little too emotionally connected to my lessons and my students, but I tend to be a passionate person in most aspects of life.

So…there’s the update on my classroom. I find myself as busy as ever, but truly able to enjoy the calling God has given me.

The Library

Wednesday, September 12th, 2007 | Random Thoughts | No Comments

I borrowed a book from the library this week. I forgot what that was like. However, after having read a chapter from an interesting book while sitting on the floor at Barnes and Noble a few months back, I decided the $30 price tag was a little steep for my summer teacher’s salary and decided to look for the book at the Culver City library. They didn’t have it, but they were able to borrow it from one of the other 40 Los Angeles County Libraries. And I didn’t even have to pay for it! (It was kind of embarassing when I got my debit card ready to slide at the counter).

So…I’m reading a new book. It’s a book of essays edited by Leslie Morgan Steiner called Mommy Wars: Stay-at-Home and Career Moms Face Off on Their Choices, Their Lives, Their Families. Needless to say… you’ll be hearing a lot more from this one!

A New Beginning, A.K.A “A New School Year”

Sunday, September 2nd, 2007 | Sara the Teacher | No Comments

One of my favorite reasons for teaching is new beginnings. In just a couple of days, I will be starting my third year as an 8th grade Algebra Readiness teacher. The excitement is building (and I’m not being sarcastic!). My classroom is ready, my lessons are planned, and my class rosters are set. I have enjoyed my summer, and truly found time to rest. My enthusiasm for teaching has returned and I am ready to take on the adventures the year holds!

Our worship leader, Tommy, shared a new song with us this weekend at church. I copied the words down so that I could share its message with some of my friends at work. It’s a fast-paced song that fills my heart with joy as I am reminded that I’ve been created to serve our God in a tiny classroom in Culver City, California. Here are the words… May you be blessed in knowing that God has a history to make through your calling as well:

I’m so glad I’ve been chosen

I’m so glad I’ve been set apart

I’m overwhelmed You’ve allowed me to come

And be part of Your army of love

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How I cherish Your calling

Your gracious gifts and anointing

The history You will make through me

So Your glory, it may be seen

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I don’t know why You would let me in

But for Your kingdom here I am

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Thank You, Lord I praise You

That I get to be a part

Of showing the world Your heart

Thank You, Lord I praise You

That I get to be sent out

And proclaim Your salvation aloud

Thank You!