First day back....

     So, you would think one wouldn't complain about the job they have.  I can easily tell you how a much I love my job.  It's the best.  I love getting in front of kids and seeing them get the lesson I am teaching.  I love being silly, fun, serious, loving, caring....the list goes on and on.  

     There are things I hate about my job.  The politics.  I seriously get jealous when teacher friends, not in my district, have amazing experiences.  I guess the difference is that I work in a very needy urban district.  Our scores directly impact the money we get from the gov't.  We struggle to have kids perform to standard.  We work so hard, as teachers, to get it done. Really, really hard.  The district, blames us.  These kids don't perform, it's our fault.  

     They don't look deeper.  I read a FB post where a parent was astounded her son hadn't read more Caldecott and Newbury award books.  Why had the school failed him?  How dare we?  Well, we have a curriculum to follow.  We do introduce books.  We offer books, the school librarian offers books,we encourage reading outside of our curriculum.  But, it comes down to the PARENT.  Why didn't she introduce him to those books?  Why didn't she have those books available?  Why didn't she get her kid off her iPad/computer and make him read (I know this child socially to claim this)??  Why is she blaming me, the teacher?  Doesn't some of that responsibility fall on her?  According to my district, no.  

     The district comes down on me and nitpicks everything. These following remarks I have heard from my fellow teachers...

 Are You following the curriculum pathway?  Yes.  Why isn't in your lap?  (Negative mark). 

Why is the pathway on your lap? (Negative mark).  

You need to use your resources...here is a book and 30 page article you need to read by next week to improve...with no follow up.

Love how you use your data binder, can I use it to showcase at the next PD?  Then gives you a basic in it.  

I hate the nitpicking.  What I could accomplish wi out the politics.