Tiffany Painter

In another life this coming week would mark the end of summer for me. The beginning of August marks the start of a new school year for teachers heading back to the trenches of education. I have many friends who are making the transition back to the classrooms over the next few weeks. For those who still enjoy all the good things about teaching it is a time of new beginnings, but for those who have lost their why (those who know will understand this), it is easy to get lost in the despair of leaving summer behind. For my lost friends as you start a new year, maybe aim for a different why. Your why doesn’t have to be so grand as dedicating your life to all those children who benefit greatly from your tireless efforts. The establishment wants those kind of whys. But your whys can just be because retirement is only a couple years away, or because health benefits are a good thing for you and our family, or because you enjoy a job that allows you be the boss in your space for a few hours each day. It’s okay for your job to just be a job. Teachers do not need to carry the burden of society on their backs. It is hard enough without all that pressure. If you got into teaching, you have already proven yourself to be a hard working, caring, compassionate person. On that first PD day when you are asked for you why, it’s okay if it’s just because that’s your job. You teach because that is your job. Don’t let it be your everything. Let something else be your passion for a change.

7/23

standing all alone
pole’s line drops below surface
long wait for answer

7/24

cruising neighborhood
no need for rider today
enjoying the sun

7/26

on the trail again
half walks better than no walks
will be running soon

7/27

take in a deep breath
savoring the morning view
ready for the day