On the way to work, Valerie reflects on her job and looks forward to catching up with Monica after the long weekend.
Valerie’s math class presents her with challenges and opportunities.
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Sixth grade wasn’t my first choice. To tell the truth, neither was teaching. But, after ending my career in banking, I started volunteering in schools, and I got hooked on the kids. Next thing I knew, I got my ed degree and got busy. Now, I stay busy. Too busy—according to my friends, anyway. I try not to let it get to me, to feel overwhelmed. This work is important, and—let’s face it—this school has some serious hurdles to jump. But I gotta keep an even keel.
Mostly, I try to count my blessings. That’s how I stay calm when I’m antsy, like when I’m stuck in traffic like this. I make a list in my head of the things I’m thankful for. You know, like my health, my family, clean water, shelter, a good laugh. It’s pretty much the same list each time, but it still relaxes me and helps me stay focused. Lately, I’ve added my new teammate, Monica, to my list. I don’t know how I got through the school day before she came along.
Valerie sprints through her morning to beat the bell.
Ten minutes until show time. That’s how I think of it—of teaching—I mean. I unlock the classroom door with a click, hit the lights, dump my purse and briefcase at the desk, plug in the computer cart, and flip the power cord switch so it glows red. I open my lesson plans from my desktop, find my PowerPoint and leave it ready and waiting on the first slide. I hang the problem of the day and motivation charts on the blackboard and step back, looking. Slide one chart over to the right a bit, and grab my mug, heading next door to hit Monica’s coffee pot, share a quick laugh, ask about Dwayne—who’s missed a lot of school lately. Return to class. Greet students. Get ‘em settled, and get started.
Review Valerie’s order of operations PowerPoint.
After I wrap up the lesson and dismiss the students, I take a look at my calendar and remember my team meeting at nine. Revising my PowerPoint will have to wait until tonight. I head to Monica’s for a refill, and away we go.