teaching is a piece of work, literally

It's not like we are not used to this. So much so that it is always feels like a surprise.

Most island teachers know that their classrooms are not so much a place of work as an extension of themselves. That is why we clean our classrooms because there are never enough janitors. That is why we buy cleaning supplies. That is why we paint the walls ourselves.

If we don't do it, who will?

Of course, don't expect us to be giddy about it. Come on, after all, that is not our job. We didn't go to college for this. We shouldn't have to use part of our earnings to keep our workplace clean, or pay for student supplies. But, if you are a teacher long enough, you know it comes with the territory.

And yes, I'd like the Powers that Be to say, enough is enough and we'll take care of it. But, do you mind if I sit down while I wait for this to happen? Because it might take a while.

I've decided to be a bit more zen-like. I'm not going to get all worked up about this. I know it is wrong, mind you, but life is a blink of an eye.

Next time someone decides to demonize us teachers, let's invite him/her to our classroom. Tell him/her to bring "work" clothes.

Tomorrow it's our first day with students in the classroom. If you are a teacher, I want to thank you. For all that you do, whether anyone chooses to recognize it or not.

 I'll leave you with two bits of media that make me feel good about being a teacher. I hope they make you feel good, too.

it's what you say that can damn you

I stumbled upon a conversation regarding "friending" students on Facebook. The friends tried to shed light into the subject by holding opposite points of view. One of my friends is a teacher, the other, a lawyer.

I offered my two cents on the matter and went back to other things, but I've been mulling the arguments back and forth.

When my grandmother was a girl, schoolmarms were expected to be single. If a teacher married and became pregnant, or worse, if she became pregnant and there was no marriage to account for the fact, she had to resign. It was inappropriate for her to show students "her condition". Never mind that the "facts of life" were thoroughly understood by these students who were in close contact to nature in an agrarian society.

Times have changed, of course. One hopes, for the better. A woman's right to earn her living is not disrupted by her decision to become a mother.

As a teacher, I am always reminded that my career has moral and ethical aspects, and that I can be fired on account of displaying behavior that is not considered appropriate. Now, who decides what is appropriate and what isn't, well, that's the dicey part.

And that's where the social networking issue comes in.

I would argue that "friending" students on social platforms, especially students who are minors, is a disaster waiting to happen. And here's why.

Your friends can read what your other friends write. Do you remember how you might have blushed when reading something a friend decided to share? Or the spam that sometimes rock the pages? Well, now imagine your child reading that.

Think of those lovely summer pictures you have posted. Most of your friends will say what a lovely beach. A guardian might decide that the bathing suit you are wearing on that image is inappropriate. And he/she will decide it is a matter to take up with the school authorities.

What if you post something that shows your employer in a bad light? Is posting a link to a news article that criticizes the government a safe thing to do? Are you entitled opinions about your career? Are your expectations of privacy a total delusion?

There goes the paycheck.

You might argue that this is the most obvious example of censorship. And I would say you are completely right. Self-censoring is sometimes a necessary evil. Unless you are willing to ride the tide, as we say. But don't say I didn't warn you.

It is even harder for those of us who are artists on the side, if you will. Self-censoring is the greatest sin an artist can commit. At best, a harrowing walk on the rope.

So, by all means, beware what and with who you share. Because it is what you can say that can damn you.