Teachers’ Blues
The teachers’ blues
Is a bittersweet thing
When the sum of my passion
Seems to multiply the pain
When grades fail to reflect
The progress we made
Just know that benchmarks
Can’t calculate
Who we became
I’m not trying
To get political
Just helping you to see
That character counts
As much as
Getting those ABC’s
So, let’s take a moment
Of silence, to commend
Perseverance
See, half the battle
Is trying to get
The students to give
An honest attempt
But, we are soldiers
So, we’ll train
An army of kids
Some battles we’ll
Lose but the
war we will win
Once they get
The war cry to:
Pick up the pen!
Reflection
When I was a new teacher, my principal (at the time) made a comment about how I had a lot of passion but not enough skill. Although his words hurt me, I knew he was right. My classroom management was weak (to non-existent), yet I was determined. Each battle I lost became an opportunity to learn, to develop, and to adapt.
And, boy, did I learn. My growth did not come from my administration nor any mandatory training. It came from my students, from experience, and from my peers. I wrote this poem to remind administration (and anyone in charge of making decisions) that teachers have a difficult job. We are on the frontlines and we don’t often have the necessary support and resources. With that said, I have worked with a few principals and vice principals who never lost sight of what it means to be a teacher. Those handful of warriors were truly in my corner.
I also wrote this poem because I am data-driven and goal-oriented. I want my students to meet grade level standards. Period. No excuses. But, that doesn’t mean the journey is easy. That doesn’t mean I am always successful. That doesn’t mean I never make mistakes. Therefore, I hope this poem resonates with my colleagues who are in the trenches with me. From new teachers to veterans, may we unite and keep the spirit even through the difficult days.
Prompt
Now, let’s take a moment of silence.
In fact, let that be our focus this week. Sit with silence. Reflect on a time when you had to be silent. Was the moment uncomfortable, peaceful, painful, hostile, or a mixture of emotions? Was it ceremonious, voluntary, or forced? Was it political, religious, personal, or accidental? Were you alone? Some moments with tension and silence revolve around death, goodbyes, longings. Explore wherever the silence leads you.