Tag: teacher

Blessed

Blessed

by suzannamoberg ♥ 1 Comment

At this point, I think I start every blog post with an apology for my prolonged absence (this time seven months – oops!). I suppose I should add “be better about updating the blog!” to my list of resolutions for this next year!

…

When I started this blog, I had a lot of big plans and visions for what this space was going to be. I wondered if I might create a space to share fun stories from my classroom or unique lesson plans that I had created, a place to give advice or impart wisdom, or maybe a way to connect with other educators (past, present, or future). It’s turned into a blog for…well…I’m not quite sure. A little bit of sharing stories, a little bit of useful advice (or, at least, advice I hope has been useful), and maybe a little bit of connecting?!

I was just looking over my posts from these last three years of blogging and I realized that, in the end, this space has really become more of a haven for me – a safe space to share my fears, trials, triumphs, struggles, successes, adventures, and everything in between. In my first two years of teaching, it seemed that I needed more of that safe space (listen, it was a stressful time okay?!). But these past two years have been…well…different.

Honestly, I feel like I just haven’t had as much to write or share these last few months. My job is fantastic. I love my school, I love my students, and I love this career that I’m blessed to be a part of. I think it’s time, then, for this space to change a little bit – goodness knows I’ve changed these past years!

…

Last year in December I was getting ready to turn 25. This, at the time, felt like a really big deal to me. I watched as many of my friends turned 24 and 25 and had some of the biggest years of their lives: engagements, marriages, houses, pregnancies, babies – you name it. I couldn’t help but compare those experiences to my own life (spoiler alert: I don’t have any of the things from the previously mentioned list). As I neared my 25th birthday, I truly felt like I was failing – obviously I must be doing something wrong to be so far behind, right?

…

Let me tell you this: I could not have possibly been more wrong. Every day of year 25 proved to me that I was exactly where I needed to be.  

I just turned 26 and I’m not sure I’ve ever been more excited for a birthday or a new year.

…

So it’s time for a little blog change. One that reflects not only the trials and struggles that I have faced/will face, but one that also celebrates all of the wonderful and exciting things that are happening – not only in my life as a teacher (which is a pretty great life!), but just in this pretty great life in general.

I’ve shared in past blog posts about my “theme song” that I’ve chosen the last few years (one year was an anthem to encourage me through my difficult days, another year was an anthem for celebration, etc.). This year, I’ve chosen a song to serve as a reminder of how far I’ve come and how blessed I am. I “rang in” my first day as a 26-year-old by dancing around my living room with my family and blasting “I’m So Blessed” by Cain. “I’m so blessed, I’m so blessed / Got this heartbeat in my chest / No, it doesn’t matter about the rest / If I got You Lord, I’m so blessed” – Amen!!

The lyrics are true – I am so blessed! Blessed to have a blog post space to have served as a haven for me in my darkest days. Blessed to be part of a career that I love. Blessed to have another year for learning and growing and laughing and loving. Blessed to have you, whoever you are, reading this post.

…

Cheers to another year, to new resolutions (like updating this space more regularly!), and to another year of blessings. Here I come 2024!

Memories

Memories

by suzannamoberg ♥ 2 Comments

The year I turned 12 was a life-changing year for me.

First, I finally got to sit in the front seat of the car (a perk I enjoyed for one whole year before I had to start calling “Shotgun” to beat my younger sister to the coveted seat).

Second, I finally got my ears pierced. Nothing made me feel more grown-up than matching my little earrings to the outfit I had chosen for the day.

Third (I really feel I saved the best for last here), I finally got Facebook.

…

Now, this might not be exciting to most (I realize that my students call me “old” because I still have, and actively use, Facebook), but as one of the last of my friends to sign up for an account, my 12-year-old life was truly changed.

Surprise! The newly 12-year-old me was a chronic over-sharer. You know those prompts that Facebook uses to inspire posts? “What’s on your mind?” “How are you feeling today?” etc.? Well, I didn’t need a prompt to tell my friends exactly what was up in my life.

  • What did I eat for lunch? I’d post about it.
  • Who was I hanging out with after school? I’d post about it.
  • Vague song lyrics, out-of-pocket inspirational quotes, or mysteriously suspicious jabs? I’d post about it.

This list could go on and on.

…

As time went on, I thought that I could forget about those posts and put those embarrassing moments behind me – after all, who has time to scroll through 13 years’ worth of Facebook posts to uncover those relics?

I’ll tell you who: the creators behind Facebook Memories.

…

I can’t really explain how unprepared I was for that first memory from 12-year-old me to pop up, but wow. There are no words.

…

Maybe I’m getting sentimental in my “old age”, but I’ve started to cherish those memories when I see that notification every day (I’ve also started to cherish the “Hide Post” option on certain memories 😉).

Even though there are so many hilariously cringy posts that pop up, I can’t help but smile when I see inside jokes I shared with old friends, childhood pictures I was tagged in, or teenage accomplishments; all of these “core memories” I didn’t remember I had until Facebook Memories reminded me.

…

Though not cringy or embarrassing or mildly traumatizing like the posts of my youth, I’m finding that the most notable memories that pop up on my memories timeline are the ones from my first two years as an educator.

Many know, but I had a rough first two years, largely in part to the COVID pandemic that led to me teaching virtually, hybrid, in a mask, distanced, and so many other crazy things it’s hard to believe that was my real life. Along with global pandemic factors, I faced an incredibly difficult work environment with students (and administration) who challenged me beyond anything I thought possible. While I loved many of my coworkers (most of whom I stay in touch with and am so thankful for), I knew that I couldn’t maintain that lifestyle and be the best version of myself (someone who, according to those early Facebook posts, 12-year-old me thought was pretty stinkin’ cool).

I look back at memories from those first two years and have to take a moment to grieve for that girl: for the first years of teaching she desperately wanted but didn’t get to have; for the times her body made her physically ill at the thought of having to make it one more day; for the mornings, afternoons, evenings, and nights she spent stressed and crying into her pillow, praying for things to change. How bittersweet to see a picture and know that behind that smile was a girl who was scared out of her mind and ready to leave the career she wanted to love.

…

This week, I unlocked a new core memory. This week, I finished my third year of teaching.

And it was the best. year. ever.

Because this week, I finished my third year of teaching, but I got to do it at the school of my dreams with the most amazing coworkers, and friends I didn’t think I deserved.

…

The year wasn’t perfect (goodness knows some of my students found joy in all the gray hairs they gave me!), but it was loaded with incredible lessons and memories that I’ll cherish forever.

I hope that, in a decade, when these memories pop up, I’ll remember how much I smiled and laughed and loved life in these years. While I’m sure the pictures and posts will still be cringy (will I remember that we were dressed up for a theme day or will I think that I really wore bucket hats to school?!), I am excited to move past feelings of grief, regret, and resentment and rather just cherish this incredible group of people I was blessed to work with.

I guess in all of this, I’m trying to say “Thank you.” Thank you to you for reading this and sticking around to the end of another long post. Thank you to 12-year-old me for being her most authentic self – what a gal! Thank you to my first two years of teaching for showing me I could do it. And thank you to year three for…well…everything.

…

It’s time now for another summer of adventure and memories (and preparing for year four – good luck living up to this new standard!). Please enjoy some of the people and events that made my heart sing this year; I can’t wait to see these pop up on my memory timeline for decades to come.

Best Year Yet

Best Year Yet

by suzannamoberg ♥ 4 Comments

I love back to school shopping – I can’t help it! (Well, really, I just love shopping…but that’s a discussion for another time lol)

There’s nothing quite like the joy I feel when I wander through the aisles of Target picking out matching folders and notebooks, comparing pastel and neon highlighters, and checking to make sure I have all the new colors of flair pens.  

While I love the feeling of back to school shopping, I can’t say I’ve always loved the feeling of actually going back to school.  

The first day of school comes with a ton of new emotions. I remember as a student feeling nervous before the first day. Did I pick out a cute enough outfit? Would I like my teacher(s) or have any friends in my classes? Would I do or say something embarrassing that would haunt me all school year? Gives me goosebumps just thinking of all the terrible things that could have been!  

The first day of school was also exciting. I got to see my old friends for the first time in a few months. I got to get back into my routine and schedule (and open all those cool new school supplies I’d just gotten). I was excited for my clubs and activities to start back up, for swim meets and speech meets and choir festivals. I was also excited to be another year older and closer to finally growing up.  

A lot of these same emotions still exist as a teacher. Still nervous to meet new groups of students and start the process of pronouncing new names and memorizing new faces. Still nervous about the outfit I picked out and the accessories I’d chosen. Still excited for the new possibilities and opportunities to connect with new students, to decorate a new classroom, and to create new lessons.  

This year, all those nerves and that excitement for the new was heightened as I started at a new school!

Last year, I chose a theme song for my year that I could listen to when I needed a little pick-me-up or support. Every morning (or at least every “B” day morning – if you know you know), I blasted Francesca Battistelli’s song God Is Good. “Joy comes, tears fall / I’m learning there is beauty in it all” became my new tag line to myself as I hit some of my lowest moments in the school year.

This year, I went a different route for my theme song. On the first day of school, a new coworker texted me the link to this song, and after one chorus I knew it was a sign. Vacation by Dirty Heads starts with the lines “I’m on vacation / Every singly day ‘cause I love my occupation.” I mean really, could there be a better song to start off the year?!

Being a teacher is hard – I’m not even one week into the new year and I’m debating if 7:00 pm is too early to crawl into bed! But wow, what a different a new school, new coworkers, new students, new theme song, and new start can make.

Happy back to school everybody, I hope we all have the best year yet.

Advice for an Adviser

Advice for an Adviser

by suzannamoberg ♥ 1 Comment

As a high schooler, I was super involved in clubs and extracurricular activities. With swim and speech practice and meets, choir and band concerts and festivals, student council, national honor society, FBLA, and drama, I was always busy and on the go – and I wouldn’t change a thing! I had fun, made so many memories, and learned skills that still help me in both my every day and professional life.

Part of my positive experience in each activity was my passion for what I was doing. Part of it was the friendships I made in each group. And part of it was the advisers who gave so much of their time and energy to make sure I was having these great experiences.

I’m getting a new and exciting opportunity at my new school this year. I am taking over as the yearbook teacher/adviser!

…

I am both anxious and eager for this upcoming year. I’ve never been an adviser before, and I want to make sure that my students get the same fun, meaningful, and positive experiences that I got from my high school activities.

A few weeks ago, I attended a yearbook conference hosted by the publishing company I’ll be working with. I learned so much about the ins and outs of creating and selling a yearbook (and I got a fun shirt, water bottle, and tons of candy – truly, what an event!). Now, I need the students to come back so we can get to work creating the 20th anniversary copy of our yearbook!

…

Side note: it is still so crazy to me to see my name printed as a teacher not a student! Does that ever go away?!

…

While I (not so patiently) wait, I’m looking for a little advice:

  • when you think about or look over your high school yearbook(s), what are things you like about the book? what are things you would change about or add to the book?
  • when you were in high school, what are things that advisers did for you that you still remember or appreciate? what are things you needed from an adviser that you didn’t get?
  • if you are (or were) an adviser (especially yearbook!), how did you balance those tasks with your normal teaching and life? and what are things you would suggest for a new adviser just starting out?
School’s Out For Summer?

School’s Out For Summer?

by suzannamoberg ♥ 2 Comments

It has been one month since the school year ended, and I have followed through on my “Summer of Suz” promise to myself – plenty of travel, pool days, and relaxation after a whirlwind year!

And, I’ve been working on my summer reading list! Thanks to my amazing family and friends, I have a great collection of young adult and middle grade texts in my classroom library collection. But, also because of the family and friends in question, my TBR (To Be Read) list seems to only grow bigger and bigger. So, it’s not so much a TBR list as it is a TBR bucket…and I’ve made it through five of those titles in June 😊 I can’t wait to add these titles to my classroom library this fall.

  • Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko
  • We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez
  • In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
  • Love From A to Z by S. K. Ali
  • We Are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen

…

As much as I’ve loved my evenings reading and daily TikTok binges, I just would not be myself if I didn’t squeeze some work in every once in a while, too. I’ve gotten to see my new classroom and tour part of my new school, I have applied to a new graduate program, I’ve registered for conferences & professional development seminars, studied for a Praxis exam (that test is next week – wish me luck), searched for a new place to live so I can start the moving process, and more.

So, even as I relax and soak up the daily snuggles from my puppy (snuggles that I miss so much when I’m at school all day), I still feel a little anxious for all that is happening outside the “Summer of Suz.” There is so much to do to prepare for what comes when summer is done!

While some days it is easy for me to push aside the little voice in my head whispering all the things I should be doing when I sit down with my book, it has been a little harder for me this week.

Because it’s summer and I finally have time to do things during the day, I purposely scheduled doctor’s appointments and checkups during these summer days. This week, I just happened to have three different appointments. As one does, we started each appointment with pleasantries: how I’m doing (always “Well” in case you were wondering), exclamations about the weather (it’s true, we are having a hot summer), you know the drift. And, without fail, the question “What do you do?” is always posed rather soon into the conversation. The response “I’m a teacher” is met with a few follow-up questions.

None of this bothers me. In fact, it’s kind of refreshing to talk to adults and not high school students who already know way too much about you and no longer care to address pleasantries.

What did bother me, however, was the follow-up question that I answered at each of my appointments this week. When I told the helpful nurses and assistants and doctors that I am a teacher, each one responded with something along the lines of “Gosh, it must be nice to have nothing to do all summer, huh?”  

…

You know what, I’m sure it would be nice to have nothing to do all summer! I personally can’t say I’m familiar with the feeling, but I imagine it’s a great one 😉

As much as I try to live my poolside, ultra-relaxed, dream summer lifestyle, I can’t fully ignore that little voice pushing me to get some work done. I can’t seem to fully push down the guilt I have when I don’t open my computer, or the anxiety I get when I think about the upcoming school year and how much uncertainty I still feel.

Teachers – I could use some advice. If you are currently a teacher, if you were previously a teacher, if you just happen to know a lot about teachers, help me out. What is the best way to balance summer relaxation with productivity for the next school year??!! Because I think we all know that school is definitely not out just because it’s summer – but I’d still like to enjoy this little break!

Cheers To Us

Cheers To Us

by suzannamoberg ♥ 2 Comments

Would you look at that! Another day, another blog post starting with an apology for my seven-month-long blog hiatus!

If I were following my usual blog post template, this paragraph would start with my generic explanation of how crazy life has been, how busy I’ve been, and why I’ve been neglecting to post for a while.

And while that is true, life has been crazy and I have been busy, I’m feeling a little wild today, so let’s skip that part 😉

…

Instead, we’ll jump right to the 7-month recap. From November to May, here’s all you need to know: I DID IT.

I finished my second year of teaching.

…

It actually feels surreal to say that – I can’t believe it!

These last two years have been the hardest years of my life. I realize that sounds dramatic, and in some ways it maybe is, but truly. I have never cried, stressed, doubted myself, or panicked more than I did this last two years.

In two years, I:

  • taught all online classes for a semester
  • taught hybrid classes for a semester
  • taught wearing a mask for 1.5 years
  • taught a class of 30 students who didn’t speak the same language as I do
  • taught classes outside my content area
  • taught classes of upwards of 40 students at a time
  • broke up countless fights
  • busted countless drug deals and smoking sessions in class and in the bathrooms
  • confiscated countless lighters (especially after they were used to light another student’s pants on fire)
  • had students pierce each other’s ears during class
  • cleaned up boxes worth of condoms that were thrown like confetti around the room
  • repeatedly reshelved books after they had been thrown at me and other students
  • purchased new AirPods after some students stole mine
  • discovered that THC now comes in chip form

And more! A dear friend of mine suggested I write a memoir with all my bizarre stories – stayed tuned for that to hit shelves soon 😉

…

I couldn’t have done it without my amazing support system.

I am so thankful:

  • for my team and the other teachers on my hallway for letting me cry, for letting me bombard them with questions, and for being there for me to rant and laugh and eat way too much candy with!
  • for my family and amazing friends who picked me up, brushed me off, and told me I could do it. You were right. Sorry I didn’t believe you. Thanks for believing enough for both of us.
  • for my students. They taught me so much. I can only hope I passed some of that knowledge on to them.

And if, by chance, this blog post reaches another young teacher who is feeling overwhelmed and defeated, please reach out. You are amazing and you are not alone. Teaching can and should be an amazing and rewarding experience. Let’s work together to achieve that experience together.

…

Enough looking back! Now, I look forward to what comes next. I’m moving a little farther south and starting my next adventure at a new school this fall. I know teaching isn’t easy (I never expected it to be) but I’m really looking forward to new and different challenges that maybe don’t push me so close to my breaking point 😉

As I prepare for next school year, I’m celebrating my success (and survival!) with the “Summer of Suz” – I have decided that I will absolutely be living my best life this summer! I started with a week-long trip to visit my sister on the island of St. Maarten. I hope these pictures bring you almost as much joy as this trip brought me.

…

I can’t wait to have you join me on my summer adventures! I plan to read a lot, travel a lot, and relax a lot.

…

Cheers to you for reading, cheers to me for making it through, and cheers to us that this blog post brought us together! Thankful for you all.  

Always Plan in Pencil

Always Plan in Pencil

by suzannamoberg ♥ 4 Comments

Ah, the age old question of how to start a blog post after an almost six month hiatus. I think the answer is don’t take said hiatus…well, now I know for next time?! 😉

…

This blog post has been in the making for half of that break. I took summer to travel, spend quality time with family and friends, and relax after the craziness that was my first year of teaching.

Sitting down to write this post (which, let’s be honest, has been less “sit down and write” and more “I have an idea for a blog post better jot it down in my notes app”) had me thinking a little more about my “goals” for this blog.

…

When I first started this platform, my mind ran with the possibilities. I thought I could share fun stories, lesson plans, classroom management strategies, and teacher tips. In theory, all of my stories and posts could help struggling college students who need ELA ideas for lesson plans and new teachers, like myself, who want to make their English classroom engaging and fun.

I looked over all the notes I’ve been taking in my six months off (and trust me, there are lots), and I realized none of those potential posts fit the “ideal blog” space I’d created in my head. It wasn’t positive and uplifting stories. There were no great lesson plans that revolutionized the art of teaching ELA. I had no great classroom management strategies or teacher tips for engagement or relationship building.

Instead, my potential posts felt more like cries for help. Begging for ideas, suggestions, strength, and relief.

How? How, only three months into year number two, am I already feeling so broken?

…

I think the main reason for my long break is that I wasn’t ready to admit that my journey as a teacher hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows. In fact, in my darkest moments, it’s been hard to see any sunshine or imagine the possibility of a rainbow.

It’s been so easy to see other teachers post on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok about the great things happening in their classroom. It’s been so easy to compare myself and my classroom to those pictures and feel disheartened that I’m not having that same experience.

I don’t want this blog to turn into a sob story. A space for one very stressed new teacher to complain and whine.

I do think, however, that it’s important to be honest about my experience. If ever this post comes across the feed of another young, stressed teacher, I want him/her/them to know they aren’t alone – even if it feels like it.

In case ^ they come across this post, here are the two pieces of advice I feel qualified to give at this point in my teaching journey:

…

1. When it comes to teaching, always plan in pencil.

Here’s what I mean:

– don’t shell out the few extra dollars for the personalized planner with each class printed at the top of page. While cute and, at the time, practical, you never know if your schedule will get changed the week before classes start (or the first day of professional development before classes start). Taking an extra minute to hand-write your classes on the page looks and feels better than having to cross out the printed class to write the new one over it. Always plan in pencil.

– when an activity you spent hours planning and prepping crashes and burns (or your students just refuse to even begin the project), it’s easier to go back and redo your unit if you can just erase the initial ideas in the planner and start over. Always plan in pencil.

– if, after three months, your classroom management strategies still aren’t working, it’s easier to brainstorm new ideas and adjust the policies and procedures if you can go back to the master plan in your notebook and erase (plus, sometimes all that erasing can be therapeutic). Always plan in pencil.

2. When it comes to you, always plan in Sharpie.

And I mean those *huge* Sharpies that you’d use on a poster. Outline it, underline it, go over it twice, and use lots of colors.

– YOU are more important than pencil marks in a planner.

– YOU are more important than crashed lesson plans or units that change every day.

– YOU are more important than students who challenge you and push you to your limits.

…

In the last year, my plans and goals for this blog have shifted and changed, and I’m sure that they will every year as I learn and grow as a teacher. For this blog, I will plan in pencil.

In the last year, my plans and goals for myself as a teacher have shifted and changed. But my value and importance as a person have stayed rock solid. I am important. I am worthy. And I am meant to be a teacher. For myself, I will write in Sharpie.

Wrapping Up

Wrapping Up

by suzannamoberg ♥ 1 Comment

As I begin a post that’s all about wrapping up my first year of teaching, it feels appropriate to start with the words,

“It feels like just yesterday…”

But we’ve established that this, my friends, is a safe space for honesty and reflection, so I’ll begin, instead, with these very honest words,

“It feels like it’s been 84 long, long years.”

(Cue Rose from The Titanic [I’d add a picture but I’m pretty sure that breaks many copyright laws and I’m no criminal]).

. . .

As you can probably surmise from the very lengthy gap between my last post and today (December 13?! Uff da.), I’ve been a bit busy. Let’s do a little “wrapping up recap” of the months since December!

– I traveled home to ND over Christmas break and again in May to be with family. The latter visit coincided with my middle sister’s university graduation; she’s off to medical school on the island of St. Maarten – bet you know where I’ll be spending all my school breaks for the next few years!

– I turned 23! I heard a rumor that nobody likes you when you’re 23, but so far so good 😊

– I adopted a dog! Her name is Zoey and she’s my whole world (we might be a bit co-dependent, but the best dog/dog mom duos are, right?!). She just turned 1 and it’s been so fun to watch her start turning from a puppy into a “real” dog (although if the terrible twos were a thing for puppies, my sweet Zoey girl would be the poster child).

Those ears! That tongue! Those paws! *heart eyes*

– My school began a new hybrid model. Classes switched from all online to a mix of in-person and online learning. While one of my classes remained virtual, I had the new opportunity of teaching both online and in-person classes at the same time. I quickly discovered that I knew far less about technology (why does nothing work when you’re in front of a group of students??) than I previously assumed. I also learned that having students in the classroom with me (even just one student) was way better than sitting alone in my kitchen (although I missed teaching in my pajama pants and spending my lunch break snuggling with my pup).

That pretty much brings us to today! I’ve got big plans for this summer that mostly involve me, a good book, and the pool at my apartment complex 😉

. . .

Looking back, my first year as a teacher was nothing like I expected. I wish that I could fill the rest of this post with all the positive things that came out of my year, but we’re all about honesty, so I’ll be blunt: I just can’t. Someday, but not today.

Today, I’m grateful that I survived the weirdest and longest year in the history of ever (well, I’m not a history buff so I can’t confirm that it has been the longest year, but if I were a betting woman I’d put a significant amount of money on that).

Today, I’m grateful that at least one student learned something in our English class (he learned my class was an easy “A” and left me with the parting words, “Ms. Moberg, I didn’t learn anything in your class this year.” *sigh*).

Today, I’m grateful for coworkers near and far willing to share resources, advice, and guidance.

Today, I’m grateful for friends and family letting me vent, cry, rant, brainstorm, bounce ideas, ramble, and so much more.

Today, I’m grateful that I choose this career and all the emotions that come with it.

Most importantly, today, I’m grateful for summer vacation. 😉 J.K., pretend I ended with that last one, it’s much more moving.

. . .

Time to sign off for now, but I’ll be back (sooner than 5 months from now, sorry ‘bout that)! I’ve got big plans for this next school year and I’m excited to get planning and share some of those ideas with all of you. Right now, my brain needs a little time to process the fact that I actually completed a whole school year of being a teacher. Thanks for sticking with me; cheers to year #2!

(And hey, it can’t get much worse right?! Knock on wood 😉)

Forgetting

Forgetting

by suzannamoberg ♥ 3 Comments

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve sat down to write (October 28th was my last post…how have almost 2 months flown by that quickly??!!)!

I’m not going to lie, when I started this blog I fully expected to be posting all the time. I was prepared to have so many funny stories to share, embarrassing moments for us all to laugh at, learning curveballs that I was thrown and adjusted to.

But instead, COVID teaching happened and I don’t have those funny stories. I don’t have embarrassing moments to share and laugh about. I don’t have any powerful insights into first-year-COVID-teaching-curveballs.

Those things will come, I know they will. I know that this isn’t a normal year. I know that I will soon have the opportunity to joke and laugh with my students. To embarrass myself and share those cringe-worthy moments with you. To share the wisdom of someone who’s “been there” and “done that”.

For now, this space has become a place to reflect. A place to evaluate the unique situation I’m in. A place to share the ups (however few and far between those feel) and the downs. A place to write down what’s happening in the moment so I don’t forget.

I’ve been doing a lot of forgetting lately.

Forgetting to sit down and write out a blog post.

Forgetting to water my plants (I regret to say that I lost my sweet plant whom I lovingly named “Fern” in early October. “Death By Neglect” has got to be a hard way for a plant to go.)

Forgetting to drink enough water myself (thankfully I’m a bit more resilient than my $1 succulent).

Forgetting to fold the laundry until it’s been sitting in the dryer for a few days getting wrinkly.

Forgetting to read a book from my “fun” pile.

Forgetting to post pictures from my Tennessee adventures (speaking of, please enjoy this masked-selfie my best friend and I took on our recent trip to Dollywood).

I promise we’re smiling under those masks!

Forgetting to work out.

Forgetting to pick up my Bible.

Forgetting to return phone calls and texts.

Forgetting where this blog post is going so I accidentally just keep rambling 😉

Forgetting to stop, to smile, and to take in this incredible and unique journey I’m on.

Forgetting to find joy in the little things.

Forgetting to take it one day at a time.

Forgetting to thank the friends and family who take time out of their own stressful and busy lives to check in on me and make sure I’m doing alright.

So friends (or strangers depending on who you are and how you came across this post), may this be a reminder to you.

Take a sip of water. (Give one to your plants, too, if you’ve got them.)

Take a walk around the block.

Fold the laundry (or don’t, you make the rules).

Put down your phone and read a few pages from one of those books taking up space on your nightstand.

Call your family and tell them you love them.

If you forget? Well hey, I probably did, too. We’ll try again tomorrow.

Adjusting Expectations

Adjusting Expectations

by suzannamoberg ♥ 2 Comments

At the end of class I save some time to ask my students for any last-minute questions, comments, or concerns that they have that weren’t addressed earlier in class. This allows them time to ask me about material we covered in class today, questions they have about homework, or even just time for us to chat (because that’s what we would do if we were in our physical classroom!).

So the other day I asked for student questions, comments, or concerns, and one student answered (through the chat because we haven’t quite graduated to unmuting and answering):

“Nothing it was a good lesson”

And y’all. I about fainted.

A good lesson??!!

For real??!!

It took me a moment to adjust and accept what that sweet, sweet student had just typed.

Because honestly? It didn’t feel like a good lesson to me.

…

Let me backtrack a little with some background information that I feel is relevant for the rest of this post.

Earlier this month my school had a weeklong fall break, so I packed up and headed home to North Dakota to get some much-needed family time. I stayed for an extra week and gave my students a tour of some of my very favorite places including, but not limited to,

  • My grandpa’s house
  • Badlands Ministries
  • The Brew

(On a completely unrelated note, if anyone wants to start a Nashville chain of that amazing little place please let my roommate and I know. Serious inquires only.)

  • My parent’s kitchen

While I was home, I did what any normal person would do: I got coffee every day from some of my favorite coffee places, I ate at some of my favorite restaurants, and I spent time with some of my favorite people.

And I learned a few things:

  1. Coronavirus is no joke and it’s not that fun to get. 10/10 do not recommend.
  2. Even first year teachers need a break.

For me, that break was a perfect time to step back, reevaluate, and reflect on how my first quarter had gone (don’t worry—I did some relaxing, too 😊).

I looked at my assignments. I looked at my lessons. I looked at my gradebooks. Something wasn’t quite lining up.

Until I got some advice:

“Have you looked at your expectations?”

Um…yes? Maybe? I don’t know?

I do know this:

  • I know what I’m expecting compared to the expectations that other teachers of this same subject have in their classes.

Seems like a pretty reasonable expectation to have.

  • I know what I’m expecting based on my past experience.  

There is it.

This is nothing like my past experience, but I was still setting expectations for my students and myself based on what I’d experienced in the past.

…

It is okay to adjust my expectations.

It is okay to adjust my expectations of what being a teacher looks like, because the rose-colored glasses I was wearing looked cute but were not practical for long-term 😉.

It is okay to adjust my expectations of what my classroom looks like, because I’m a first-year teacher and I need to stick to a budget.

It is okay to adjust my expectations of what student engagement looks like, because I don’t know the students behind the screens and most of them are trying their best.

It is okay to adjust my expectations of what class in a Microsoft Teams meeting looks like, because virtual is different from in-person, but learning is still fun.

…

When that student told me:

“Nothing it was a good lesson”

We hadn’t done anything fancy. We hadn’t done anything earth-shattering. We were practicing end rhyme and labeling rhyme scheme by writing our own elementary-level poems and labeling them.

(Most of the poems centered around cats being hit with bats and frogs being kicked off logs and part of me is concerned but part of me is impressed they mastered the skill…adjusted expectation?).

They laughed (it was in the form of “lol” and “haha,” but I’ll take it). They responded to each other. They responded to me.

They had fun.

They learned.

It is okay to adjust my expectations.

So, sweet student, you are right.

It was a good lesson.