Ruminations on Teaching

As a teacher, you often question yourself. You question everything you do. Did I say the correct thing in this situation? Did I choose the right action for this particular child on this day? You think and hope you don't have an negative impact and give all students what they need every moment of every day. Sometimes it's too much. You are one person--a person who cannot possibly be everything to all people.

I'm home sick today. In my absence yesterday, there was in incident in my classroom where a student hit another student and the sub. I started this mad panic because I was absent and felt like it was all my fault. Well, I had to stop myself. I can't control everything. It's not my fault. This may not have happened if I had been present. However, I do deserve sick days. I can pick up the pieces when I return. As guilty as I feel, I know I need to take care of myself.

So, this weekend, I'll only think about the incident once or twice instead of the entire weekend because there is nothing I can do about it. I am just as important as the kids I teach. This is something I need to tell myself more often.

Do you remember to take care of yourself?