AngryTeacher
05/02/2011 11:18
Subject: Full Time Classroom Teachers who are moms-- how do you do it?
OP,
It doesn't get easier as they age. Think of the activities you'll have to shuffle them to and from - and all the grading you'll be bringing to their games, recitals, dance lessons, etc.
The job is emotionally draining, especially if you're in a school considered "low performing." So try to compartmentalize, if you get my drift. File it away.
Once you're home, planning and grading can suck up so much of your time that there's little left for the kids and husband. I hate saying this, but I use my summers to get a head start. I plan, make copies, set up organizational structures for the classroom, and even make sub plans.
And ignore the ignorant responses. I've had office jobs, and even when I brought home work, it was mindless compared to the work I bring home in this profession.
It doesn't get easier as they age. Think of the activities you'll have to shuffle them to and from - and all the grading you'll be bringing to their games, recitals, dance lessons, etc.
The job is emotionally draining, especially if you're in a school considered "low performing." So try to compartmentalize, if you get my drift. File it away.
Once you're home, planning and grading can suck up so much of your time that there's little left for the kids and husband. I hate saying this, but I use my summers to get a head start. I plan, make copies, set up organizational structures for the classroom, and even make sub plans.
And ignore the ignorant responses. I've had office jobs, and even when I brought home work, it was mindless compared to the work I bring home in this profession.
Anonymous
05/02/2011 09:00
Subject: Re:Full Time Classroom Teachers who are moms-- how do you do it?
PP -- -great suggestions!
OP -- I just returned this year to the classroom part time. I am finding it very hard emotinoally to deal with elementary kids for 4 hours and them come home and deal with my own elementary kids (especially the homework.) I am seriously considering working full time next year and putting my kids in aftercare to have them get their schoolwork done at school. Also, then I'd be able to afford housecleaning help, which would be truly a blessing.
Otherwise, I need to get out of the classroom until my children are older.
OP -- I just returned this year to the classroom part time. I am finding it very hard emotinoally to deal with elementary kids for 4 hours and them come home and deal with my own elementary kids (especially the homework.) I am seriously considering working full time next year and putting my kids in aftercare to have them get their schoolwork done at school. Also, then I'd be able to afford housecleaning help, which would be truly a blessing.
Otherwise, I need to get out of the classroom until my children are older.
Anonymous
05/02/2011 00:02
Subject: Re:Full Time Classroom Teachers who are moms-- how do you do it?
Former 2nd grade teacher here. Once I'd been teaching for a few years I had my routines pretty down pat, so I was usually able to come in a little before 8 and be done no later than 4:30. I rarely brought work home except at report card time. A few tips:
1. Be disciplined about using your lunch, planning time, and Monday afternoons if you have them. It's really easy to chat with friends, check your e-mail, and all of a sudden it's time to go pick up the kids. Obviously you're going to have things like team meetings, etc., but if you watch the socializing you'd be amaze how far it goes. It will get easier as you develop a reputation for being focused on work and not available to chat. This includes parents--be friendly, of course, but don't let the conversation veer too far from whatever issue is at hand.
2. Don't volunteer for things like pilot programs, social committee, VEA, etc. Focus on dealing with the kids in your classroom and that's it.
3. Use parent volunteers, if you have them. They can make copies, do bulletin boards, read with kids, etc.
4. Plan ahead for school vacations and make your dentist appointments, dr's appointments, kids' dr's appointments, car oil changes, and all of those other random errands. Use your personal days when you need them and don't feel guilty about taking the occasional sick day if you need a mental health day.
1. Be disciplined about using your lunch, planning time, and Monday afternoons if you have them. It's really easy to chat with friends, check your e-mail, and all of a sudden it's time to go pick up the kids. Obviously you're going to have things like team meetings, etc., but if you watch the socializing you'd be amaze how far it goes. It will get easier as you develop a reputation for being focused on work and not available to chat. This includes parents--be friendly, of course, but don't let the conversation veer too far from whatever issue is at hand.
2. Don't volunteer for things like pilot programs, social committee, VEA, etc. Focus on dealing with the kids in your classroom and that's it.
3. Use parent volunteers, if you have them. They can make copies, do bulletin boards, read with kids, etc.
4. Plan ahead for school vacations and make your dentist appointments, dr's appointments, kids' dr's appointments, car oil changes, and all of those other random errands. Use your personal days when you need them and don't feel guilty about taking the occasional sick day if you need a mental health day.
Anonymous
05/01/2011 22:45
Subject: Full Time Classroom Teachers who are moms-- how do you do it?
Teacher here, and I know what OP is talking about. Being with kids all day is hard, on top of being with your own children after school. Teaching requires being "on" all day, with very little time to go to the bathroom or do anything on your own schedule. I try to use as much time at school as possible for grading, prep, etc, so that I'm work "free" in the evenings. However, this is hard, and usually I just work after the kids have gone to bed. I have a day off on the weekend, where I don't touch work. We usually spend this time as family. I do lots of work on Sunday as well....I usually don't get much me time though. We have cleaners twice a month. Laundry is just a huge pile of clothes that gets done when we need more clothes.
Anonymous
05/01/2011 22:09
Subject: Full Time Classroom Teachers who are moms-- how do you do it?
I was a teacher for 6 years and now am doing something else. Teaching was the most fun job in the world. Also, as a teacher, I got the summer months off as well as all of those school holidays!! I wish I could be a mom with a teacher schedule again. Really, I am not trying to be snarky OP. Now that I am in a non-teaching job, I am working harder than when I was a teacher. Be thankful for the reasonable hours job that you have.
Yes, teaching is hard... but it's really not that hard. The kids make you smile most of the time. I left because I didn't find it challenging enough, but I still miss those kids!
Yes, teaching is hard... but it's really not that hard. The kids make you smile most of the time. I left because I didn't find it challenging enough, but I still miss those kids!
Anonymous
05/01/2011 22:00
Subject: Full Time Classroom Teachers who are moms-- how do you do it?
21:46 here. It helped that she taught (teaches) early elementary school, so, once we were older, we could easily help grade math worksheets or what have you. I loved helping get her classroom ready the week before school started 
Anonymous
05/01/2011 21:54
Subject: Full Time Classroom Teachers who are moms-- how do you do it?
OP here: I forgot to mention: don't bother responding if you're goinG to be rude and nasty. This question was for teachers because of the type of work but certainly anyone who has to take work home. Just don't be nasty about it. Geeze!
Anonymous
05/01/2011 21:46
Subject: Full Time Classroom Teachers who are moms-- how do you do it?
My mother is a teacher. She graded papers in the evenings alongside us while we did homework, and at least one long session on the weekend. Her "me time" was in short chunks (20 minutes swimming, etc.), and I see now how much she relished those moments.
Anonymous
05/01/2011 21:45
Subject: Full Time Classroom Teachers who are moms-- how do you do it?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:How is being a teacher different than any other job for a wohm?
a teacher is with kids all day. other wohms work just as hard, but it's "adult time."
One of the dumbest things I've read on DCUM.
really? this makes perfect sense to me. (NP) perhaps you are dumb?
Anonymous
05/01/2011 21:41
Subject: Full Time Classroom Teachers who are moms-- how do you do it?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:How is being a teacher different than any other job for a wohm?
a teacher is with kids all day. other wohms work just as hard, but it's "adult time."
One of the dumbest things I've read on DCUM.
Anonymous
05/01/2011 21:30
Subject: Full Time Classroom Teachers who are moms-- how do you do it?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:How is being a teacher different than any other job for a wohm?
a teacher is with kids all day. other wohms work just as hard, but it's "adult time."
Except the OP's questions are about work-life balance, not spending all day with kids.
Anonymous
05/01/2011 21:30
Subject: Full Time Classroom Teachers who are moms-- how do you do it?
Anonymous wrote:How is being a teacher different than any other job for a wohm?
a teacher is with kids all day. other wohms work just as hard, but it's "adult time."
Anonymous
05/01/2011 21:28
Subject: Full Time Classroom Teachers who are moms-- how do you do it?
Why focus this to classroom teachers? I actually work longer hours than my friends who teach and could probably offer up some advice.. oh, wait, but you didn't ask me.
Anonymous
05/01/2011 21:27
Subject: Full Time Classroom Teachers who are moms-- how do you do it?
How is being a teacher different than any other job for a wohm?
Anonymous
05/01/2011 21:25
Subject: Full Time Classroom Teachers who are moms-- how do you do it?
How do you balance the workload with spending enough quality time with your kids and getting things done around the house as well as having a little time for you!??