The kiddos are starting to have what the seasoned teachers affectionately call "Spring Fever." They're reaching a point where their focus is now on each other rather than school and their teachers... which of course is normal, but slightly frustrating as the teacher! Fortunately it wasn't that long ago that I was in school, so I forgive their obnoxious behavior. Although sometimes they make me want to pull my hair out. I'm so very thankful that the issues I deal with are minor compared to what they could be. I don't have any real behavior issues other than the typical middle school squirreliness. My parents are wonderful and I haven't had any problems thus far. My main obstacle will be to keep their focus after FCAT in 3 weeks. I hear that it's a nightmare trying to keep them on track... fortunately we'll do another novel study so hooray for that.
I've reached a point where I feel like I'm having a crisis. Actually, I think I've experienced the crisis over the course of the entire school year. but whatever. FCAT is in 3 weeks. Did I prepare them enough? Are they ready? What more could I have done? I often feel like a failure, like I'm wasting their time and so much more could have been done within a 50 minute block. As a teacher, I know there will always be more than I can do. Always always always. I just hope that I've instilled in them SOMETHING, whether it be a love for English or just a sense that they were loved by me as their teacher. What a crazy job.
And more budget cuts are being made.... Crist wants more property tax cuts. Florida schools receive 70% of their funding from this tax. We're already taking millions of dollars in cuts. It's ridiculous. There are 8 counties in Florida who currently do not have money to pay their teachers come April. Ack! We are in an okay position (I'll be receiving all my paychecks) but the amount they have to cut from our county alone is devastating. So sad. But we will press on; I don't really know any better, and I know this is where the Lord wants me. So He will provide... or lead me towards another calling! :)
