Focusing On the Better Part of Yesterday and Trying Not to Let Mathematics and Labor Laws Plague My Brain Too Much

There isn't a school in the United States where teachers haven't wondered, "Do OSHA standards not apply to teachers?" I've always wondered about that question, too, especially after mowing the lawn late last night where I was calculating I've been working 72-98 hours a week for several years now. Shouldn't there be a location to report such insanity? I'm sure I'd be told, "You have to give up some of your projects," but if I did, I don't think they'd appreciate my response. I'd give up their meetings and their extra demands and focus on the work I'm really hired to do. 

Anyways, I spent most of the day at a local elementary school yesterday where the K-3 kids were working on classroom charters and discussing their needs as writers and learners. It was beautiful, especially the kindergarten kids who welcome me to their school but couldn't pronounce all the letters yet! 

I'm excited for the collaboration because it is with a woman who was in one of my first cohorts of students at Fairfield. She's trained as a bilingual elementary teacher, but has since moved into administration and is now a Principal at her own school. Her love for the teachers and young people is truly remarkable to witness. I am in awe of her dedication, organization, and passion for pushing them all to achieve gratification things.

This semester, a core of 20 undergraduate students will be coming with me to the school as tutors and collaborators...part of their exploratory course. Although I'd also like to have middle/secondary placements, too, there is only so much time in a semester and we are already jam packed.

I also hit send on two major writing projects yesterday, so we'll sit back and wait. 

And what is this, "Oh, you need to eat dinner reminder at 9 p.m.?" I think it's because I've been trying to mow the lawn for two weeks and haven't had a second because of, well, the first paragraph of this blog. 

Later, off to campus I go.