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FIRST DAY BACK

February 28, 2006 at 12:18 AM

I remember as a child groaning when my alarm clock rang at 7:00am and I had to get ready for school. Now fast forward twenty years, and I still groan when the alarm clock rings at 5:30am, and I have to get ready for school. Roles have changed though as I stand in front of the class rather than sit facing the blackboard.

I know there are many students on this board. As a full-time professional certified public school teacher, I have many of the same anxieties you all have. You have homework; I have lesson plans; you have exams; I have evaluations. Yet, one of the best thing about the job is that I am in an environment where purportedly ‘learning’ is held as the highest virtue.

I taught from 8:40am until 5:00pm with only lunch and a brief 40 minute prep period to grade papers, and clean my room. I took the subway from the Bronx back to the upper-east-side, and proceeded to Barnes and Nobles. I ordered a cup of coffee, and in a sense, did my homework (lesson planned) for tomorrow. We are doing a unit on fractions now. I use a progressive new-math approach using manipulatives to help students construct understanding of fractions. I put a good deal of thought into my lessons. It is now 7:09pm, and I think I will head over to Hunter College to practice for two hours before picking up a burger to eat before crashing. Then it begins again tomorrow. Who says the life of a teacher is easy? Cheers!

You practice for two hours after all that? Do you make time for a personal life?
I think I know the B&N you're talking about. You're lucky as hell to be living in NYC!
4 in 3 people have troubles with fractions.
You sound like a very dedicated teacher. How is this your "first day back"? We've been teaching for weeks.

As far as practicing after teaching/working all day? As far I can see it, practicing is a break. I look forward to it all day. It's the relaxation and pleasure. And if your personal life includes another player, why then so much the better--you can play together (and kiss between tunes?).

Seriously, though. You go! (though I would not live in NYC for a million dollars. I get claustrophobic just thinking about it).

Wow, that sounds tough!

Gosh, I still can't get over your name.

Rob, ha!

Personal life - dating an investment banker equals considerable personal time to practice the violin.

Sometimes I yearn to live in Westchester or the suburbs, but right now, at this stage of my life, NYC is exciting and I will stay as long as I can afford to!

Theresa,
In NYC we have a week off in February for winter break (and thank goodness for that!)
Thanks for your kind words. Glad you're getting into active blogging at v.com as well!

There are three types of musicians: those who can count, and those who can't.