Afterward: I Am A Teacher

I am the most important person in the classroom - It goes against everything I know as a teacher, but when I put “students first, I am literally putting 100+ other people’s well-being in front of my own. I deserve to preserve myself.

I am of healthy sound mind and body because I protect my peace at all cost. My financial, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health are the utmost importance.

I am accountable to myself before I am accountable to anyone else. I will own my mistakes - then grow. I record myself in the classroom for self and peer critique. I receive anonymous feedback from my students. I am receptive to the data. 19 out of 22 kids did not fail my test, only 3 children connected with my instruction. I will address the problem by addressing me and areas where I fell short.

I am honest and I am real. I am real with myself. I am real with my parents. I am real with my administrators. I am real with my students. Truth is the most powerful weapon I can possess.

I am walking in my purpose because being a teacher is a calling. I do what Jesus did and continues to do. I heal. I love. I teach.

I am confident because I speak with authority. I understand that legitimate power is best recognized by those who can communicate their vision, goals, and ideals effectively and any manner.

I am unafraid to ask for help. I am blessed to be able to teach alongside skilled educators and seek their guidance whenever possible.

I am stress free because I have a right to say no!

I am reclaiming MY Time! My planning period/lunch belongs to me. That is my time and no one else’s. If I want to take my planning period to plan nothing or my conference to confer with no one, I have earned that right.

I am an educator committed to teaching critical thinking. The most important skill I can ever teach a child is how to think beyond what has been constructed for her or him and construct their own beliefs, values, ideals, identity, and perspective on their own.

I am confident in my abilities because I teach what I know because I know what I teach. If I ever lose passion for a subject, or am uncomfortable teaching outside of my subject area, I will leave it alone.

I am comfortable because I wear good, comfortable shoes. A good teacher is on his/her feet constantly.

I am balanced because I eat well. I know that Cheetos and a coke is not lunch. I cook good food and meal prep if and when necessary. I treat myself to quality dining because I am saving the world; the least I can do is enjoy a well-balanced meal.

I am fair and will use my voice to say something on behalf of marginalized students, teachers, and families. I will speak up.

I am an awesome teacher because I understand People work > Paperwork. The children are the most important work in a school. 99% of paperwork beyond simple attendance taking is unnecessary. I will never allow paperwork to come in front of my “people work.”

I am living my best life because I take NOTHING home. Seriously. No papers to grade. No computer. Nothing. I have never seen a nurse bring home a patient to finish wrapping up a sprained ankle. I have never known a butcher to bring home a half carved hog. I reject the normalization of self-enslavement, overwhelming workloads and the eradication of work-life balance. It is not normal.

I am a human before I am a teacher and will protect my peace at all times.

I am a change agent and I set a standard for myself, my students, my administrators, and my parents. I will show each and every one of these stakeholders how to treat me.

I am humble and will continue to humble myself. I apologize when I am wrong. I recognize when I need assistance. I ask questions when I do not have an answer.

I am mindful of the music I pay in the classroom.

I am in love with what I do and because of it, I am successful at what I do!

I am a Teacher and I am enough!