Teacher Guilt

If you’re a teacher you know what I’m talking about, if not, let me explain. Taking a day off is just as much or more work than just going in sick. You never know what kind of sub you’ll get, if they’ll follow the lesson plans you spent hours making, or if they can handle your 150 students. You worry about your kids all day even though you’re sick at home. You expect them to be on their best behavior, hoping security isn’t called to your room. You hope the teacher next door doesn’t have to remove the kids misbehaving so their lesson isn’t interrupted.

This has been on my mind a lot this year because I’ve honestly missed the most school in the first semester I’ve ever taken off. I had so much going on with doctors and appointments that I used more sick days than I ever expected in a three month period. But, this is the first year I’ve ever been able to start to push this guilt aside.

#STOPTEACHERGUILT

Today I was home sick, and while I still followed team chats and responded when I could, I didn’t feel as guilty. Yes I wanted to be there to support my team, but it’s not the same as it used to be. I can’t even explain the kind of support you have on a team like this. Our cohort of teachers completely supports each other and it’s so comforting knowing someone has my back. Our interventionist taught my math lesson, our SLD teacher helped my kids that were struggling, and our aid supported the students that needed more time.


Although I know my team may change, I’m so excited to see this program blossom and grow. I’m continuing to track my students and see their improvement. Competency based education has changed so much of what I do, and I can’t imagine going back to a traditional setting. Pushing through chapters to force content rather than making sure they master the standards makes learning a challenge for many students. I love having time to dive deeper and not have to do this with our flexible schedule. We have some big changes coming this year and I can’t wait to tell you all about them!

Leave a comment and let me know what you’re interested in hearing more about! Math lessons, cross curricular projects, standards based grading, etc. I’d love to share more with you!

Also, if you missed my last post check it out here to learn more about this pilot program!