Juxtaposition Poem

Lately, I have gotten the feeling that people don't really GET what I do! Yes, I'm a teacher, but I am so much more than that...especially in my school! Negative thoughts about teaching have always bothered me and I thought I would write a poem about this.

What People Think I Do vs. What I Really Do

I arrive at school right on time and throw something together.

I arrive at school over an hour early, finalizing my plans.

In class I sit at my desk, while my kids complete worksheets.

I am on my feet the entire period, delivering direct instruction.

I give a direction and the children get right to it.

I give a direction ten times, and then the children do it with assistance.

I teach 10 kids so I am so lucky.

I teach 10 kids with disabilities, so I am lucky.

During lunch, I sit with my coworkers and gossip.

During lunch, I eat with my coworkers for half a period before it is time to get back to work.

I order my assistant around all day.

I mentor my assistant all day, everyday.

I go home at 3:30 done for the day.

I go home at 5:30, and am up until 11:30 preparing, reviewing, reflecting.

My job is easy, so I love it.

My job is challenging, so I love it.