Mind the Gap

Overwhelmed. The yawning gap between the last post and this one is an important part of the classroom story. Indeed. Like reading between the lines and inferring critical information from text, much can be inferred from the "between the posts." Let me fill in some of the gap.

The shortened calendar for our school this year, due to construction, is certainly one aspect of being overwhelmed. We have to cram all the same information and success into four fewer weeks. The slightly longer class periods just don't make up for the days. Then there is the flurry of assignments that have avalanched around me. Projects, essays (125 document extended essays each time), daily work, outlines, tests, online tests, grades to enter . . . you get the picture.

But, as a professional, I refuse to allow grading to impact current planning or the quality of classes. So, sometimes I end up somewhat behind on grading, rather than on planning. It is also the season of meetings, meetings, meetings. And, paperwork. Our school has the IB Middle Years Program and we will be visited in the fall. Much paperwork and reporting needs to be accomplished before then.

I certainly can continue, but some things, regardless of intent, fall by the wayside. I don't know any teachers who don't have to make their priorities and live by the consequences of the lack of time. Thus, the gap. "The Gap" is probably the most challenging and frightening aspect of teaching. The hope is to keep it from widening and deepening, then falling in. That's when the personal life gets drained, quality decreases, frustration increases, and good people leave the profession.

Minding the gap is teaching.