Technically, I chose to quit teaching. It didn’t really feel like there was any other option, which makes it less of a true choice. After looking at as many variables as I could think of related to the situation, it wasn’t feasible to remain a teacher. Plenty of educators continue teaching after welcoming children, and … Continue reading Why I quit teaching, part 4.
Today is Thanksgiving, continued again.
As a Christian, one now belonging to a reformed denomination, public confession is new to me. I didn’t grow up with people speaking together, in unison, about the wrongs they’ve committed, or the sins they’re connected to. I heard a lot about what Jewish people did to Jesus leading up to his crucifixion and at … Continue reading Today is Thanksgiving, continued again.
Today is Thanksgiving, cont.
Many Native Americans have a different name for Thanksgiving. They call it the National Day of Mourning. The Wampanoag people have a special connection to this day of protest, meant to bring attention to the aftermath of that storied meal between the Pilgrims and their very own ancestors. The U.S. has been celebrating Thanksgiving in … Continue reading Today is Thanksgiving, cont.
Today is Thanksgiving
Today is Thanksgiving. With time and increased exposure, I become more aware of how problematic this holiday truly is. I also recognize that for many people, this is a day that embodies their faith. It’s something I’ve come to understand about Christianity: what many Christians believe is right and good often hurts others and comes … Continue reading Today is Thanksgiving
Why I quit teaching, part 3.
It’s widely known that teachers are underpaid. At first glance, a teacher’s salary might seem like decent pay, but it isn’t when you consider the amount of training necessary to become a highly educated, certified teacher. By the time I was officially employed as a public school teacher, I had a bachelor's degree and a … Continue reading Why I quit teaching, part 3.
Why I quit teaching, part 2.
Warning: This post does reference sexual, physical, and verbal abuse. Teaching is emotionally draining work. It is true that it is fulfilling work. I never doubted the worth of my career and what I was offering. It’s still exhausting and saps you of the mental energy necessary to have a life outside of teaching. Brains … Continue reading Why I quit teaching, part 2.
You’re a leading lady.
The Holiday is one of my favorite movies, despite it being certified rotten. It is definitely filled with problematic elements, yet I continue to watch it nearly every year. Earlier this month, I watched it repeatedly after the kids had left for school over the course of a week because the voices of the characters … Continue reading You’re a leading lady.
Six year old wants to help with Thanksgiving dinner.
My son asked if he could make Whatever It’s Called for Thanksgiving, and it was encouraging. First, my son believed that cooking for a holiday was something he should be involved in. This means my husband and I have succeeded, even a little bit, in altering the picture surrounding food preparation and family events. If … Continue reading Six year old wants to help with Thanksgiving dinner.
Why I quit teaching, part 1.
As a former teacher, it’s not unusual for people to ask me why I’m not still a teacher. This is a difficult question for me to answer, because there isn’t one lone reason, but several. Time, emotional health, and money all contributed to my decision to thank my principal for giving me the opportunity and … Continue reading Why I quit teaching, part 1.
Invisible line.
Fatigue and pain happen with anxiety and depression. As anxiety and depression increase with seasonal weather changes, less sun and shorter days, the exhaustion and hurts go up too. For me, this tends to show up in backaches that become more distracting as the day progresses and my energy fades. It seems like the time … Continue reading Invisible line.
Beka Tucker 