March 2020 SOLC–Day 10
A huge thank you to Two Writing Teachers for all that they do to create an amazing community of writers and a safe, welcoming space to write, learn, share and grow.
http://www.twowritingteachers.org
I’m sitting with my Writing Group. Three prompts were offered up tonight. Not one of them is catching my interest. I simply sit here feeling tired. I rub my eyes, watch the pens of others move across the page, hear the productive click of their laptop keyboards. There’s nothing wrong with the prompts. Tonight I just can’t seem to find a way in. I’ve got nothing. As the saying sort of goes, “It’s not them, it’s me.”
People gripe and moan about February, but March just about does me in every year. It’s the month when report cards and parent teacher conferences crash in. It’s also the time when you start to worry about what you haven’t yet done for certain students. Especially those kids who got triaged to the back of the line–the ones who fly beneath the radar or whose needs are more subtle or at least less obviously demanding. So, beneath it all, Teacher Guilt flourishes. Then, it doesn’t help that the year’s supply of patience is also running low. In fact, I could relate only too well today when I overheard my colleague groan, “I could really use an epipen of patience right about now.”
Everyone is feeling overwhelmed and out of sorts.
This year, March feels even tougher than usual. It’s like a perfect storm with the regular components and then the rancid political climate, a potential pandemic, and Daylight Savings Time thrown in for good measure. You can’t even enjoy it when an unexpected gorgeous 60˚F day pops up, because it’s just an indication of how messed up the climate has become. It’s a toxic brew.
I remind myself that I’ll get through it. It’s just March. I’ve done it before and I’ll do it again. I also remember there’s much to be thankful for, and signs of spring and student growth abound.
But, as a previous colleague of mine used to say when things got tough, “A valium lick in the teacher’s room would go down really well these days.”
Nix the comfort zone 
It is a toxic brew. Definitely.
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The ‘valium lick’ line is my favorite of this whole slicing month thus far. Thank you for that.
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I still remember how hard I laughed when my colleague suggested it. Credit to her for the wit 🙂
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March is the cruelest month-I’ve always thought that. It’s ‘spring’ somewhere but it is BIZZY CHILLY MUDDY MESSY here. I’d love a lick myself right now.
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March and April both are challenging up here. It feels like spring is imminent. And it is.Then it isn’t. Then it is. Then it isn’t. Ugh….
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True…April is such a tease in Maine!
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I love your post. I can relate to it all.
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I loved your description of the teacher guilt- I’ve never verbalized it quite like you have so thank you for sharing! Like you said, we have done so many Marches, even though it doesn’t always feel like we can conquer it.
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I keep reminding myself that I’ve done it before, I can do it again. That doesn’t make it any less daunting though!
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Toxic brew is a great way of putting it. I like how you turned your post into positiveness near the end. Remember all those students you have reached for being you.
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Trying to remember all the positive is so important!
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It’s definitely that time of year—I think that’s one of the reasons I like this blog challenge this time of year. It forces me to look beyond all the irritations and find something positive to think about. (Valium lick…what an image!)
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I visualize some pushing and shoving right now in the line to the Valium lick! lol You’re right that slicing changes the tone of the month for the better. I usually limit myself to one or two whining, ranting posts, and then have to change things up so I don’t bore my readers (and myself!).
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A toxic brew is out there in the world today, Molly. I really had to laugh at the ending thought: “A valium lick in the teacher’s room would go down really well these days.” Stay grounded.
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Teaching is tough when you care so much. Valium lick! That’s funny and how expensive could it actually be?
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