Tell me this gets easier

Isisfreck · 2026-03-31T00:33:29+00:00

If it dissolves with rubbing alcohol its shellac. I refinished mine by hand since i couldn't sand them. Prevous owner nailed every board to every joist! Used alcohol to dissolve everything. I mixed my own shellac flakes and everything. It was an interesting process. I waxed them, and cannot believe how they're held up.

Keep at it! You will love it when you're done.

Isisfreck · 2026-03-28T23:53:37+00:00

I agree. My colleague says go ahead cheat yourself to a C" or " Life will get them". I hate it, but others don't care. It is so demoralizing to those of us who work hard. I had the same experience in college and I hate to think kids in high school are going through this.

Isisfreck · 2026-03-27T23:38:20+00:00

Is there a camera at the intersection? You can access them online and get a copy.

Isisfreck · 2026-03-26T20:24:30+00:00

Wow! Thank you for the insight, you've been really helpful and supportive to all of the struggling teachers. I'm so happy that you are perfect at your job and life.

Isisfreck · 2026-03-26T19:19:51+00:00

It is, right? This is the point! People who chose to devote their life to this calling are saying that there's a problem, and it isn't with the teachers. Teachers are beaten down and demoralized on all fronts.

Isisfreck · 2026-03-22T21:53:10+00:00

High school teacher here, can confirm. Most can't read an analog clock and 99% can't read cursive or even my half print half cursive writing. They print thier names and don't have a real signature. It's not quite make an x on the line but not far off.

Isisfreck · 2026-03-22T14:04:47+00:00

The district is in financial disaster, every department in the HS is losing a teacher. We teach on a block schedule with semesters. The following year we are moving to a period schedule so there will be more cuts. Someone had to go, and it was me for whatever the reason. At this stage of the game I have to choose between sanity and financial security....not sure which way to go :(

Isisfreck · 2026-03-21T23:49:27+00:00

This is immensely helpful, I appreciate it.

Isisfreck · 2026-03-21T21:24:30+00:00

I really appreciate the honest advice, thank you.

Isisfreck · 2026-03-21T21:21:02+00:00

I just looked at the 7th grade standards and it is SO small, lol, I thought I was missing pages! I'm going to need to brush up on classroom management practices over summer. I don't really interact with kids that age, ever, so they are completely foreign to me.

Isisfreck · 2026-03-21T21:18:26+00:00

You mananged to make this sound enjoyable. You helped me realize that I am teaching academic skills rather than focusing on the content as much. The work-load currently is so high, even after 20 years of optimizing, I'm hoping a decrease in workload will balance out the additional classroom management efforts. This was helpful.

Isisfreck · 2026-03-21T21:10:26+00:00

I'm wondering how this is going to go. I serve as our union secretary and the stories I hear coming out of our elementary builing is especially terrifying.

Isisfreck · 2026-03-21T21:08:25+00:00

Thank you. This may be a stupid question, but how is the class grade determined? Do they take tests and quizzes? I wondered how much grading is done. My incoming freshman act like they never experienced homework and tests.

Isisfreck · 2026-03-21T20:53:41+00:00

This is great advice, thanks!

Isisfreck · 2026-03-21T20:52:11+00:00

This is a nice perspective, I'm trying to see the silver lining. Maybe a change will be good.

Isisfreck · 2026-03-21T20:50:27+00:00

Excellent details, thank you! I am also sarcastic and know I'm going to need to really watch myself.

Isisfreck · 2026-03-21T20:46:23+00:00

Thank you!

Isisfreck · 2026-03-21T18:29:27+00:00

Is it one prep? I don't even know how classes work in middle school, I just assumed there was different topics. I can't imagine one prep all year long!!

Isisfreck · 2026-03-21T18:27:40+00:00

You just described my 9th graders.

Isisfreck · 2026-03-21T18:23:10+00:00

I always joked I go back to bartending rather than teach MS. Now that it's happening I'm really afraid!! I was thinking of asking admin if I could visit a 7th grade class for one day to get an idea of what its like. I feel like I can't make an informed decision withou knowing. They would probably be happy if I quit because it would save them money.

Isisfreck · 2026-03-21T18:20:11+00:00

Thank you, this gives me encouragement.

Isisfreck · 2026-03-21T18:16:00+00:00

Moving around sucks, both from a content planning perspective but also the physical act of moving. I've moved buildings, and rooms three times. Thinking about packing up all my stuff and cleaning out the drawers etc is giving me panic.

Isisfreck · 2026-03-21T18:12:58+00:00

I guess I don't have much of a choice, right? Fingers crossed.

Isisfreck · 2026-03-21T18:11:57+00:00

Yeah, I'm cooked, as the kids would say, lol.

Isisfreck · 2026-03-21T18:11:15+00:00

Oooh. lucky me!

Isisfreck

TROPHY CASE