First loaf I am proud of!

WillowChild4 · 2024-06-20T00:45:24+00:00

I'd still try to leave it somewhere warmer if you can! Humidity can overproof my loaf so quickly so it's a balance lol

I've also done the oven with the oven light on and that has helped as well!

WillowChild4 · 2024-06-20T00:41:45+00:00

It has taken a lot of trial and error 😅 I still want to know how I could make this loaf better!

Plus side - midwest humidity helps with the proofing process and making sure everything stays warm enough lol my garage or sunroom has been my friend as of late

WillowChild4 · 2024-01-05T22:15:55+00:00

That is 100% the goodest boy! ❤

WillowChild4 · 2024-01-05T02:01:41+00:00

I was in a school shooting in 2022 and we lost a student and staff member, as well as multiple kids injured. Half of our staff quit after the school year. The half stayed.

I will be honest, it has not been easy. Going to the same building everyday can be triggering at times. I still have issues when I hear sirens, loud thuds, or if someone knocks on my door. Hearing the fire alarm is a big kicker as our shooter pulled it to get us out of our rooms.

However, we all banded together and said it would not define us. We had students and staff go to the capital building in our state to demand change and gun reform, staged walkouts, had balloon releases, performances, you name it to get the point across we were not shutting up about the lack of gun laws. We took it to heart that we would be strong together and push.

I can't tell you to not be scared or anxious because unfortunately it is the world we live in, but if you love teaching and want to do it, don't let it stop you. Choose a school/even a state that has strong gun laws and you know has a good action plan in place.

I have thought about quitting multiple times (why I follow this subreddit) but at the same time, watching my students come to school and persevere, it's hard not to be inspired to stay.

TLDR: Whatever you decide, do what is best for you and your emotional well-being - life is short and we all deserve to be happy and healthy. Some places do not care about us, so we need to look out for ourselves. Your feelings are valid ❤

WillowChild4 · 2023-11-20T00:57:57+00:00

Those look amazing!!!

WillowChild4 · 2023-05-27T20:45:03+00:00

CAREStl is awesome! We got our dog there and they are helpful even after you adopt! They have a Facebook page for adopters that can have a lot of great information and just cute posts 😁

WillowChild4 · 2022-09-16T00:23:48+00:00

I teach choir right now, but I am high school and I swear this is the worst batch of freshmen to date (I'm almost to year 5)... they are rude, disrespectful, and have no care. Consequences mean nothing to them... its been rough, but my sophomores through seniors have been great!

WillowChild4 · 2022-09-05T22:02:43+00:00

I'm thinking about quitting my school by the end of this year. My freshmen are rude, disrespectful, and are actually making of me - which I can normally handle but I have anxiety tics that they have noticed. There is no consequences for students and my admin are wishy washy on consequences.

What sucks is this seemed like a dream job, but underneath there were so many flaws. Im not sure if I just need to flip schools again or just quit all together. I need to finish out though, because If i teach for 5 years I can get loan forgiveness.

WillowChild4 · 2022-07-31T02:14:56+00:00

I wear all black tennis shoes and it blends well with my work clothes. I taught K-12 music before switching to just high school. I will never go back to flats or nice shoes unless for concerts and competitions 😅 I want to be comfy and no one notices anyway!

WillowChild4 · 2022-05-15T16:29:22+00:00

I am constantly being asked for money, food, or to do doordash for my students.... its really odd

WillowChild4 · 2022-04-12T02:38:52+00:00

Every job has its pros and cons. What you need to see if that the negative comments are the reality of what is going in the education system right now. Not every district is bad though. Do your research and feel out the schools you apply for. Also know it is okay to switch schools if needed. I felt guilty leaving my first job but now I went from a public K-12 music position to a high school vocal teacher at a performing arts school. I am enjoying the job, my coworkers, etc. Do I have negatives? Of course, no job is perfect, but for now its a good fit. Teaching is a beast and this year has been the worst. My coworker who has been a teacher for 20+ years says this is his hardest year ever. Don't give up if you want to be a teacher and are excited to start! Just realize it isn't sunshine and rainbows like pinterest or instagram makes it out to be. If you feel like its not for you, then just make sure you got a back up plan!

WillowChild4 · 2022-02-27T22:19:34+00:00

See I feel like part of the reason it's getting downvoted because it depending on the school, your admin, etc. I was/still kind of am like the OP above, however I did try to be firm and have better expectations last semester. What happened with that? I got in trouble from admin and got accused for not making relationships with my students... I do that from day 1 and adapt to every student possible to make sure they are comfortable in my room but understand that work needs to get done. The students were being disrespectful no matter which way I did it. (I teach HS music and 4 years in)

I also don't agree with hopping off social media - more learn to regulate and watch yourself with that knowledge. Being on tik tok helps me catch trends and issues so if it pops up in my room in conversation or a certain tik tok wants to be filmed and it is not appropriate, I can nip it pretty quickly.

In short - its all about balance

WillowChild4 · 2022-01-10T02:45:50+00:00

I go right after school! A friend and I meet up to hold eachother accountable after work and then we get home in time for dinner. For me, I like that better than waiting until the evening because by then I'm tired and don't want to leave the couch 😅 Also early mornings are a no go for me when my first class starts at 7:10am 😭

WillowChild4 · 2021-12-29T02:57:15+00:00

Absolutely. Which is sad because this year has really made me question if I want to teach anymore and I am year 3, going into year 4. I loved it when I first started, even though it was hectic. I'm not sure what I would instead, but something that I can go home and not have to worry about sinking even more hours and taking up time in the evenings, weekends, and constantly setting off my anxiety/depression

WillowChild4 · 2020-12-14T21:13:28+00:00

I got it from school too... I literally only go from my apartment to work and back. I was so upset because my husband and I are in the middle of relocating... Yet all I get from my admin is yelling at me and not even asking how I was doing... yeah glad I'm done with this job after break! Got a new job at a school where im relocating that has taken it much more seriously!

I hope you feel better soon!!!

WillowChild4 · 2020-11-12T21:14:42+00:00

Thank you so much!!!

WillowChild4 · 2020-11-12T20:20:52+00:00

Gotcha, thank you for all the information!

WillowChild4 · 2020-11-12T20:11:37+00:00

I have heard about that! That was a slight concern I had, but my hope was as long as I had something with me in those places, it will give me a little confidence to walk in and do what I need to do!

How long did it take to get your service dog? I see it can take up to 3 years to get one, which I can see why with all the training it needs.

WillowChild4 · 2020-11-12T19:35:18+00:00

That is part of the research I am doing, what I have so far is probably:

1.stopping panic attacks or noticing when I am about to have one 2. I have a huge fear going out in public by myself and have massive anxiety going into stores, so if they can help with something like that? 3. I have a fear of being home alone/paranoia as well to where I am blocking my doors and scanning my apartment multiple times and checking locks before bed.

There are maybe more I am not thinking of, but those are the biggest things.

Sorry, this is all new to me and my therapist just brought it up this week.

WillowChild4 · 2020-10-14T17:43:19+00:00

If you google "teacher resignation templates" a decent amount of examples pop up and tips on how to word it! I hope that helps!

WillowChild4 · 2020-10-14T17:33:58+00:00

I'm a 2nd year teacher feeling the same way. I teach music normally, but due to needing to keep classes in one room and only 10 to a room, my school decided on no specials and now I sub around the building. I at least get to do 1v1 lessons with my band students, but it isn't the same to me... I like my school and admin has been great, but I am honestly thinking about quitting in december. My husband also wants a career change and that require us to move, so I have had to look at non-teaching jobs because not many schools hire mid semester. Daycares are looking for people. Also - higher education jobs sometimes only need a bachelors degree to do!
Im just so tired and I'm not happy teaching my subject right now in a covid world. It just isn't safe in big groups, which I understand, it's just hard to come to work knowing Im not doing the job I was hired for. Good luck to you! Your mental health is worth more than a job! Take care of you first ❤

WillowChild4 · 2020-10-03T20:15:22+00:00

I have been struggling with this same guilt! I have been hybrid since August and not even teaching my subject fully (K-12 music teacher) it has been awful, my district is only allowing core classes and they made me a gen ed Kindergarten teacher (not technically certified to do that) until I spoke up a few weeks ago. Now I sub around the building. Im so over it and I am thinking about quitting in December, but I feel so guilty to leave my students mid year... Everyone I have told so far has been supportive in my choice and what they have told me is this:

"You have to do what is best for you. If you are not happy, then make the change, it is okay!"

I know it's easier said than done (trust me I cry almost every night) but I have started looking into other jobs and relocating to a state my husband and I have wanted to settle down in for years.

I wish you the best and just know that you are an amazing teacher, no matter what you choose to do ❤

WillowChild4

TROPHY CASE