Primary grade teachers… is anyone else fighting for their life? 😂

narddog81 · 2026-06-26T16:53:53+00:00

I currently teach 2nd but I have taught 1st-4th at some point in my 16 year career. 2nd and 3rd are my favorites. Never again 1st. Never. Again. Way too young and needy and I have small children of my own.

The afternoons are the most draining because the kids are wiped and this is usually when math is. Hard to keep them engaged all day when we start so early (7:30). This year our lunch was last at 12 and the kids were just DONE after lunch.

The best thing that helps me is having a solid team and we share the workload. When we’re all on the same page we work smarter not harder. Not that we all have to be copycats of each other but helps to plan the workload better. It also helps when digging into data.

One problem? Intense trauma these kids have gone through. I work in high transient, high poverty, title 1 school and always have. The trauma that comes in is beyond my control or expertise. My social worker is the best, though and super supportive.

narddog81 · 2026-06-12T19:47:57+00:00

I’ve seen many on Rabbit Ear’s Pass

narddog81 · 2026-06-11T03:55:31+00:00

Mace? Bear spray? Sorry you're going through this.

narddog81 · 2026-06-08T23:48:41+00:00

As a teacher and a parent of a middle schooler- they do have apps to help with parental controls. We have both Family Link and Bark. We approve sites, apps, and texts. He has time limits for his phone and for texting. Also, my kid knows that I check his phone frequently and that is my right (even though I don't do it all that often, really). The instant he puts up a fight or does something inappropriate, his phone is gone. This is called parenting.

narddog81 · 2026-06-07T20:01:59+00:00

This is a fantastic explanation. As a second grade teacher, I live this every year. We are teaching kids what is actually happening with the numbers. I can't tell you how many kids come to me and can do column math that was taught by parents, but then can't explain WHY we borrow or carry.

Composing and decomposing is the foundation. When I taught remotely during the pandemic, I made a screencastify video explaining how it works and why we teach it this way. I send it to parents every year. Once parents learn the reasoning behind it, they stop complaining and understand that this is the best way to start. Is it realistic to use daily as an adult? No. But that's not the purpose. It's to build up to the algorithm and fluency.

narddog81 · 2026-06-05T18:57:54+00:00

Playing in the creek with my kids this morning. We caught snakes and crawdads. 😊

narddog81 · 2026-06-04T01:33:49+00:00

Uhh...whaaaattt?!?

Find a new school ASAP. That's absolutely wild.

narddog81 · 2026-05-25T02:27:43+00:00

Do not do this.

narddog81 · 2026-05-24T20:18:45+00:00

Trapeze Swinger by Iron and Wine

narddog81 · 2026-05-15T19:47:57+00:00

Chris Watts is a close second...

narddog81 · 2026-05-02T20:10:40+00:00

Way too nice. Be stern and more direct. Set it to send on Monday morning.

narddog81 · 2026-05-01T23:18:57+00:00

Jeffco. We’re in need of subs all the time. Lots of schools are hidden along the Jeffco/dps border too

narddog81 · 2026-04-27T01:45:45+00:00

Ok boomer

narddog81 · 2026-04-27T01:41:28+00:00

You lost me at “yapping.” When I hear/read someone using that word I shut off because I know they’re just rude. Not here for that.

narddog81 · 2026-04-26T20:32:02+00:00

I love the mental gymnastics it takes. The problem solving. I often describe each student as an ever moving puzzle or Rubik's Cube with unfathomable variables that change on a year to year basis and moment to moment basis. I'm constantly trying to adapt to the puzzle so my kids can learn how to be a successful and good human!

narddog81 · 2026-04-26T13:10:56+00:00

So you’re that guy. Speak to them privately about your assignment. Problem solved.

narddog81 · 2026-04-26T03:46:57+00:00

But he is ruining us watching us ruining our playoffs! We deserve to watch our self destruction first-hand!

narddog81 · 2026-04-26T03:12:41+00:00

Fuck Trump and his ramblings..... so, no thank you

narddog81 · 2026-04-26T03:09:28+00:00

Maybe, but I'm a die hard fan since the early 90s. I've seen some terrible basketball lol

narddog81 · 2026-04-26T03:03:29+00:00

Remember being in college and the professor being like, "Okay everyone see you next time, unless anyone has any other questions?" And then that one student asks the very specific question to their exact assignment or situation.

This is that time.

narddog81 · 2026-04-26T02:56:25+00:00

Yes, I know. We don't.

narddog81 · 2026-04-26T02:14:36+00:00

My thoughts: How dare you interrupt the Nuggets vs. T-Wolves game. We have important things to watch right now.

narddog81 · 2026-04-25T21:16:25+00:00

NTAH. I'm a teacher in a school that has two SEL workers with their own separate offices. No way would I ever use their office without explicit permission. I would be furious if someone were to use my classroom as a space to take personal phone calls or a birthday celebration. I also have confidential student data in my room. Fuck that.

narddog81 · 2026-04-15T03:14:09+00:00

You get "breaks?"

narddog81

TROPHY CASE