We typically get ourselves going at about 5:30 AM. I get coffee for us, make breakfast, then get myself sent out by 6:30ish so she can get a good start to her day at school. I try to leave by 7:15 most days, but there are days where I get distracted and today was one of those days. I just was moving slowly.
And then, at 7:10, I remembered, I had a staff meeting at 7:30.
#proanitylotsofprofanity
So, after a quick run outside to do chores, I was in the truck, driving the speed limit to school.
#coughBScough
At our meeting, we were reminded that teachers are held to a higher standard on social media and that we needed to watch what we posted.
#sigh
Now, this is not a dis on anyone involved in the conversation. Yes, there are teachers who have posted truly inappropriate stuff. However, that involved literally no one in our building.
Now, as a person, I get pretty snarky online. I tweet at our state Republican party, our governor, and anyone else who believes that books should be banned, that discrimination should be written into Iowa Code, that public money should be spent send rich kids to private school (vouchers = the new segragation), or any other of a giant laundry list of things. My wife has told me before she wonders why I don’t get in trouble. Honestly, sometimes I wonder that myself.
However, I get SO TIRED of the “teachers have to better than that”. I’ve lived my life being better than that. I’m a rule follower. I do what I’m asked to do. And I’m 50 and wonder, what have I missed out on because of this behavior?
Teachers are people too. We drink. Some of us (not me) smoke. Some of us curse. We. Are. Human. And to deny that is setting people up for trouble. Should I get in trouble because I posted a picture of the wicked awesome Irish cream that we bought last week (if you know Bailey’s Irish Cream, think smoother with a better taste). Should I get in trouble because I post a picture of us at bar?
#damnyoumightneedhelp
Hush. Of course not! When my students as if I drink, I tell them I’m 50. That always stuns them for a moment, then we move on.
My point is, when did living your best life, a life of joy, happiness, and just plain fun suddenly become a problem?
Again, I’m not saying teachers should lower themselves to the least common demoninator because I’ve seen some cringy stuff out there.
However, I don’t think teachers should shy away from being who they are. Plus, as connected educators, there’s SO MUCH stuff we can find, explore, and simply share with our students. Much of that comes from, you guessed it, social media! So, you can’t have the “be Amish” and the “be the best teacher you can” at the same time (please note sarcasm there).
Maybe that’s just me.
However, if you come across my Twitter feeds (@aniowateacher or @aniowacoach), you might find me complaining about refs, Republicans, or just life in general.
But sometimes, you’ll find that positive note.
We are who we are and I’m a proud teacher, husband and parent. Please, general public, don’t hold it against me! 🙂
March 9, 2022 at 1:26 am
Righteous rant! 👏 👏 👏
Seriously, teachers don’t give up their civil rights, and frankly, this idea that kids don’t know where teachers stand is BS. Every kid in the school where I taught 30 years knows who the LDS teachers are and who the heathens like me are. Besides, republicans deserve all the crap dished out to them for the horrible things they’re doing to teachers. Honestly, one of the best things about retirement is I don’t hold back. I can say what I want, as long as Twitter says I’m not violating its terms of service, which actually happened when I told a Trump lucky to drink bleach.
March 9, 2022 at 9:16 pm
Dang! This is one heck of a rant on it’s own! I love the passion in this response and it hits right where I’m at. The problem is, all this WITHOUT the problems in education are exhausting. Add in all the stuff going on at school, and it’s a recipe for so many teachers just saying “screw it” and quitting. Keep using your voice out there. We need it! 🙂
March 9, 2022 at 2:06 pm
I appreciate this rant that was perfectly punctuated with hashtags.
As Glenda said, teachers don’t give up their civil rights. You’re entitled to have your beliefs and express your opinions!
March 9, 2022 at 9:00 pm
Thank you, Stacey! I appreciate your words! This was a fun one to write! 🙂
March 20, 2022 at 12:27 pm
Oh, Darin. I totally get you and agree with you. The older we get, the more outspoken we should be. After all, we’ve “paid our dues”, but sometimes I feel as if I’m going backwards. There is so much we are not supposed to say and do now. Our voices are constantly being silenced and when no one around you is speaking up it can be scary. And, like you, I’m a rule follower. So, it’s hard for me to break rules. Of course, when something will impact kids and teachers in a negative way, I will speak up. The funny thing is that when I do, it usually resonates with teachers, but very few will raise their voices in a public setting.