As I write this, I’m SO tired.

It’s been a long year, but not because of behaviors. I’ve got a really good class.

#sweet

They just don’t engage. That’s the exhausting part for me. This is the part of teaching that leaves me a drooling pile at the end of each day.

The decisions, the choices, the “do ignore that behavior or do I correct it” or the “I cannot give this student another ounce of attention right now”, all of it. I learned about decision fatigue a couple of years ago, and this describes teachers, tired because of all the decisions we make on a daily basis.

We talk about this every day. Engage. Be part of the lesson. My scores, my tests, the work the kids do, all point to half my students being invested in the work, the other half not.

I try to be engaging. I try to up my energy. I work to move more around the room, checking in, getting down to their level, but nothing seems to help.

And I’m left just drained, physically, menatally, and emotionally.

Now, if this was at the beginning of my career, I would not have lasted. I know my teaching days are numbered, so there’s zero reason to hold back.

It’s just I’m so dang tired.

And don’t even get me started at what’s happening at the state and federal levels. Iowa’s about to legalize descrimination, create new avenues for parents to sue with “divisive topics” are taught, and of course, vouchers. Our country is a dumpster fire and we’ve got 47 months left. People are cheering the lose of rights, the violations of the Constitution, and our own privacy because they wanted lower gas prices.

But, spring in coming. Gardens will need to be planted. We may be back into the chicken game, after a brief hiatus, because of egg prices.

There are things to sustain me.

But right now, I’m so tired.

Not a rant, not a whine, not a bitch and moan session, just facts.

Teaching ain’t easy.

Hopefully, we’ll see you Saturday as the Slice of Life Challenge begins. 30 days, 30 blogs, commenting each and every day. Let’s see what we can do, together.