The days leading up to any substantial break is always a nightmare for teachers. Though this is only my first year teaching, I have my student teacher experience to reflect on. It's a long haul through the desolate months from Winter Break to Spring Break, and last year was no different. March is the absolute worst month, as the days seem to drag with little to no half days or days off. The students drag as well, and heck... so do teachers.

This coming week consists of 4 and 1/2 days, instead of the usual 5.

Will we survive it?

Of course we will, because we are teachers, and we endure. Whether we get through the week unscathed; however, is another matter.

All whining aside, it is astounding how quickly this year has passed. It seems only yesterday I finished my student teacher experience, and began the job search. Some days have been harder than others, but no job is absolutely perfect. You've got to take the little victories as they come. For instance, I participated in the Faculty-Seniors Basketball game, which was a fundraiser for After Prom. I had an absolute blast, and even received compliments on my skills the next day.

Despite these little victories, it will be an uphill battle, commencing tomorrow, but I'm armed with what I need to survive it. I'm going to get my students, and myself, up over the breach, and down into the valley below, filled with flowers, video games, junk food, and whatever else these kids do for Spring Break.

The week before a break, the pressure is also on from the higher ups. They urge us to keep students occupied from bell to bell, and to avoid playing movies. It's hard, because the kids don't want to work, and half the time, teachers don't want to either. But, again, we endure. We press on. We complete our sacred duty to enrich the minds of America's youth. Yes, it may often be a thankless job, but someone's got to do it.

The count down begins tomorrow...

Onwards and upwards, teachers and students! 'Do not go gentle into that good night'!

Ciao, friends!

P.S. There will be a brief break of blog posts, as I will be in Dublin next Sunday. But you will hear all about my Spring Break adventures the Sunday after!