Teacher Look

I've come a long way since I first started teaching four years ago. Back then, I was a very different teacher -- inexperienced, anxious, idealistic, and unprepared. Most notably, I had not yet developed my "teacher-face."  

I can remember repeating "sit down," "inside voice," and "be gentle" again and again to no avail.  Back then, I would come home in tears, plow through half a bag of tortilla chips and a jar of salsa, and stare blankly at my computer wondering what I would teach the next day.  Thankfully, in between crying to my mom on the phone and rearranging my classroom for the seventh time, there were some real high points during that first year too (like starting to date my now-fiance), and I did eventually develop my teacher-look (thanks to my wonderful roommate insisting that I practice in front of the bathroom mirror).

Now, after four years of teaching, the phenomenon of the teacher-look is still incredible to me.  There are times when I'm shocked that a simple look can maintain relative control in a class with 22 four-year-olds.  Even when, like yesterday, a maintenance worker comes in during Rest Time, climbs on a ladder, and goes half-way into the ceiling in attempt to fix our broken heat (not that I objected, given that it was 60 degrees for much of the day). It's not a perfect system, but certainly the teacher-look makes my days a little easier.  Especially, like today, I have laryngitis and couldn't raise my voice, even if I wanted to (teaching the kiddos sign language helps too!)