I have taught K to adult. I'm glad to have meaningful employment. There's lots to dislike about the school system, especially when you just want to get on with the job teaching. However, its all worth it when you see the "lights go on" in someone's eyes and you hear them say, "I get it!"

That does not mean I enjoy being bashed. I also resent parents who are "not with the program" and expect me to parent their child. I often say to myself, "If I could just shut the door and teach..." How many bosses do you have? I have to answer to my students, their parents, the administration, the district, the province, the public and other teachers. Now thats stressful!

Just remember that school and education are two different things. I'm paid to do my job in a school system. We are all responsible for educating children. I cannot possibly be responsible for every societal ill whether it be poor parenting, poor diet, too much t.v. and internet or poverty.

My pet peeve? Parents who send their kids to school when they are sick! Who cares if the teacher or the other students get sick? Parents need to stay home to care for them or find alternate arrangements. I'm not a babysitter and I'm not a nurse!

Thats enough ranting and raving - I have to go count the money and see if I have enough for the field trip. If not, I'll probably top it up with my own money just like I have topped-up all my classroom supplies and books. And by the way - the field trip is a necessary part of their education. Have you ever tried to teach about community from a textbook?