Years ago, before kids, I was an elementary school teacher. I loved it. I loved my kids. I loved teaching and guiding the children each day. I dare say, I was “born to teach” . In my youth, I was one of those kids who was always playing school. I was the teacher. I was the child who would make up math worksheets for her little sisters do practice on. I loved being and playing the teacher.
I always had the plan that I would teach until I had kids. Once my children were older and back in school, I would go back to teaching. That is what has happened so far… and still the plan.
I have taken 10 years off teaching in the classroom. My teaching has been in the home: homeschooling, potty training, early exposure and love of reading and more.
Yesterday, I got my first glimpse, an excited peek, into what life is like back in the classroom… as a mom.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure what teaching would be like 10 years later. I wasn’t sure what the kids would be like. I was the most nervous about how I would be as a teacher, now that I am a mom. Would I be a cranky mean teacher? You know, one of those substitute teachers!
I got dressed, put make up on, and for the first time in a long time… I leave the house presentable. Fully dressed and ready for the day. I liked how I felt about myself (dressed professionally and put together). Don’t get me wrong, I love my workout clothes I wear daily… but there is something that boosts my confidence when I am put together, rather than sweaty and cozy.
After I sent off six boys to school on the school bus (I watch my friend’s 3 boys before school), I quickly made the final preparations for my day. I I drink my coffee, read and pray, and regroup ready to start this exciting new day.
The day was busy. The day was full of new things. I loved every minute of it! Dare I say that I would do it for free, of course I want to get paid… but I love it. I didn’t realize how much I missed teaching. Yes, I know that I was just a substitute for one day. That one day, yesterday, was a glimpse of what life could be like for me teaching again… as a mom.
When all the children were out of my care and on their way home, I made my rounds to find my own three children. We left the school and my teacher hat was off and my mom hat was on.
We ran to the library to return and pick up books.
We ran a quick errand for snacks.
We headed home.
We arrived home right around 5:00 to drop off book bags, snacks from our errands, and a jump start on our homework. We all changed in to our play/workout clothes for practice. The big boys had soccer/football and I help my oldest son’s soccer team. PLUS the parents were scrimmaging against the players… so that would be fun!
I got the rest of my daily steps in, a great sprint workout, and laughed SO hard from that parent/kid soccer scrimmage. Believe it or not… we won! Ha! It was a lot of fun.
After soccer and football practices were over, we headed home for a late dinner. Like dinner at 8:00 late. Keep in mind that my boys are usually in bed by 8, not eating dinner still dirty, stinky and sweaty!
Finally, around 9PM, all the boys were showered, asleep in their beds, and my husband and I were able to enjoy the quiet. We discussed the business of the day, my subbing experience, the soccer scrimmage, and our weekend plans.
It was a great day. It was an exciting peek into the craziness of what life could be like, if I were to enter the work force full time again, as a teacher. I would love it. It would take some work… but it is something that I am really looking into. Time to get re-certified to teach.
It gave me a newfound appreciation for my husband and all working mothers who do it all and more! Finding time for yourself, fitness, alone time, errands, and household maintenance is something that is a new challenge. I was able to fit it in, but man oh man it was a deliberate effort to make it fit!
One thing that really surprised me was not only how I felt about myself all day, but it was the interaction I had with my children the rest of the day. I was a nicer mom. I missed them more than usual. Weird, I know… but it is what I found to be true for me.
Jill Will Run says
I get up at 4 AM to run, so that’s a little bit of solo time. But aside from that, I really don’t get much time to myself. I get home from my run and then I’m trying to get my kid dressed and fed so my husband can leave the house with her by 7:20. I’m technically supposed to start working at 7 AM, but most of the time I’m working/replying to emails via my phone but don’t get to my desk until my husband/kid have left. Then when I pick her up at 4:30 it’s go-go-go until she goes to bed at 8 PM. Then it’s making school lunch, clean things up and try to watch a show on TV or something with my husband while I attempt to read my blog emails or write a blog. And usually do more work. (sigh) It’s been exhausting lately.
ganeeban says
Loved reading about you’re experience back in the work field. Sounds like it went well on all fronts, which you can’t ask for more than that. I applaud you for trying it and even more so for being so honest and open about it. I can’t even imagine what it will be like when I have kids, my job, our house, etc. – it’s nerve wracking and exciting, all at the same time! xoxo, ganeeban
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
That’s great that you had a chance to jump back into teaching and loved it. Fun!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
I’m so glad you had such a great time with it and that it seems to have really reignited your passion!
Jen @ pretty little grub says
I think that’s great that you felt better about yourself. I think getting out and getting dressed completely changes your perspective and outlook.
Coco says
I wanted to be an elementary school teacher, and I was a substitute teacher in elementary schools for a while, but then other things happened. Teaching is a love though.
Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs says
Organization is important. Plus you, and all the rest of the family have to get over the idea that Mom can do everything. The whole family needs to pitch in, which will take a lot of pressure off of you. And don’t fell guilty about it!!!!
Sam @ Grapefruit & Granola says
That is exciting! I’m glad you had a good day. I sometimes wonder how working moms (or any moms really) do it because it is just me and I’m exhausted by the end of the day 🙂
Toni says
Sounds like an amazing day! I had a month off from work and I am itching to go back, I am definitely a better mom when I work!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
It’s all about priorities…when the boys were little, I’d get up before the sun to get my runs in. Even now, I plan my running around their schedules, altho it is a lot easier than it used to be. Oops, tomorrow, Saturday, my son has a rugby game and we have to be out the door by 8. Guess I’m getting up at 5:30…
Jen says
It sounds like you had such a fun day! So glad you were able to do that – how fun!
jill conyers says
Rachel that last pic of you is priceless! It looks like teaching fits you well. Fit-working-mom tip…become an early morning person 🙂
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
I work part time as a nurse, usually around once a week. It’s a great feeling to get that confidence back, it is a confidence I don’t have at home sometimes. As out of control as an ICU can be, I oddly feel more in control there than at home with the boys. It’s a great change of pace from the daily grind at home. Excited for you and your new endeavours 🙂
Marcia says
What a great change of routine! I love that you felt a different kind of confidence working outside the home. I’m sure you will rebalance and find a way to make it all work. I think Debbie had wise words. The rest of the family will have to pitch in more.
Elle says
I agree… getting dressed up is a real confidence builder. So happy for you that it all went so well and that you enjoyed it.
Priya says
I am so glad that you had so much fun. Thanks for sharing.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says
Too bad you aren’t here, I work at 3 elementary schools. I could line you up with sub jobs like crazy.
Rachel says
Thanks friend! Yes, that is the same offer I have received from my other teaching friends (and previous colleagues). Too bad I am starting over from scratch here in our new town. 🙂
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
So glad to hear that you had a great first day back in the classroom! Its so hard to explain just how much I appreciate being able to work with students on a daily basis, and no matter how hard of a job it is, I wouldn’t trade it in for anything else!
Rachel says
Yes! I agree! I feel the same way. 🙂
GinaB @ Mirror Watching says
Glad you are still finding joy in something that you once loved and are looking forward to in the future.