Badpen's Musings

One reason and one reason only-- because Monday comes after it.  Sundays are always, at least in my experience, a mad scramble of grading papers, finalizing lesson plans, and just mentally preparing to take on a full week and all the chaos that it will surely bring.  I spent most of the day reading and grading a vast majority of the 58 AP Research Papers my students submitted the week we returned from Spring Break (if you're keeping track at home, that's right; these papers are over 3 weeks old).  But damn it, in my defense I put them off for a reason. Hell, for several reasons.  First, repeatedly reading papers about WWI is not thrilling in the least.  Not matter how well written they are (and honestly, only small percentage are WELL written), somewhere around the eighth paper, my eyes roll back and it's off to "lala land".  Combine this with the 120 or so Freshmen essays (which are typically much worse than the sophomore papers), and the task is nearly unbearable.  But alas, it's the curse of being a teacher-- more specically, an English teacher.  

So what do I do?  Well, I can't, or should I say won't, quit-- not yet.  I'm too stubborn and I don't have a (good) backup plan.  Plus, grading aside, there are times that I do LOVE the job.  There are even some times I would consider doing it for free (just don't tell my employers that).  The kids, as infuriating as they are sometimes, are worth it.  They are constantly a surprise and, if nothing else, make the job interesting.  However, the most addictive thing is the 'aha' moment when a kid finally understands something or comes to realization.  Those are the times when all the bull is worthwhile.  Those are the moments that make teachers come back the next day and the days after-- searching for more of the same (which hardly ever consecutively occur).  The constant search for teachable moments is what keeps me plugging away, no matter how many infernal papers I have to read and make comments on.  So, in answer to my question at the beginning of this paragraph, I just go to Panera Bread (free coffee/tea refills-- I need the constant caffeine!), plug into my IPod, and get to grading, one paper at a time, and pray that Monday will come slowly and pass quickly.

Current Location: Da' Lick
Current Mood: busy
Current Music: Duel of the Fates