@therandomvibez
It is Spring Break week, and for the working world, that week usually comes with a few days off. Nowhere is this week more important than in Education. With teacher burnout rampant and schools understaffed and teachers overworked, this respite means so much. It is a chance to rest, to regroup, to re-prioritize, and re-energize for the big end of the year push, with all the extra testing, grading, assemblies, awards ceremonies, end of the year projects, parent meetings, rewriting IEP's, and the plethora of things to do for the closure of the school year.
I know this because I was a teacher for 37 years. I held on for these breaks - a great time of rest and renewal for me. One year, I got pneumonia, and I was in bed sick for the entire 10 days we had off. I only have a fleeting memory of my husband feeding me soup one time - the rest of those 10 days are lost in a time warp. I do remember feeling cheated about losing a vacation that I really needed.
Students need a break as well! From K-12 as well as college, students need some stress-free time to enjoy life - and forget assignments and test scores for a while. This respite of play and rest will help students regain the energy needed to negotiate and complete the major tasks awaiting them to finish off the year.
Happy vacation to everyone! I hope you are renewed on body and spirit.
Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!
Connect with Dede!
Twitter @dederittman
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