Having been a teacher my main feeling around this time of year is one of relief....
Relief that I'm no longer one of those lanyard wearing teachers I saw on their way to work yesterday morning when I was out for my run.
Relief that I'm now the guy who no longer has to be in work by
7.30 a.m. ready to face up to 100 new students on that first day back.
Relief that schools going back now only mean I have to jiggle my timetable slightly - basically don't travel anywhere between 8.00 and 9.00 or 3.00-4.30 to avoid the school runs.
But I also remember the stress and anxiety of those times, it's just awful. In early so you can get your head back into work mode, the feeling of the 6 week holiday behind you, and ALL THAT STRESS of a new term ahead of you.
It really is the worst time of year... and those keeno teachers who tell you they really enjoy their job, they are either insane or greasy-poling or just plain lying, so pay them no attention.
For ordinary teachers this time of year is just the worst...
Having to deal with so many new faces, so many new issues, not really knowing who is who or how class dynamics are going to play out. Having to try and get ahead of disruption, having to set homework on day one and knowing full well that most students are going to make the effort which has to be marked properly, but this first assignment is just diagnostic and of no real value to anyone!
And tutorials, pastoral issues, the learning support people dropping you emails and dropping by about the several students who need this and that additional support.
And then there's the staff, most of whom you don't like that much, especially the keanos with their faux happiness about being back: smiling is mandatory, being excited about meeting the new students...
It's all such bullshit.
And all the time there are October Open Evenings lurking around the corner... and this term it's a late end... they're in until Friday 22nd of December!
OUCH!
Better off out of it, for sure!