Really. I hear all these idealistic stories about how every teacher is supposed to be this ideal paragon of virtue who has unlimited pens and pencils (as well as other school supplies), hugs and kisses for the lambs in her class, and enough time to not only teach your innocent Bambi, but also to nurse their ills, diagnose and mediate their social conflicts, instill enough discipline that every student will be successful (but not so much that you cross into the unbordered and undefined land of parental choices), and still have time to grade, create engaging lessons, and contact every parent every day about every minor disturbance (this includes both good and bad grades, disciplinary issues, social and emotional problems, illness, and anything else parents don’t have time to do).

Is it any wonder that 50% of new teachers leave the profession in the first five years? The expectations for teachers are high, and the return on a teacher’s financial investment and time commitment often isn’t enough.

As I prepare to start what I am promising myself is my last year in the field of education, I am contemplating the good and bad days, the highs and the lows, and my students and colleagues. Buckle up! In the coming weeks, I plan to introduce you to The Trashy Teacher Chronicles, Chalkboard Chats, and other mostly true stories from classrooms I’ve had the privilege to walk in on.