Certified.

Red tape doesn't even begin to describe the process for receiving this. I mean, wow. I applied for my Colorado teaching license back in July...which required emails, phone calls (aka "Press 1 for...press 2 for...press 3 for...), fingerprints, and paperwork plus paperwork plus more paperwork--which led to copying, faxing and eventually mailing the application (with my $60 money order) to Denver. I received the actual license in the mail on February 8th. If you notice in the bottom left hand corner...you'll see 8/13/2010. That's the effective date. I applied in July-it was effective in August-but didn't have it in hand until February--6 months. Again. Wow.

I'm good at what I do--I've been affirmed in this with three job offers at my school in Colorado Springs. I don't mean to sound pompous/arrogant/snobby (insert your own appropriate adjective for it)...but I have been blessed with a talent to teach (glory to God). And I love it. That's the basic idea. I love to teach. But all the other responsibilities will make any good teacher want to take a break...for a year...or for the rest of his/her life. And the reason--exhibit A at the top of this page.

The bureaucracy in the educational system is enough to squelch any sense of inspiration you may have in a classroom. Now, I obviously can't speak for other professions, but geez, education has to be a front-runner for being THE worse. With no real answer for "improvement"--just running the "here we go again" wheel like a hamster.

Now, before I sound too "by-golly" about all this, I have to say...if you asked me, "What else would you do besides teach?"--I have no answer for you (unless we win the lottery, then we could talk). The truth is, it's just what I do. Plain and simple.

I've loved my time off this year. Loved. it. It's been a gift. And at this point in the year, the "talk" starts in all schools across America. Next year. What will it bring? More budget cuts? How many kids in my class? Who's going to stay? Switch rooms? Switch grades? Moving to a different school?


I heard...so and so.

Really?

Well--I heard this and that.

Really?!


It is by far my least favorite time of year. So now I find myself with a decision to make about next year--and I've been asked, "Do you want to go back to full-time teaching?" And I'm at a crossroad.

Yes. I love being a teacher, but it will require some "umph" for me to go back into the classroom. I'm OK with that, but I just have to prepare for the onslaught of "new" policies, curriculum, requirements, and...pressure which all equal stress. However, I do love the sense of community that is developed when working with other teachers (kindred spirits), and seeing students learn and grow as people while in your care. Rewarding for sure.

No. Being good (not even great) requires lots of t.i.m.e. Early mornings and late afternoons. Day in and day out can be tiring. This leaves little time/energy for other things I have loved(!) this year like volunteering, going to the Y, meeting new people, and taking care of my husband. Note: I could broach the subject here of "superwoman"...but I won't. Just trying to keep things simple...which is how I prefer to roll. I guess that could be another topic of discussion.

Over the next couple months, there will be many decisions made. Big ones. Small ones. Full-time teaching will be on the list. I will be praying that God will show me where He wants me. His plan is best. Certifed. Even if that includes applying for another Professional Teacher License.