Things I DID NOT LEARN ABOUT in my teacher-preparation program:

10. There just aren’t enough hours in the day. Sometimes, I just work harder than the students—I shouldn’t, but I do.
9. Not all feedback is credible, viable, or realistic. Unless it comes from someone who has the same (or at least close) teaching philosophy as I do.
8. Trust shouldn’t be given so easily to colleagues.
7. How much eating right, taking care of my body, and balancing my life (all aspects of it) is essential to being a successful teacher.
6. Politics, no matter how good of a teacher I am, will always have the ability to get me.
5. The last month of school is utter hell.
4. How much I would miss adult interaction on a more regular basis. Beyond my live-in partner and family—pets just don’t cut it either.
3. Yes, we all “steal,” but now that it is happening to me, it feels like shit. I at least give credit where credit is due.
2. How to deal with atrociously bad teacher-colleagues.
1. Sometimes, even though I really shouldn’t, I just REALLY have to use the restroom. And I always think to myself “I just REALLY hope no fires or fights break out” as I run down the hall in order to make it in time.