I looked at this video earlier today of a teacher in DC who hosted a Pampering Day for his students.. and I can’t help but think of us in Trinidad and Tobago here trying to make these spectacular Carnival Costumes out of no money- trying to stretch every piece of braid and elastic and fabric, wringing every last drop of spray paint out of the can… and that leads me to think of the bigger picture.

We give so much of ourselves.
I give so much of myself.

I lean heavily on every resource, friend and family for sponsorship and help with any and every project that I could possibly organise for my children. I message friends with no connection to my school to ask for donations, I reach out to musicians, artists and other experts in various fields to share with my children, give them experiences.. I will spend the money I do not have and cannot afford to spend to ensure my classroom is welcoming and equipped with, not only my needs, but my wants as well…

Education is about building families. It’s about giving opportunities for everyone to learn and grow. Families must enjoy their time in my care. The whooooooole family. 😂😂

Y’all, this teaching thing is HARD and getting harder. We are overwhelmingly overworked and grossly underpaid, and at times disrespected because all you do is teach the “babies”..

We don’t all reach on Ellen but sheesh it makes you think sometimes about what we give, what our families sacrifice for us to do this thing that we love. #poorinmoney #richinspirit? 🤷‍♀️

P.S. I’m not comparing to any other profession, I don’t know any other so that’s not where I’m coming from. As an educator, I would never compare one to the other anyway. Yuh feel mih?

endrant #didnotknowitwouldbearant 🤦‍♀️

teachingisaworkofheart #teacherlife #teachertribe #teacherinspiration #teacherthoughts #teesteacherthoughtstidbitsandtips #iteach #iteachfirstandsecond #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #beginnerblogger

Lots of continued love,

TJP