Why I Love Being a High School English Teacher

(Sometimes I need to remind myself.)


My students challenge me to solve problems, think outside the box, and evaluate every decision I make. I'm always thinking on my feet, and it keeps me sharp, focused, and present.

The days FLY. If you've ever had a job where the hours felt like weeks, you would especially appreciate this one. In high school, the bells just keep on ringin', and you have to keep on truckin' through the day. Before you know it, school's over.

Teachers are super fun. I'm not tooting my own horn (though I do think I'm a hoot); I just mean that the teacher friends I've made over the last few years have been awesome! We find ways to laugh about the chaos that is teaching high school.


I wore this outfit to school today, because it was Eighties Day for Homecoming week.

Can I wear this every day? 

The students are hilarious, smart, and interesting. People ask why I chose high school, and I always say it's because I wanted to work with teenagers. They fascinate me. Remember when the most important thing in your life was who asked whom to the dance?

I love seeing high school from this perspective. I liked high school as a student, but it's much better from this angle. I get to enjoy the traditions--football games, spirit week, science fairs, art shows, plays, marching band field shows, prom, assemblies, rallies--but I'm enjoying it so much more as an adult. Probably because I appreciate the fact that life doesn't have Homecoming parades. (Unless you're a high school teacher.)

Summer. Obviously.

School lets out by 3:00, and while I usually stay until close to 4, plus work at home, I can arrange my afternoons and evenings how I want. Yes, I answer to a bell from 8 am to 3 pm, but I can decide how I spend the other hours.

I get to read my favorite books over and over, and I get to discuss them with students. Since I love literature, it's quite the situation.

I don't worry about sitting at a computer all day. I'm on my feet for 90% of my day, and I know it's helped me stay fit and feel good, even on days I can't get to the gym.

It's really a blessing to have this job and work with these students. The job is always changing and pushing me out of my comfort zone, and I love how much I get to learn every day.

And, as always, a quick review of today's eats:

6:20 breakfast

Scrambled eggs, asparagus, and leftover hearty oat loaf

10:30 morning snack

For lunch, a piece of leftover pizza from the other night and some baby carrots.

7:15 dinner

We ate during a UCLA event, a meal of broccoli-stuffed chicken, homemade tortillas (so good), enchiladas, and greens. 

And finally, a delicious brownie with a glass of milk. So perfect for the end of the day!

Check out the other WIAWs!

I also squeezed in a quick HIIT workout. I completed about 35 minutes of my Half and Half HIIT workout (incline walking plus running), but I tweaked my ankle just a bit and called it a day before I finished the whole thing.

Speaking of calling it a day--I'm out. Have a great day!