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((((SD))))

f21 and liz make some really good points and I'm not even sure what I'd add - but just wanted to offer some support. My mom's a teacher too and I see how much those parents (and sometimes the kids even) can really beat her up, it's heartbreaking. But you (and all of us here) know better - you are GREAT, wonderful, kind, loving, warm, sensitive, smart, and so many other amazing qualities.

I'm going to assume that 'I hate myself' meant more like 'Dontcha just HATE it when this happens?' than a serious deep-seated self-loathing sort of thing. That sounds more like our wonderful SD...

Good deal, darlin' - come here to vent and process, then get back to school and show those kids some amazing PMA. I can't imagine a better role model for kids facing the angst and pressures of growing up.

Hi sweets... you know I love you. A lot. And I just wanted to remind you that it might be time to re read your love letter. I can relate to your feelings... heck, I could have typed your post myself. But I think f21 hit her responses on the head. You're awesome. F*ck the f*ckers that don't know you and try to bully you into feeling intimidated by them. You, my dear, are mahvellous. And those kids are so lucky to have you. Remind yourself of that every day!

Julie

Thanks a ton, guys!

One of the areas of my life I continually struggle with is my self-esteem. I'm all too ready to believe what others think...or create great stories in my head about what others think.

I don't hate myself, not at all. But I know I have a difficult time seeing myself the way I actually am. In my best moments, I'll tell you I'm a phenomenal teacher. I don't teach content, I teach STUDENTS. I teach the whole child, and I give them what they need at that moment. Sometimes that means I have to stop my lesson to help them work through an issue they had with another teacher they find unfair. Sometimes that means my primary goal for a kid is not academic but social or emotional, like the girl who thought she was worthless/ugly/too tall/stupid last year who wore her Shoe-worthy high heels to 8th grade graduation last year.

I love who I am, I love the type of teacher I am. But...it's hard when the criticism flies, even if it's unfounded. I had a bitter, angry grandma taking shots at my intelligence last night, and I wanted to ask her who the f*ck crawled up her @ss and opened an umbrella.

And I'm doing WAY better this morning because I honestly realize it's not about me. She's unhappy, and the freaked-out parents are just wanting what's best for their child. They're operating on a completely different model of what success is than I am, and that's okay. They'll either come to appreciate me, just deal with me, or move their child out of the school, and it has nothing to do with my qualifications as a teacher.

I won't change who I am to something that isn't real. I'll be the first person to say I still have a lot left to learn, but then, who of us doesn't? It's part of what I love about teaching.

So I'm doing lots better. Thank you all for your words of encouragement; they mean a lot.

Hoping you guys have a fantastic holiday weekend. As for me, that's what *I* choose.

Love you all,

SD

Yes you should believe. I think you are great - one in a million.

SD - You are dealing with people's children. Hopefully the most important thing in these people's lives. They are going to be nervous and testy...and about 1000 emotions. Just natural really. So...glad you are seeing that it really is not you that has them upset, defensive and whatever else. It's just human nature.

Did I mention that I'm coaching my S5's soccer team? Oh yeah...now THAT should be fun. Add a little touch of competition into the mix. LOL.

Keep up the good work SD! Teachers are so under appreciated in this country. And parents these days are a freaking mess! It's all that narcissism with people. It's all about themselves and how perfect they spoiled brats are. You wonder why there are so many incidents of parents beating up coaches, teachers, players and etc these days.

Now that you mention it, something crawled up my a$$ and opened an umbrella... hmmm... need a good proctologist I guess.

I just think you're an amazing teacher. Just amazing. Enjoy your weekend, you deserve it.

I wish all of my daughter's teachers were like you, SD!

Don't doubt for a second that, for every loudmouth complainer with a chip on their shoulder, there are ten other parents silently appreciating everything you do for their kids. (If only people were as good at expressing their good feelings as they are at unloading their bad ones!)

Now THERE is a good idea!!!!

Bad old me would critise H a lot. The new me takes time to recognise when he does something nice and t make sure I comment on it. Doesn't have to be really overboard, just something like "yesterday you mowed the lawn, thank you, I really appreciate it!"

One little compliment goes a LONG way