The specialists (art, music, PE, library) all sat together in their telling outfits. How many scarves does one person need to wear in August? Our art and music teachers wear more funky hand-made jewelry and vintage apparel than I knew existed. Between the two of them, it's like someone raided Annie Hall's closet. Of course, it makes sense that the PE teacher wears short shorts and a sports bra. I mean, she is running around all day teaching soccer, or hula-hooping or whatever. Anyway, the specialists all banded together in the front row looking their parts.
Next, sat the veteran teachers. They don't put up with any bullshit. They are the first to raise a hand (or not) and question what the principal is saying. You can tell who they are by the pastel plaid capri pants. They also are the most likely to be wearing jean jumpers and Birkenstocks. But, they have my respect. Thirty years of wiping noses and parent conferences would probably have me looking sort of frumpy too. (The best is when it starts to get chilly and out come the sweaters appliquéd with apples, school houses or butterflies.)
In the smattering of rows in the middle of the auditorium sat the newer teachers, with the newest (or brand new) sitting in the aisles. They clearly are the most eager and happy to be there. Most have notebooks and pens. They take notes. They leaf through their Teacher Handbooks. They look happy, or mostly happy (with some anxiety about classroom set up or difficult students on the roster.) I was told as a new teacher not to speak up too much when attending In-Service that first week. I think they must have been told the same thing.
If you're wondering about me, I sit somewhere in the middle too. I have my girls, and we usually sit together, comparing summer tans (which I don't have) and drinking our special coffees while the lectures and meetings occur.
Today was almost unbearable. I would relay the gist of the meetings, but I honestly can't remember what they were. Tomorrow, I have a plan. Someone passed this on to me, and I am so excited to share it with my readers. It's a game called "Bullshit," which you play during a boring In-Service. I for sure, will move my ass to the back of the auditorium tomorrow, so I can play this game without the scrutiny of any busy-body colleagues. I'd love others to play too, and share your results!
