Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
If you're a regular reader, you'll have already noticed that I'm a bit late in posting this morning. Today marks the first day of summer break. It's the day/week/month that every teacher lives for. I slept in a few minutes before catching up on everything that's been waiting for me since last summer's break. While it might appear that teacher's get a three-month paid holiday, don't be fooled; I get paid for 183 days. In years past, teachers in my district had to save enough money from their monthly paycheck to live on over the summer. Not long ago, my district decided to do it for us. Each month a portion of my check is withheld and then doled out to me in July and August. So no, teachers don't actually get "paid" in the summer. Every teacher I know works far more hours than we get paid for. Myself, I arrive at school an hour early every single day, and quite often I work late. I also work through lunch. That means I "donate" at least 2 hours a day for 180 school days. After some quick math, that comes out to 45 days of unpaid work. So much for a "paid summer vacation." The kids get 10 weeks of break, but I'll start back after 9 weeks in order to get my room set up and make lesson plans. Over the summer I am also taking a 45-hour class in June (that cost $343) and another two days of classes offered by my district in August, all for "professional development." "The lady doth protest too much, methinks." I do tend to get a little defensive at this time of year. Teachers have become the public's favorite punching bag. Everyone knows a teacher, and everyone can share a horror story of how their child was tragically mistreated by said teacher. All I can say is that it's a tough job and kids aren't always truthful. Moving on though. I plan to spend the next few weeks catching my breath, riding my horses, and eventually gearing up for the 2019/2020 school year. If you have kids, enjoy your summer!
lytha
6/3/2019 08:46:20 am
It's now Abitur time in our state of Northrhein Westfalia (sp?). SATs. J has 12 math Abiturs to grade from another city's school, because each test must be graded by two independent teachers. He's exasperated that the other teacher gave good grades to students who did not show their work. In math, you have to show your work: ) 6/3/2019 04:16:16 pm
Lytha, your husband definitely works hard. I actually teach all subjects: math, reading, language, writing, PE , history, science, art, handwriting, spelling, and grammar. Most of it on the same day. And yes, grading is a real pain in the ass, especially since no one turns anything in on time which means I am grading all sorts of random things on any given day. 6/3/2019 09:01:45 am
Teaching is not an easy job and to do it well takes an above and beyond effort. What an impact you make though! 6/3/2019 04:17:37 pm
Thank you, I truly do my best each and every day even though there are days when I want to beat my head against the wall. None of us would do it if we didn't love kids and seeing them blossom. :0) Comments are closed.
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About the Writer and RiderI am a lifelong rider.
I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010. Welcome to my dressage journey. About Speedy GSpeedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
About IzzyIzzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
National Rider AwardsState Rider Awards
State Horse Awards
Working Towards:
CDS Sapphire Rider Award Third Level: 63.514% Third Level: 62.105% Fourth Level: Fourth Level: 2023 Show Season
Show Rating (***) CDS/USDF/USEF (*) CDS (s) Schooling (c) Clinic (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic 2023 Show Schedule
TBD 2023 Completed … Pending 2023 Qualifying Scores
Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Training Level 3 Scores/2 Judges/60%: Score 1: Score 2: Score 3: Archives
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