Due a cup of Coffee (at least)

Even though a lot of the posts say they were posted by Robin, this one actually is (The vast majority are, of course, posted by Laurie). I'm sure you've noticed the dwindling number of clever blog posts. Posting a video is about as much effort as either of us have in us at the moment. After all, it is February. TAKS season.

I wanted to take the opportunity to give some serious props to Laurie for holding it together through January and February in the midst of a very challenging work environment. As most of you know, The school at which Laurie teaches has a variety of challenges: Low socio-economic status by any standards, a majority of kids do not speak English as their first language, very high teenage pregnancy rate... yet per 'No Child Left Behind' they are measured by the same standardized test scores as any other school. This basically creates a work environment reminiscent of Glengarry Glen Ross. And yes, coffee is for closers.

Of course, Laurie is a closer. Her TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) scores would be impressive in most schools, but given that so many of her kids are language learners with difficulties beyond most of our comprehension... well, she's a closer. Consequently, she gets loaded up with as many responsibilities as she can handle; then a few more. She's mentoring, and teaching new teachers, and tutoring and still being a Mom. Needless to say, this time of year brings with it insecurities, fear of failure, and a lot of pressure to succeed while at the same time feeling the weighty impossibility of the perfection she constantly strives for.

This is just a note for everyone who reads, to drop a note to Laurie. She needs the support to stick it out until the mid-March TAKS test. Many of you fully understand and are going through the same thing at this moment, and my thanks and support goes out to all of you! Laurie (when you read this), I think you're doing an incredible job and I guarantee none of it is as bad as you think it is at this moment. It never is. You're a great Mom and Lydia is lucky to have you as a role model. I am lucky to have you as a partner. All of your students are lucky to have you in their lives. You deserve more than coffee.