Type A vs Type B Teachers

I'm not going to lie, I'm a proud Type B Teacher. I begin each year with a Type A drive, but end up with a cluttered desk and a calendar that is 2 months out of date by February.

I can slay a slide deck and "look" organized to my students and colleagues, but if I asked them to go grab something off of my desk I would need to tell them to lift the pile of papers to the left of my pen bucket (yes I have a BUCKET of pens) to find said object of need. I am in constant search for my keys and phone on any given day.

That is the GREAT thing about teachers. Each and everyone of us come with different assets that we bring to the classroom and to our students. Mine is having a cozy, coffee shop, book store vibe that tells students that I am relaxed and not going to judge them for needing to move at their own pace. My bestie in the math department is very different, organization is key and helps her give her students everything they need to be successful and organized with their learning. To be fair, students need to be organized when learning AP Calc and other math courses. I gain so much inspiration from her and her Type A Personality. I am in awe of her classroom and wish that I could have a brain that was capable of being as organized as she is. Her supply centers are immaculate, and her color coded classes are a great way for students to know where to find their assignments/turn things in. She creates labels for everything in her classroom so students know exactly where to get something or where to put something back. She makes LISTS for everything and always has pen and paper in her car/classroom/house ready to make a list for whatever she needs.

Me... I am the teacher that makes "organized chaos" piles on her desk of items to grade, pass back, and to file (into an imaginary file system). I know where everything is, but can sometimes get overwhelmed by the clutter. My students can always count on me to have snacks when they are in need and that they are ALWAYS allowed to eat as long as they clean up after themselves, but sometimes forgets to prioritize her own needs. I am the teacher that will tell you that the classroom is not a basketball court when you are trying to make baskets with your trash into the trashcan, but will toss out candy for classroom participation and tell you to duck because I have terrible aim and I do not want to smack you in the face with a starburst. I never make lists, except to remember the order in which my students need to use the restroom....

We all bring different things to the table and it doesn't matter if you are a Type A or Type B teacher because our students are still learning no matter what. I gain so much valuable information and strategies from my Type A teacher friends and they take things from me as well. Together we create a healthy balance.

Moral of the story, never feel inadequate compared to your teacher friends and how they run their classrooms! You are doing the damn thing and your students love you no matter what!

These are my teacher inspirations! They have been by my side since 2011 in college at UCF. I am grateful that they are in my life and that we have each other to call upon when we are in need. I don't know what I would do without these ladies. Love you all!