Orange Red Lipstick at Work

It's finally warm enough, more importantly, light enough to take outdoor photos in the afternoon.  Between my morning hustle teaching an enrichment class before school starts and winter darkness, I haven't been able to do my usual outdoor photos for some time.  It felt good to be out and about, getting decent light. 

By the way, I've always wanted to be a teacher who wears her bright lipstick to work and doesn't care.  It only took six and a half years, but here I am!

my favorite pumps! mustard yellow leather by Seychelles

lipstick 'so chaud' by MAC, blouse from H&M, denim pencil skirt & leopard tote from J.Crew, tights by HUE

I love a dark tight against a lighter shoe.

time for some afterwork errands!

Comfortable, Yet Teacherly

A chill day at work.  Comfortable, stretchy skirt, warm cowlneck and flat boots, this is my ideal teaching outfit.  Easy to ride my bike in, looks teacherly enough and yes, comfortable.  I don't usually use that word in conjuction with clothing, but it's true.

sweater from the Gap, skirt from Target, knit tights from J.Crew, boots by Ninewest

I love the seams on this skirt, makes the skirt appear my structured than it is. 

A Period in Seventh Grade

I covered for a seventh grade class today. My thought before the period was over: this class needs an intervention.

I greeted them at the door with good mornings, and some of them tried to reject my greeting. I encouraged them to take seats, get started on the do now, and some fought me resisted.  Those who didn't have supplies, I encouraged neighbors to share, as I certainly didn't bring extra pencils and paper with me to my first period coverage.

As for the girl who went to the bathroom and returned to find a penis drawn on her book, I encouraged her to stand up for herself. Demand respect! You don't have to tolerate that disrespect. I also told the boys at that table, that's not how you treat people. How would you feel if... you know, the usual what if it was your sister, mother, auntie?

There was a table of girls with chips on their shoulders who couldn't seem to take my gentle direction.  Take out your notebook.  Let's get started.  Who here needs a book? Immediate attitudes.  I gave them copies of Rumblefish anyway.  They were going to read, if I had anything to do with it.  At least, I was going to encourage them the best I could, despite what they were showing me.

Yet, the students did not learn. I suggested to the other teacher, who was relatively new to the room, separating the students and placing two groups on each side of the room of students who want to and are ready to learn. That way the trying-to-move-forward energy is spread out, and the two teachers could then continue to "teach the class."

At the end of what-felt-like-several-periods, I stood at the door and dismissed the class. I told them have a "good day" or "have a good morning" whether they wanted it or not.  Just like they could give and did give resistance, I gave positivity and encouragement.

I believe in spirits at times, and clearly there is a spirit of resistance, of not learning, in that class.
After dismissing the students, I hurried happily back to the sixth grade wing.  Thankfully my challenging students are still genearlly respectful and open to learning.

Love,
Miss M

Sparkly Tweed and Mustard Pumps

I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of textures in this outfit.  It felt a little military as well, I guess the sturdy sweater belted... either way, the combination of sparkly tweed, chunky knit sweater and mustard pumps made my day.

my "warm" sweater from Uniqlo, thrift belt, j.crew skirt and mustard yellow, Seychelles pumps

my dog kept wondering what I was doing and why I wasn't taking him for a walk already

I love the texture and sparkle of this skirt.

Miss M is a Full Person.

A student read one of my Yelp reviews. She told me I didn't "tie it up."  I explained to her that my reviews are informal writing, and if I were to wrap up each one with a conclusion it would be redundant and less interesting.  Some reviews are short and to the point, and I'm okay with that. As long as I can write a proper essay when necessary. 

This is a new age of teaching.  They also found my Instagram that I started years ago but never used. At first I thought of the few extra grown reviews  I've written, but then I pushed that thought out of my head. Miss M is a full person with a complete life outside of school. 

Wait until one of them finds my blog. 

Love,

Miss M