I was watching the latest episode of The Walking Dead and I was like, "Hey Rick! Leave those poor zombies alone! They are doing the best they can!" Then it hit me. I was a zombie too- one of the walking dead. I see many of my colleagues have the zombie look in their eyes also. Our life force is used up and we shuffle along, moaning softly inside our heads. Our faces are masks of pain as we struggle to teach through allergies, colds, sinus infections, wracking coughs, vertigo, and nausea. The cold, wet winter skies are the perfect backdrop for our misery.
This is compounded by the fact that we are teaching through the Kidpocalypse. Our students are germ factories creating new superstrains of infection to test our already weak immune systems. They are struggling just as badly as the teachers- too sick and tired to pay attention, not sick enough to stay home. Their normally mild misbehaviors are flourishing into full fledged meltdowns, defiance, and work stoppages.
The good news is; it is almost over. The cold wet days of winter will give way to bright sunshine and the warmth of spring. Spring break is just around the corner. We will heal and gain back our lost strength.
Stay tuned for my next installment: Survival Kit for the Kidpocalypse.
