I have never been the kind of teacher who makes kids sit in rows.

But I have been the kind of teacher who has assigned seating in the classroom. Now, I use flexible seating arrangements.

I have never been the kind of teacher who insists on using writing prompts to get students to write. I know better than that.

But I have been the kind of teacher who has sometimes said, no when a kid asks: “Is it OK if I…” I don’t do that anymore.

I have never been the kind of teacher who has a silent classroom all the time.

But, I have been the kind of teacher who insists on silent writing or reading for some part of the day.

I have never been the kind of teacher who requires kids to walk through the halls in silence.

But I have been the kind of teacher who expects kids to talk in soft voices unless they’re on the playground.

I have never been the kind of teacher who worries more about having a Pinterest classroom than a learning classroom.

But I have been the kind of teacher who sometimes worries that my classroom doesn’t measure up.

I have never been the kind of teacher who doesn’t want parents in her classroom.

But I have been the kind of teacher who has wondered how to improve and enhance the home-school partnership.

I have never been the kind of teacher that chose education because you can get summers off.

But I am the kind of teacher who uses every available moment to become a better teacher…even in the summer.

I have never been the kind of teacher who complains about everything we have to do.

I am the kind of teacher who is getting better at finding a work-life balance.

What kind of teacher are you?