Home » Poems » Ilene Bauer » If I Were Still Teaching

If I Were Still Teaching

If I were still teaching, Today, I assume, I’d be hanging up posters To brighten the room. I would greet all my colleagues At meetings, where, bored, I’d bemoan the time wasted I couldn’t afford. Then I’d gather the info I’d need for each class, Rounding up the supplies I had ordered, en masse. I’d prepare my first lessons, Make sure I had chalk And get ready to give That old welcoming talk. Now I’m no longer teaching; Instead, I’m away Where I sit and gaze out At a beautiful bay.

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Marikate Kingston

Date: 9/28/2023 4:44:00 PM

I think I have to visit my basement to find my children's book collection now from years of teaching kindergarten. Your poem made me miss it. What grade did you teach? The view of the bay sounds better than a long after school, boring faculty mtg. any day :)

Ilene Bauer
Date: 9/28/2023 4:50:00 PM

Hey Marikate! I taught middle school English, mostly 6th and 8th grades. I loved teaching until the day I left, but i don’t miss it at all…

Hannah Borke

Date: 9/14/2023 7:20:00 PM

This poem is a winner. I literally lol’ed how it falls flat at the end. Good surprise ending. I read it to my sister who teaches. She loved the surprise ending but felt sad. L’shana tova.

Ilene Bauer
Date: 9/28/2023 4:50:00 PM

Thanks, Hannah! L’Shana Tova to you, too…

Jerry Brotherton

Date: 9/6/2023 7:47:00 AM

People always thank, and rightfully so, the soldier and the policeman, but they always forget to thank the teachers, who spend long nights grading papers or spending their hard-earned money buying supplies that the school forgot to budget. Thank you for your sacrifice and service and for giving us such a perfect poem.

Ilene Bauer
Date: 9/28/2023 4:51:00 PM

Thank you, Jerry! I appreciate your kind words…

Terry Flood

Date: 9/6/2023 5:18:00 AM

Just deleted my first comment, Ilene. My opinion of some of todays youth found me up on my soapbox. Apologies for that. Suffice is to say that, as ever, a perfect example of perfect rhyme with a nostalgic look back whilst relishing the present.

Ilene Bauer
Date: 9/28/2023 4:55:00 PM

No apologies needed - I agreed with you, Terry. Thank you for your support!

The Situation

Date: 9/6/2023 3:38:00 AM

It lets the muse do the talking. It tells of the calling teachers get, cops get, preachers get. the routeine they each endure at meetings. Well said.

Ilene Bauer
Date: 9/28/2023 4:56:00 PM

Thank you for reading and commenting! Much appreciated…

Mike Bayles

Date: 9/5/2023 7:17:00 PM

Nice, the memories take me back to times when I was in grade school. Yet your ending is great.

Ilene Bauer
Date: 9/28/2023 4:57:00 PM

Thank you, Mike! I guess we all know what it was like to be in school, whether teaching or learning…

Yann Rolland

Date: 9/5/2023 3:38:00 PM

i know what teaching is, not easy really, take care,enjoyed my delicious reading

Ilene Bauer
Date: 9/28/2023 4:57:00 PM

Thank you, Yann! Always nice to hear from you…

Jan Allison

Date: 9/5/2023 3:02:00 PM

from my own experience being in the class room as support I think you would be surprised to see how much things have changed ... especially with the behaviour of the children and the need to be 'entertained' rather than taught. glad you are having a wonderful holiday:-) hugs Jan xx

Ilene Bauer
Date: 9/28/2023 5:00:00 PM

Thanks, Jan! I knew it was time to leave when I was told how and what to teach by using “smart boards” and not letting me use my own tried and true methods…

Sam Kauffman

Date: 9/5/2023 12:15:00 PM

ileene, you have perfectly described the rhythm of the new school year! Thought I was done with classroom teaching many years ago only to find I am teaching one class a week for our adult school! So much fun! This poem reminds me of the many ways I have taught - skiing, athletic teams, workshops, retreats. Some I still get to do! Blessings to you! Thank you for this delightful jaunt back into the past and reminder of what I still get to do on a limted basis.

Ilene Bauer
Date: 9/28/2023 5:02:00 PM

Thank you, Sam! It’s great that you’re still having fun teaching. I’m sure your students enjoy having you as a teacher…

Bill Baker

Date: 9/5/2023 9:18:00 AM

Totally get this now that I've retired from teaching, at school at least. I loved helping student to learn and especially coaching and helping my athletes to form their personal principles for life. Now I enjoy writing poetry and daily walks with my soulmate. I'm learning to enjoy life more and not press every minute of every day. Blessings my friend, Bill

Ilene Bauer
Date: 9/28/2023 5:03:00 PM

Thank you, Bill! It’s great that we can retire and have the chance to explore new things…