Things I wish my all my bosses and co-workers had understood about migraine headaches

Dear friend,

1. When I wear earplugs in the lunchroom, at bus duty, and when we go out to recess, it is  because the students are so loud they hurt my ears.  Continuous loud noise triggers a migraine.  I do not put the neon plugs in to draw attention to myself or to make you ask, “Are you okay?”  I am just trying to quietly protect myself.  (No, I don't have a hangover.)

2. Sames goes for when we go into a faculty meeting and there are plentiful fluorescent lights.  I do not don my ridiculously huge sunglasses in order to draw attention to myself. I do not think I am a rock star. I merely want to get in and out of there without triggering a migraine.

3. Perfume, cologne, and scented lotion triggers a migraine.  The worst offender is Bath and Body Works.  I beg you not to wear fragrance so I can avoid getting a migraine.

4.  If I don't smile and make chit chat with you it is probably because an attack is starting.  I am trying not to make it obvious, but I just can’t help it. I really don’t want to offend you.

Much love,

She who wishes you could really understand

The beginning of a new journey

I finished college in May of 1987 with a degree in Early Childhood Education.  Even though Alabama was in proration, I was able to get a job teaching first grade that fall.  I called my Mom, an august teacher herself, at the end of my first week.  I regaled her with stories of my 29 first graders.  That's right - 29!  Mom encouraged me to start a journal and write down my experiences.  Unfortunately, I did not do as she suggested and have always regretted it.  (There was no such thing as a blog back then.)

By 2003 the vicissitudes of education became overwhelming.  I could not abide mainstreaming, modifying, inclusion, and intrusion so I threw in the towel.  I started job hopping but just couldn't find my niche.  It took me nine years to conclude that there is no job as rewarding as teaching school.  So, I have signed up to be a substitute teacher.  (My teaching certificate has expired).    

Do you remember the Andy Griffith show where Floyd explains to Andy, "Not just anyone can become a barber.  You have to have a license."  This rule also pertains to subbing.  To apply for a substitute teacher license you must send a $30 cashier's check payable to the State Department of Education.  Then, you undergo a background check complete with fingerprinting.  Applicants for substitute teaching must be at least 21 years old and have two years post secondary work from a university or junior college.  Your application should include three references of people who can give reasons why you would make a good substitute teacher.  Finally, you are invited to attend an orientation at your local department of education.  The entire process can take between four and twelve weeks.  

Maybe I'll be able to sub by Labor Day.  Stay tuned as I document my journey ...