Keep in mind, most of these reasons have nothing to do with actually teaching online, but they are the major perks of the lifestyle!Enough said…
As many people know, I do not like germs. While teaching in the “real” classroom, I greatly despised having dirty-feeling hands all day every day. I even considered becoming a science teacher so that I could have a sink in my classroom! JUST KIDDING… but I was certainly envious of those sinks. Baby wipes and clorox wipes were my savior…ESPECIALLY baby wipes because they were cheap. I kept them at the door and all around for students to clean desks, their hands, etc. Did I have hand sanitizer around? Sometimes, but mainly just for the students. I am not am not a fan of the smell.
Now how did I walk around all day every day with dirty hands if I am such a germ freak? I simply wasn’t able to wash my hands. We were required to be at our doors between classes, and all of our classes were back to back. The only guaranteed times I would wash my hands were after using the restroom, which I would always do during my lunch break (if I took one), and my prep period (if I wasn’t covering another teacher’s class).
Now that I work at home, I wash my hands all the time and I love it! Plus, I get to use the bathroom anytime I want. 🙂
From my time teaching at a brick and mortar school, I realized that I loved everything about teaching except for excessive grading and record keeping. Due to teaching online, I can avoid most of this and allow my creative mind to flourish.
Here are some of the things that I create for my classroom:
- Videos
- Power Points (including files that I sell on tpt)
- Word Documents
- PDFs (including files that I sell on tpt)
- White Board Files (.wbd) to use in Black Board Collaborate
- Adobe Captivate Files (.cptx)
- SWF Files (.swf)
- Graphics and Clip Art
Sometimes I wish that I could quit teaching so that I could play on the computer. I would love to learn how to become a real graphic artist. Also, I would love to have more time to make teacher products. Don’t get me wrong, I am not planning on quitting teaching… I would miss it too much.
By working from home, I am able to see my doggies, family members and friends more often. Yes, I am still working the same hours, but being at home makes my life a million times easier. If everyone is driving me crazy, especially the dogs, all I have to do is close the door to my office to get a little peace and quiet. I don’t HAVE to work in my office though. Sometimes I like to work downstairs so that I can sit on the couch or stand up at the counter height tables I have. When I was working at school building, I felt like I never got to see my fiancé. Sometimes I still feel that way when we are on opposite schedules, but at least I get to see him. I love seeing him on my breaks, however small and infrequent they are. Also, he kisses me goodbye before he leaves, even if I am in the middle of class. Another Bonus: If I feel like having a “co-teacher” for the day, or even just for one class, I can invite my dog, Charlie. He loves sitting as close to me as physically possible. I think he would burrow underneath my skin if he could.
I save money on clothes because I don’t need them for every day use. I am completely comfortable going to the grocery store in my pajamas or workout clothes. I do need clothes when I go out to do something, if I attend a field trip, or if we have a meeting at the office. I do like to turn the camera on while teaching. For this, I need a top. I tend to wear tank tops around the house. In fact, I have very prominent tank top and flip-flop tan lines, due to what became last school year’s uniform. How did I get tan lines? I live in Las Vegas and take the dogs in the backyard (flip-flops) and on walks (tennis shoes). OK, back to needing a top… I prefer not to wear tank tops on camera, so I leave a sweater or shirt nearby for easy access so that I instantly look more professional on camera. A lot of times I do not shower until after class, and I try not to wear about doing my hear or wearing make-up. My students still tell me I am beautiful… so sweet of them 🙂
What are some other things I save money on?
- GAS! I don’t drive nearly as much as I used to. Also, I can get reimbursed for any miles I travel for meeting and other work expenses. I haven’t taken advantage of getting reimbursed yet; I really need to do that next year!
- Clothes, Shoes, Make-Up, etc.
- Food, water bottles, coffee, etc.
- SCHOOL SUPPLIES! I have a depressing amount of school supplies that I purchased sitting in my garage. I need to do something about that! I am considering selling some items, but am also happy to give some to fellow teachers.
- Other Classroom Items: Books, Bins, etc.
- Candy and Prizes for students. I was never a big fan of bribing students, but did take part at times. It can really work when used properly! During my last year of teaching at a brick and mortar school, I stopped buying candy altogether.
When working at home, the opportunities to save money are endless!
Finally, one bonus of working at home that I need take better advantage of next year:
I can multitask! laundry, dishes, and other cleaning tasks should be easier for me to carry out. I just need to remind myself of this once the school year starts… It is tempting to avoid chores when I have work to do! I thought of this bonus while writing this post and looking around my house that I need to clean desperately. Playing on the computer is simply more fun than doing chores!
The top 3 of reasons that actually relate to my love of teaching online:
- Creating resources for my students.
- Making an impact on my students by tutoring them or connecting with them.
- Teaching classes virtually.
