1. When you turn your back to the class and turn back around

The most paranoid that I am during the day is when I turn to face the whiteboard to write or walk towards my desk with my back to my students. I have slowly been growing the eyes at the back of my head. But, no one really knows what happens right before you turn back to face your kids.

2. When you walk into the staff lounge

The staff lounge is always considered to be this great, mysterious chamber where the teachers retire to during the day, especially when you are a young student. In all reality, it's a small room with a fridge (and we're spoiled so we have a vending machine) and microwave, with a table at which all the teachers sit around and conduct a large support group.

3. When your student corrects you in front of the class

I love when my students are learning, and definitely want them to think harder and smarter than they did before coming into my classroom. What sometimes gets me though, is when a student outs a little mistake that I've made. And, usually quite loudly and proudly. It hurts more if it's spelling.

4. When you end up doubling as a baby-sitter

This may be because I am an elementary school teacher, but I find myself cleaning up after students and even cleaning up the students themselves. Although I throw out "Do I look like your sitter?" I do actually end up acting as one from time to time.

5. When a student's gone too far deep while doing a completely wrong task

This one is particularly heartbreaking especially when I have to confess to the student that their hard work (and occasionally passionate work) was all for waste.

6. When a student talks back in front of the class

This I cannot stand for at all, but it does happen from time to time. When it does happen, I mentally start hearing music from a Western movie and picture a tumbleweed rolling around between the two of us. The classroom hush lasts as long as it takes for me to make the correction and carry on with the rest of my class. I hate when it does happen so usually, my classes tend to be lovely environments to be in.

7. When a student makes a joke that you should not laugh at

I always have to watch myself when my students make a joke that is appropriate but tends to be spoken out of turn.

8. When you have an amazingly successful, productive day with your class

I love those days when I feel incredibly good at the end of the day because my class and I killed the game. I usually have completed all of the lesson plans and have had time to spare. I, then, get to enjoy time with my class and we watch videos or play games. Those days are ones that I work for.