Invisible Errands

To continue with this month’s theme of Invisibles, I thought about what teachers do outside of school for the benefit of what happens in the classroom. It all starts with errand running. 

I’ll share a typical week of school errands to give you an idea.

• Wednesday: Needed more books for a class study on insects. Reserved books from public library.  They have arrived so pick them up after school.
• Thursday: Before school, head to Home Depot to pick up plants and compost for garden activity.
• Friday: Scope out field trip to Tucson Botanical Gardens after school to make sure all areas will be covered for insect unit.
• Saturday: Free river rocks for the school’s outdoor learning lab’s trail lining? Borrow truck and head over to the Craigslist find. 
• Sunday: Have butter, milk, and cheese, but need bread to complete the eggs and toast breakfast with a classroom tomorrow.  Must run to store.
• Monday: Had a meeting to plan Discovery Day that lasted longer than expected. Just went home to finish making costume. (Family does come first.)

Today I sit to reflect on all we do.  These errands are personally never viewed as extra, but just part of the job.  My friends and family think otherwise.  They just do not know how these tasks help me be a better teacher for our students.  That makes it important enough to me. 

Molly Reed

Molly Reed

Tucson, Arizona

My classroom teaching experience has been in Tucson’s urban public schools with grades first through fifth. Beginning my eleventh year of teaching, I am the Outdoor Learning Coordinator at a Project Based Learning primary school. I am a National Board Certified Teacher (ECGen) with a BA in Elementary Education and MA in Teaching and Teacher Education from the University of Arizona.

My introduction to teaching occurred during a National Outdoor Leadership School semester which led me to work as an outdoor educator traveling throughout the United States and South America. I am interested in connecting with other educators and those interested in the changes in schools with education policy.

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