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FYI- I am also going to post this in the "educators" forum, to see what responses from teachers. Then, I might post it in Other topics, to see what responses I get from people without children!
I'm a teacher. Each year I go to a pirate festival that is in a neighboring city to where I teach (I live in this neighboring city). It's a good time- lots of sites to sees, and sidewalk shows. My husband, two sons ages 8 and 13, and I dress alike, as a group of pirates with homemade costumes and we have a team name. We also participate in the treasure hunt too. It's all outdoors in sunny, beautiful FL. This year I'll also be going with my sister-in-law, her husband and her two young children (3 and 5 months).
It's crowded, and lots of people walking around with beer in a cup. I am one of them I don't go out much, and I enjoy a beer or two or three in an active atmosphere, out on a sunny day.
It has never arose, but I worry about it. What if I come across some students of mine, with their parents at this festival, and I'm carrying a cup of beer? Am I expected to quickly hide it, or pass it off to my husband? Then throw a mint in my mouth so I don't smell like it? Or can I simply still hold it because I'm an adult, on my own time, in my own city...talk to them....not sip it while talking....and expect them to not think "badly" of me?
Drink your beer. Students know that teachers have private lives. The student will probably tell others about your entire family dressing up like pirates, not the beer.
Your personal life is just that! Enjoy your day out with your family and don't worry about it. It's more important that you are spending time with family doing something you ALL enjoy. As long as you are not overdoing it and being repsonsible, I say don't worry about what students or their parents think. (former elementary teacher myself)
NOW....as a very recent FL transplant from TX....I'm dying to know where does this festival take place??? It sounds like a fun place for MY family to go!
Don't worry about a glass of beer. Living in a small town where some of the teachers are family and others are friends from when we went to school together, I can assure you I know some of the teachers have very colorful past lives and a few have colorful present lives as well. As long as their personal lives don't interfere at school. Outside of the classroom you are not expected to be on "teacher" mode 24/7 (at least by reasonable people.)
I disagree.
Your highest calling, as a teacher, is to set an example.
I think the best teachers, do not separate their work life from their private life...and realize they may be given a chance to "teach," away from school.
Same thing with being a parent...
Yes, you have a right to a private life, but if your students see you carrying around a cup of beer, their opinion of you will drop accordingly...
Why must you drink beer, why can't you carry water, or a pop?
Of course, as a parent, I don't drink at home, (or anywhere else) either...so I can't relate to you wanting to drink beer around minors. I would feel ashamed to face my students again, if I knew they had seen me carry around a cup of beer. But that's just me.
You have a right to, but that doesn't mean you are right to. JMHO
Drinking a beer or two shouldn't be anything you need to hide. Getting drunk where your students can see you would be irresponsible. I think you're fine.
I disagree.
Your highest calling, as a teacher, is to set an example.
I think the best teachers, do not separate their work life from their private life...and realize they may be given a chance to "teach," away from school.
Same thing with being a parent...
Yes, you have a right to a private life, but if your students see you carrying around a cup of beer, their opinion of you will drop accordingly...
Why must you drink beer, why can't you carry water, or a pop?
Of course, as a parent, I don't drink at home, (or anywhere else) either...so I can't relate to you wanting to drink beer around minors. I would feel ashamed to face my students again, if I knew they had seen me carry around a cup of beer. But that's just me.
You have a right to, but that doesn't mean you are right to. JMHO
See...now I can't be one of the best teachers because I separate my work from my private life? I have to disagree on that one.
Why must I drink beer? Because I want to. Because I would like to have one. Because I am a 36 year old woman- my choice, my preference.
I drink beer around my minor children because...........I am not a minor child. And because it's legal.
I don't get drunk. But having....1 beer a week at home...
HAHAHAHA ARE YOU SERIOUS???? In high school, our U.S. Government teacher bartended on the side. He'd drink beer, and liquor at get togethers a lot of us were at (not school functions, but grad parties, parties after games, etc.). Our parents would drink as well. A lot of the other teachers did also.
How sheltered has society become that you even have to ask a question like that??? A lot of parents drink wine, or drink socially, or at home. You're a parent, wife and community member who happens to be a teacher. Why would you feel a need to hide? Why on earth would you feel a need to explain yourself??
I think the biggest shock for very young children is to learn their teacher actually goes to the bathroom, lives in a real house, and sleeps at night. Once that's over, if they are shocked by you drinking beer during a festival, or any other time, it's only because their parents make a big deal out of it, and frankly, it's none of their business what you do with your family on your time.
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I don't go out much, and I enjoy a beer or two or three in an active atmosphere, out on a sunny day.
