You get one lunch break, one planning period and one hour where your kids are at specials and you have the classroom to yourself. If you have a burning question, sob story, or anecdote to share please feel free to come to my office during one of those times to tell me. I love (most of) you and am happy to hear about your cat's untimely death, your grandma's non-healing diabetic ulcer or the dinner party you are planning. Honestly and sincerely.
Please note that on the list of the THREE daily free periods during which you are able to come talk to me, "right after the bell rings when I am wearing my coat and sunglasses and have my keys in my hand and are walking to the front door" is not included. I may not have the luxury of getting scheduled breaks like you do, but I do have the luxury of not having lessons to plan, tests to grade or parents to call. When that bell rings, I am (barring any significant incidents) gone. I'll be back tomorrow, sitting in the same freezing office all day, ready and willing to lend an ear to your various tales.
