If you are a teacher (or really good at lying)

One of the perks of being a teacher is the conversations you have with people you just met about what's it like to be a teacher and their thoughts about teaching/schools AND the discounts those people sometimes give you. It's a nice perk, especially if those people really appreciate all the hard work you do.
This summer, the school let us keep our ID badges so we could save money buying from certain businesses that will give discounts with proof of school employment. That was very nice of them to do, but I've found that just mentioning the fact that you're a teacher will sometimes get you freebies, extras, and discounts. For example: I had to go get the first oil change for our new car, typed in my information and the mechanic mentioned that I type really fast. I replied that I was a teacher, so I type a lot throughout the day. We then had a 5 minute discussion where he told me that teachers had the most difficult and most important job in the world and he knew this because he was originally from Liberia and saw how much they did there and here. He said he was a product of the Peace Corps and missionaries there, who taught him the importance of teachers. It was actually one of my most interesting conversations with someone about teaching. Then he gave me $15 in coupons to use. Awesome, right?
I don't usually drop the fact that I'm a teacher into conversation, but when I have, it's usually been a positive experience. I once got a free gallon of sweet tea as well as a percentage off of the cost of food from Hardee's when I was celebrating with my students who passed their English 11 SOLs. Kazoo Books in Kalamazoo has usually given me anywhere from 10-20% off when I buy books that are going to be used in my classroom. Office Max has one of the best programs for teachers where you earn rewards based off of the amount you spend. A lot of people will go out of their way to help you, either through discounts or freebies or helping you find the best quality for the least amount of money. I love when these things happen because it helps me feel supported as a teacher and recognized for doing such a demanding job.

In other news:

• Summer school is happening (sort of?). Nine students signed up for English courses, so I guess they're letting that happen with one less than the requirement for a class. Here's the challenge: it will be three different levels in one class. English 9=4, English 10=3, English 11=2. English 9 and 10 are pretty easy to combine. English 11? Not so much. At least it'll prepare me for teaching English 11 at this new school the first semester (they use a different textbook than the one at GHS, where I taught Eng 11 before). It'll be interesting and enough money to pay my tuition to VCU for two semesters.
• My parents just came for a visit and Virginia gave them a wonderful gift: hot, dry days with temperatures up to 100° and above! I think they had a nice time anyway.
• David's parents are heading down this week and it's still hot out, so they get to enjoy it, too!
• My classes this summer are going along. I'm not procrastinating and turning everything in on time. My group in one of the classes presenting a pretty awesome logic model that we barely have to revise for the second presentation. Also: I was barely nervous presenting. Such a difference from before I taught full time. 
• I'm looking for good book suggestions to read the rest of the summer. Please suggest some!