Last week we snooped inside the bag of Amanda Long, a CrossFit mama. We saw fancy lip gloss, a swanky headband and a daily planner. You won't find any of those items in the bag of 35-year-old Brandon Rodgers, a fifth-grade teacher at Camelot Elementary School in Lewiston. He might not carry lip gloss around, but water and ChapStick and a phone? CrossFit coaches and elementary teachers might have more in common than you think:
- Laptop - I create all my lessons here, worksheets and PowerPoints. I use it to show my class videos and to play music. Also, email.
- Water bottle - After an intense game of dodgeball on the playground, hydrating is essential.
- Phone - It's quiet during the day, but it's important to have in case of any family emergencies. I've also used it to Google things with my students. The resource is there so I teach them how to use it responsibly. It's also great to use as a timer.
- Hall's cough drops, hand sanitizer and aspirin - Have you spent eight hours a day with 10- and 11-year-olds? My wife appreciates generosity, but if I share too many coughs and colds, game over.
- School work - I'm in my final semester of school at Lewis-Clark State College, so I always carry anything I need to get done for school.
- Snacks - I'm so busy all day and don't always have time to sit and take a real lunch break. The snacks help get me through the day.
- Pens and Post-It notes - There are few things worse than needing a pen quickly and not being able to find one. Leaving notes on books, for co-workers or for myself is sometimes necessary, too.
- Textbooks - I carry my class curriculum with me to and from work so I can prepare for the next day.
- Work ID badge - Safety first. All teachers in the district wear them to help parents, students and other faculty know you belong there.
Prasil is a Clarkston mom to six. She survives on stale goldfish crackers, spontaneous adventures, happy hour and Bravo programming. She can be reached via email at ruthieprasil@gmail.com.