I am doing research for my next novel which is set in a public middle school. I want to capture the essence of being a teacher because I find that people who don’t teach have only a vague idea of what teachers do and how you feel. In fact, I shared this novel with my writing group, and they had the hardest time believing the pieces that were drawn directly from my true experiences.

My goal is to paint a realistic depiction of what it means to be a new teacher, a veteran teacher, a happy teacher, a miserable teacher, etc. of any grade level from pre-k to college. What I really want is to make a difference. To make it better. But I only have my own perspective and it’s a bit jaded. I’ve been out of the profession for three years now, so I need your help.

This is anonymous, and I am not telling your stories. I just want to capture the strongest emotions and to tell a story that all types of teachers find relatable and true. Answer as many or as few of the questions on this link What it Means to be a Teacher – anonymous Google form as you want. If you have teacher friends, please share the link! The more the better! 

Thanks!