Carie Juettner

Book Review, Gift Ideas, & Kitten Update

Happy Fall! I hope this post finds you will with a cup of coffee in your hand, a book with a well-worn bookmark by your side, and — if you’re really lucky — a warm furry creature in your lap. All of those things are true for me right now, and I’m happy to say that the creature has stopped biting me and is now purring. Ah, bliss.

You may remember, about a six weeks ago, when I shared the news that we adopted a kitten from the litter that we fostered. At the time, Indigo was a tiny gray ball of hisses and fleas who, once he calmed down, liked to sleep on my face. Well, I’m happy to report that we cleared up the fleas (and the ringworm and upper respiratory infection we didn’t yet know he had) and he is now a sleek, soft, growing boy who never hisses anymore but still likes to sleep on my face and also sometimes enjoys biting our feet. Indie’s a mess, and we love him dearly, and he’s currently considering doing some editing to this blog post, so if the phrase “skjhdkjfhasha” appears anywhere, please ignore it.

In addition to the new family member, I’ve also been working on a few other new things I’d like to share with you.

Finding My Community

I’ve been scoping out the writing community here in the Dallas area and am excited to attend the SCBWI North Texas Fall Conference on October 15th. I’m looking forward to meeting some fellow middle grade writers and learning more about the craft and industry of writing at the workshops and panels. I’d love to meet more kidlit writers in the area, so if you’ll be there too, let me know!

New Items in My Etsy Store

For me, fall means coffee* and pumpkins and getting ready for HALLOWEEN! (I have a new house to decorate this year, and I’m so excited. I’ve got plans…) But fall also means realizing that the November & December holidays are just around the corner, and I should start thinking about gifts.

I have several new items in my Etsy store that are perfect for the coffee-loving, pumpkin-loving, and book-loving people in your life (and I hope there are a lot of them because those are the best people). There’s free shipping on everything, and if you need an incentive to get your shopping done early, the coupon code FALLYALL will get you 15% off your order now through October 22nd, so grab a cup of coffee and start shopping! (<– Clicking on this link will instantly apply the discount.)

* Ok, fine. Winter, spring, and summer also mean coffee.

Website Makeover

You may have noticed that I’ve also updated my website. Take a few minutes to look around. If you see anything that looks wonky or doesn’t work right, please say something because Indie helped me with this project as well. (How long can I keep blaming typos and website mistakes on my kitten? Six months? A year? 10 years?)

Book Reviews

Lastly, I recently became a book reviewer for Reedsy Discovery, a website who shares and promotes recently released indie-published books. I just reviewed my first novel, Birds in the Black Water by Kodie Van Dusen, which came out yesterday.

Here’s a preview of my opinions on the book.

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Reedsy Discovery provided me with a free ARC of this novel in exchange for an unbiased review. Content Warning: The book contains mention of suicide, self harm, eating disorders, and trauma.

Part horror novel, part journey through the grief process, Birds in the Black Water is a riveting story of the demons that haunt one woman.

My rating: 3.5 stars

Neviah has dark shadows in her past, not unlike the shadow beings, or “Koels,” only she can see that lurk behind every tree and doorway. Though the images torment her, they also give her power. She can use her connection with them to visit “The Other Side.” Neviah and her husband own a counseling sanctuary where Neviah uses her unique gift to help people come to terms with their problems. When Gabriel, the young son of a girl she once tried to help, shows up on Neviah’s doorstep one snowy night, he starts a chain reaction that causes her to finally face her past.

The unique setting and strange supernatural features of this novel made it interesting from the start. The depiction of the Koels created an eerie atmosphere—they were described just enough to make them seem real, but not so much as to make them campy. The author’s experience as a counselor definitely informed her approach to the subject of grief and therapy, and the conflicts and interactions between the adult characters felt real and fleshed out.

While much of the novel was gripping, making me want to start the next chapter each time I finished one, some aspects of the writing pulled me out of the story, distracting me with confusion or frustration…

To read the rest of my review of Birds in the Black Water, click here.

If you’re interested in becoming a book reviewer for Reedsy and getting early access to indie books in the genres that you love, submit an application!

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So, that’s what’s been going on with me… reading, writing, making things, and trying unsuccessfully to keep my kitten out of my coffee. What’s happening with you? Got news? Share it in the comments!

Interview With a Teacher #2: Mr. W.

A Note About These Interviews:

I taught seventh grade for almost twenty years and was constantly surprised at the difference between what friends, family, parents, neighbors, and community members imagined my job was like and what it actually was like. The few times I had the privilege of inviting a friend or family member to visit my classroom, they always left wide-eyed and exhausted. The purpose of these interviews is to allow the world a glimpse inside the lives of current educators. Now that I’ve quit teaching, I want to do what I can to support all the teachers still fighting the good fight, and I don’t want to forget what life is like inside a school.

All questions are optional. The teacher may write as much or as little as they want. If they don’t feel comfortable answering a question for any reason, they’re allowed to leave it blank or say “I prefer not to answer.” For confidentiality and privacy purposes, the name of the teacher’s school will not be published, and they may choose how they refer to themselves. (Full name, initials only, or even simply “Teacher.”) Participants have been asked to refrain from using student names or to change names. When describing student or parent interactions, they may be vague or change slight details to protect anonymity as long as the message/tone of the encounter stays the same.

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Thank you to Mr. W for taking the time to participate in my teacher interviews! His candid responses will definitely shed some light on the middle school teaching experience. Warning: Some language in this interview is PG-13. 🙂

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Interview With Mr. W:

Mr. W, hard at work and adequately caffeinated for his multitasking

In no more than three words, describe how you feel right now.

Giddy, tired, punchy
What is today’s date?

August 26-29, 2022
How old are you?

45
How many years (total) have you been teaching?

20
Have you ever taken a break from teaching? If so, why and for how long?

No
What is your current salary?

2021 – $51,891.53
Is there anything you would like to share about your personal life or family situation?

Spouse, 2 kids – one in middle school, one in elementary
In what city and state do you teach?

Austin, TX
What grade(s) and subject(s) do you currently teach?

7th Science
How many years have you been in your current teaching position?

11 years
How many conference periods do you have per day?

1 Conference period every other day
How many students do you teach total?

206 Science Students, 28 Advisory Students
If you teach multiple classes, how many students are in your smallest class and your largest class?

18 smallest, 33 largest
On average, how many meetings do you have per week?

1 official + 1 informal
What other responsibilities do you have at school besides teaching your own classes? (For example: bus duty, cafeteria monitor, after school club, chaperone, committee member, team leader, coach, etc.)

Monitor the common area before school 1x a week (20 minutes)
Are you compensated for any of your extra duties?

I am being compensated for the extra class period I am teaching with an additional 1/6 of my current salary (approx. $8,500).
When was the last time you took a day off?

August 24, 2022
Describe the reason for your absence and the process you went through in order to take the day off.

Daughter had ear surgery. I requested the day off on the first day of summer training. I requested a substitute at the same time. I modified a previous year’s sub letter, printed out my rosters, and set up my class as if I was doing on-line learning for the day. Students were asked to take notes from a screencast that I had made the year before. They were then asked to complete two paper assignments, one involved reading from the textbook and the other required reviewing their notes. The assignments will be taken as a grade.
Describe a positive interaction you’ve had with a student this year.

A student asked randomly if I have a favorite English Premier League (Football) team. I do not have one, but I am gaining familiarity of the league by being in an EPL Fantasy League with a coworker. The student is a big fan of Manchester City so I made a comment about their big striker, Haaland, and the student seemed impressed.
Describe a challenging interaction you’ve had with a student this year.

A student in my class of 33 did not put together their Science Journal in class on Monday because they did not have a spiral with them. That day, I had given 3 other students in the class a spiral to build their Journal, but this one did not speak up and ask for any help. I missed that they were not putting one together, even though I was consistently instructing the students to turn to a partner and share what and where they just put in the Journal. We did this for 5 different sheets of paper with 5 different people in the classroom. Not one attempt at self advocating. I laid into the student today about needing to speak up for themselves, especially in a class of 33.
Describe a positive interaction you’ve had with a parent this year.

I called caregivers after the first day of school to notify them that their student volunteered in my class the first day to help. Most of the parents were panic-surprised that I was calling after day 1.
Describe a challenging interaction you’ve had with a parent this year.

None so far.
Describe a positive interaction you’ve had with a coworker or administrator this year.

Most interactions are positive. The new Spanish teachers have both tentatively come to my room seeking supplies (color pencils, markers, tissues, etc.) and I have shown them the abundance that the generosity of the community provide. They have been gob smacked. A new Texas History teacher on the floor has been incredibly surprised by the pace at which students are learning the material and completing work. She was thinking the two returning Texas History teachers were overly ambitious with the start of year plans, but is now reveling that she can focus on teaching for the first time in her career.
Describe a challenging interaction you’ve had with a coworker or administrator this year.

The security guard came by my room and told me that my two doors had to be closed and locked for security purposes. I am big on COVID preventative measures. Second to masking indoors when spending time with individuals not from your household, having as much airflow as possible is recommended. I stared combatively at the security guard, who I have gotten along with up to this point in our professional relationship and said, “You’re shitting me, right?” He was taken aback a moment and started apologizing, and I launched into my whole airflow thing, pointing out my five fans and three air purifiers that I have constantly going through my room, and stated that COVID was larger threat than unlocked doors. He didn’t deserve me going off on him. I tried to apologize to him a bit, I’ve sort of complied.
What’s the funniest or weirdest thing that’s happened at school this year?

While eating lunch with coworkers outside on the picnic tables a discussion about English words and their alternate meanings in Britain and USA broke out. The one word I was not familiar with was “fanny” as in fanny-pack, and I asked what it meant in Britain. I was told initially that “it is a female body part.” I inquired which part, and the same teacher shouted “Pussy! It means pussy!” I replied they could have just said “vulva” and the conversation meandered onward.
What time did you arrive at work today?

7:15AM
What time did you leave work today? If you are still at work, what time did you leave yesterday?

4:10PM
Describe your lunch today. (Length, food, location, what you did while eating, etc.)

25 minutes – warmed up pizza, two mandarin oranges, banana. Ate outside with 6 coworkers.
Describe one success you experienced today.

“I showed up.” It is this year’s motto.
Describe one challenge you experienced today.

A student’s parents called together at the end of the day. They are worried about the other student their student is working with in Science. They claimed to have seen the other student vaping in the neighborhood. Now I need to make a new seating chart.
What time did you complete this survey?

Day 2, 9:30 ish (there are still more questions you know after this one.) <– Good point, Mr. W! It is a rather lengthy survey. Thank you for taking so much time to complete it.
How satisfied are you with your current job? (1 = not at all satisfied, 5 = very satisfied)

4
As of right now, do you plan to continue teaching next year?

Yes
What’s the best thing about being a teacher?

Imparting factual knowledge.

Teacher, I want to tell you something, and I want you to listen. You are amazing. You are creative and smart and hardworking and beautiful. You are valued by those who are paying attention, and you deserve so much more than you receive from society. You are a superhero, and the world is a better place with you in it. Thank you for everything you do for your students, your community, and your fellow teachers. I appreciate you. Now, close your eyes and take three long, deep breaths, then open your eyes.
In no more than three words, describe how you feel right now.

Tired, parched, annoyed (this survey stopped saving and I had to re-answer 4 or 5 of these) <– I’m quite sorry about that. I owe you a beverage.

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If you are a current teacher and would like to be interviewed for my blog or if you know a current teacher I should interview, contact me!

Interview With a Teacher #1: Mr. D’Elia

A Note About These Interviews:

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I want to give a HUGE thank you to Mr. D’Elia for being brave enough to be the first person to participate in my teacher interviews and for dedicating his life to middle schoolers. His positivity and heart shine through in his answers.

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Interview With Mr. D’Elia:

In no more than three words, describe how you feel right now.

Expectant / eager / tired
What is today’s date?

August 20, 2022
How old are you?

53
How many years (total) have you been teaching?

15
Have you ever taken a break from teaching? If so, why and for how long?

No.
What is your current salary?

$60,000
Is there anything you would like to share about your personal life or family situation?

My wife teaches ESL. We have two daughters, 18 and 14.
In what city and state do you teach?

Austin, Texas
What grade(s) and subject(s) do you currently teach?

6th grade /ELA
How many years have you been in your current teaching position?

15
How many conference periods do you have per day?

2
How many students do you teach total?

125
If you teach multiple classes, how many students are in your smallest class and your largest class?

The smallest is 23. The largest is 26.
On average, how many meetings do you have per week?

4
What other responsibilities do you have at school besides teaching your own classes? (For example: bus duty, cafeteria monitor, after school club, chaperone, committee member, team leader, coach, etc.)

Spelling Bee Organizer / Eagle Allies Sponsor (No Place for Hate) / Department Head / Lunch duty (1x per week) / morning cafeteria duty (1x per week).
Are you compensated for any of your extra duties?

Yes. For Eagle Allies Sponsor (No Place for Hate) and Department Head
When was the last time you took a day off?

Last September, 2021.
Describe the reason for your absence and the process you went through in order to take the day off.

I had one day of jury duty. It was canceled at the last minute so I took the day off anyway. I had to notify the principal ahead of time, search for a sub which took several calls/texts. I created a lesson plan and had to write detailed instructions for the sub.
Describe a positive interaction you’ve had with a student this year.

A students told me that I was their favorite teacher, because I make learning fun.
Describe a challenging interaction you’ve had with a student this year.

In my last class of the day which starts at 3:31 PM, three boys had trouble understanding that they were not allowed to talk while others were talking. After several warnings, they continued to talk and so I had to give them lunch detention.
Describe a positive interaction you’ve had with a parent this year.

A parent reached out and told me about some special-needs that her child has. I responded quickly and she appreciated it. I think sixth grade parents are especially nervous letting their babies go off to “the big middle school,” and so appreciate any communication of care and understanding.
Describe a challenging interaction you’ve had with a parent this year.

The year as young, so I have not had any challenging interactions so far this year!
Describe a positive interaction you’ve had with a coworker or administrator this year.

I was able to share some personal family struggles with a coworker who was very supportive. Also, it seems like all the teachers understand that we are in the same fox hole, experiencing the same struggles, and facing the same challenges. The years of Covid seem to have bonded us.
Describe a challenging interaction you’ve had with a coworker or administrator this year.

None!
What’s the funniest or weirdest thing that’s happened at school this year?

As my students entered seventh period on Friday, I was playing “YMCA.” A spontaneous dance party broke out in my room for approximately three minutes. It was glorious.
What time did you arrive at work today?

7:50AM
What time did you leave work today? If you are still at work, what time did you leave yesterday?

5:20PM
Describe your lunch today. (Length, food, location, what you did while eating, etc.)

I eat at my desk by myself. I think I got into this habit during Covid. That, and the teachers lounge has been refurbished and is now much smaller. I bring my lunch of hard boiled eggs (perhaps another reason I eat by myself) chips and yogurt. I give myself about a 15 minute break to chill, but during lunch I catch up on emails, complete tasks, grade, etc.
Describe one success you experienced today.

I was able to tell those talking boys that they did a good job today.
Describe one challenge you experienced today.

Starting class at 3:31 PM is really, really late. It’s hard to psych myself up for it.
What time did you complete this survey?

8:50PM
How satisfied are you with your current job? (1 = not at all satisfied, 5 = very satisfied)

4
As of right now, do you plan to continue teaching next year?

Yes.
What’s the best thing about being a teacher?

The students — being able to show kindness and acceptance to them is my joy.

Teacher, I want to tell you something, and I want you to listen. You are amazing. You are creative and smart and hardworking and beautiful. You are valued by those who are paying attention, and you deserve so much more than you receive from society. You are a superhero, and the world is a better place with you in it. Thank you for everything you do for your students, your community, and your fellow teachers. I appreciate you. Now, close your eyes and take three long, deep breaths, then open your eyes.
In no more than three words, describe how you feel right now.

Content, appreciated, purposeful.