Hi y’all…
Throughout my time in a tutu I’ve been asked,
“So…why did you start wearing a tutu?”
Some people thought I’d been wearing one my whole teaching career.
Some thought it was something I wore to help with my TpT store.
Others just thought I was weird.
I’ve never felt 100% comfortable telling the whole tale, but here it is:
The Tale of The Tutu Teacher
As many of you know, I moved from Texas to Massachusetts a little over three years ago. It was 2012 and my then boyfriend now husband, had lost his job. As we talked and talked about our next moves…I told him to find a job that would make him happy. A job where he would finally have the chance to do what he wanted to everyday. A job where he would be happy. Although I never imagined leaving Texas, I encouraged him to find a job anywhere. As he searched and searched for the perfect job, I started to prep my friends and family for a potential move. It didn’t take long for my husband to find a job…in Massachusetts. He accepted the job and we drove him up to the East Coast so he could start work.
Meanwhile…I finished my school year in Texas…searched for a new job…said goodbye to my family and friends and packed up our home.
In July of 2012, we moved from Texas to Massachusetts.
I started my new job with five years of teaching under my belt. I was a pretty confident Kindergarten teacher and was prepared to accept the challenges of teaching in a new state, new school, with new people.
I wasn’t prepared.
Not only did I struggle with missing my family and friends. I struggled with meeting people and finding friends.
Don’t get me wrong, people were friendly to me (not driving in their cars though…OMG Boston drivers are crazy). They asked me questions about Texas and sympathized with me being so far away…
But…
I wasn’t trusted. Or invited into conversations.
I was often told “This is how we do things.”
I lost my voice.
I didn’t feel like myself.
Now…I’m sure I could have imagine much of this or I could blame it on hyped up emotions.
Either way, I didn’t feel like Vera.
I could tell I was most effected by my interactions with my students.
I didn’t feel bubbly or goofy or hilarious or silly.
Until Halloween.
I wasn’t sure what I was going to be. I had some butterfly wings and I watched some tutu tutorials online and thought, “I can do this.” So I was a butterfly in a tutu for Halloween. Nothing spectacular or creative…but it helped me feel more like the me I was in Texas.
And I thought, what if I wear another tutu for Thanksgiving?
So I bought more tulle and cut and cut and cut and made another tutu for Thanksgiving.
And I felt even more like the Vera I’ve always been.
And slowly, I started to ignore the “That’s how we do things” comments.
And slowly, I connected more with the people I work with.
And slowly, I made more tutus.
And suddenly, I was The Tutu Teacher.
It’s who I’ve always been. And even if I stop wearing a tutu tomorrow (I won’t because tutus are awesome and I love wearing them but IF) I’d still feel this happy. I don’t need the tutu to be who I am…but I helped me to express who I always was.
So now…when I get frustrated or stuck in the routine of school politics and drama…I find zen in my inner tutu…and keep twirling along.
I remember you telling us this story in Vegas – I'm so glad you shared it on your blog!! We need to hang out again ASAP!
Sara 🙂
The Colorful Apple
Thank you for sharing your tutu tale! Love it!
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I always wondered. You inspire me to just be myself in school and not worry about what other people think. I wish I lived closer because I think you would be fun to hang around! If you ever come to New York…I would love to meet you! I can't wait to see what your next tutu is going to look like! I loved the snowman one!
Rosie
Rosie's Rambles
What a great story!! Starting somewhere new can be tough, but you made the best of it and discovered an outlet for you to showcase YOU in a positive way. And, I bet your kinders love their tutu teacher.
Aimee
Primarily Speaking
I loved hearing you story. Good for you for finding your inner voice again, and bringing it out. Just a side note…I think tutu's are super cool too! Although I haven't worn one since I was 16, I may just have to make one next holiday.
~Laura
Luv My Kinders
I love this story so so much!!! It feels like a picture book!! OMG!!! Write a picture book!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing your story and your heart!!! ?
Love it!! Love you!
And yes- write a picture book about it!!
Katie 🙂
What a great story, Vera! I'm so glad you found yourself here and I bet your students LOVE the real you!
Dianne
Hopelessly Devoted to Teaching
What a great story, I had no idea but always wondered. I'm so glad you found your voice again. I can relate to moving and losing my voice. This is my 9th year and I've been in 7 schools (yay to CA budget cuts) and it's been tough. Maybe I need a tutu!
Kristen
Beautiful story!
Keep on twirling!
I really love that story. One of my daughters is definitely a tutu kind of girl.
Vera!!!!! This is an awesomeness! Thank you for being so poignant and honest. I wonder if all teachers experience those feelings of not quite fitting in. I know I sure do. Your post made me feel like I'm not crazy-that's it's not just me. There's validation there. I'm so lucky to have met you and now consider your a friend.
Best,
Julie
Hi Vera, our stories are so similar I really thought I had written this! I recently relocated bc of my bc finding a job. I left behind my comfort zone and I too thought I was ready but boy was I wrong. Thank you for sharing your story. I have faith that things will get better for me now, although I haven't found my"happy tutu" yet.
~Maria (infinity1081 :ig)
❤️