Lunch: everyone’s favorite “class.” This might come as a surprise, but teachers enjoy the 40-minute free period just as much as their students do. While students are crowding the courtyards, teachers take shelter in the classroom, forming friendships with their colleagues. This becomes an opportunity for them to socialize with their coworkers, catch up on work or eat in peace and quiet by themselves. The few moments provided by lunch allow for a relaxing break for the teachers and students of Miami Palmetto Senior High.
Unfortunately, while many teachers attempt to follow their lunch rituals each day, interruptions by students who need a place to eat their lunch or utilize the lunch period as a chance for some extra assistance often conflict with these plans.
For example, AP Seminar teacher Marcos Cohen looks forward to eating his lunches each day in the back patio behind the auditorium with two of his colleagues from the AP social studies department every day. This tradition has taken place since the return to in-person school following the COVID-19 pandemic. Cohen enjoys the fresh outdoors that provides his head with some clarity in the midst of a tiring work day, as well as conversing with other adult teachers. Despite his excitement for this 40-minute lunch break, his dedication to his students remains.
“Sometimes students need to speak to me during lunch and that can take up the entire lunch period, and I don’t get that [break] that’s so desperately needed. [A lot of students spend their lunch period in my classroom] and I definitely prefer talking with students, but I think balance is important and having that opportunity during lunch to talk to other older people is important,” Cohen said.
In some cases, those teachers across the hallway can become each other’s closest friends. They often share similar interests, oftentimes teaching similar subjects, and they understand a lot of what one might be going through, being a fellow teacher. They understand the frustration and struggles that ride along the waves of happiness and excitement of teaching.
AP Research and European History teacher Daniel Corradino spends his lunch periods sitting in the classroom, eating food and sharing a laugh with his five teacher neighbors.
“My favorite part of the school day is lunch, especially on Fridays. I get together with other teachers from my department; we talk about events and our personal lives. Once a week we order out food; it’s a day we all look forward to,” Corradino said.
While many teachers enjoy meeting up with their coworkers to share their midday meal, others find peace in eating in solace. The school day is often loud, especially for a teacher who might find themselves spending hours lecturing. Sometimes, eating in silence can allow one’s mind to relax and refocus. In fact, eating in silence is better because it allows one to focus more on what they are eating through what is known as “mindful eating.” Silence is essential to relieve stress and tension; it can also stimulate new cell growth and improve memory.
“I love the [lunch] routine. First lunch is exactly in the middle of the day, and so that little break in the middle and bathroom break and food in my stomach, and half the day is finished,” Freshman and Junior Honors English teacher David Gray said. “It seems anti-social, but I do prefer having that alone time to reflect and have a quiet moment during a sometimes hectic and stressful workday.”
