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For the benefit of those readers who are not teachers, I feel it is important to clarify that there is a monumental difference between a Faculty Meeting and a meeting of teachers at the request of administration for the joy of Professional Development.  For the most part, Faculty Meetings are a relatively relaxed time to come together and connect, get updated on what's coming down the pike in the next few weeks, and see the building administrators and faculty together in one place at the same time.

Professional Development is more torturous mind-numbing, as it often is in the form of a powerpoint presentation by someone with a monotone voice, or speaking at a speed that assumes that all listeners are idiots.

In our district, the monthly faculty meeting actually carries with it a sort of excitement.  And the May faculty meeting creates an inner panic, as we realize that we're going to blink and it will be June 5th.  Sure, we have Keystone exams next week, and AP Exams, and, well, every single thing that is due between now and the end of the year, all before the final exams are completed, but we literally just put our winter clothes away, right?

Questions?

It happens at the end of every meeting - the call for final comments or questions.  Suddenly, the eyes start darting between the clock and the faces and eyes in the room.  We all know that we are OUT OF HERE the second everyone is silent.  The dagger stares begin to fly, daring anyone who begins to open their mouths to even try.  (Lord help that newbie teacher -- someone should warn him to ask all questions elsewhere, anywhere, nowhere.)  

The funny thing is that the supreme desire to end the meeting, presumably to sprint to the car and head out into the sunshine, doesn't actually result in anything resembling Pamplona in the spring.  Instead, we linger.  "Is (name deleted) pregnant?  It looks like there's a tiny belly there.  Why didn't anyone tell me!  I need to knit a blanket!"  "Hey, can we touch base in the morning and talk about...."  and on, and on.  Questions, yes.  Questions for the good of the order -- well, we think so.  

Because the good of the order, while we'd like to say is about testing protocol and end of the year schedules, is more about the mental health of a family of teachers, who share a bond, and rarely see each other collectively.

Except for those fleeting moments at the end of the Family Reunion held once a month after the monthly Faculty Meeting.