As the end of the year approaches, everyone’s schedule fills up with studying, sports, and hanging with friends. So let’s dive into one of the days of Mrs. Payne as a teacher and baseball mom.

“The alarm goes off earlier than I’d actually like. First thing in the morning, I’m ready and get out the door while everything still feels still. By the time I get to school, the building is already coming alive with students and staff members.

First class I have to start the day is statistics. It takes a minute for everyone to wake up, but once we get going, it’s a lot of discussion and real-life examples. Next is honors geometry. The pace picks up, and so do the expectations. They’re sharp and quick, and I have to stay a step ahead. We move through proofs and theorems. Then comes regular geometry. Same content, different rhythm. I slow things down, explain it another way, and celebrate the small wins when something finally clicks. Those moments feel just as big.

The day goes fast after that—grading, answering questions, tying up loose ends—until the final bell rings.

From there, it’s straight to baseball. One field, then another. I have two sons: one plays middle school ball, and my youngest plays 8U. I’m bouncing aways between their games and practices, catching innings where I can. There’s always something to juggle, but I wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world.

After practices, I head to the gym. It’s my reset, a way to shake off the day before heading home. Dinner is simple, just enough to refuel. Then I walk the dogs, enjoying the quiet for a bit. Finally, I settle in to my bed, turn on my shows, and let myself relax before doing it all over again tomorrow.”