Today begins the EIGHTEENTH YEAR in my career as a public educator.
Man, did THAT make me feel old.
No, not really....it actually made me stop and think about all the students whose lives I have had the honor of being a part of...
- the students that I had the privilege of teaching them how to read (from kindergarten to ESL 6th graders);
- the students with whom I was able to share literature from all those exciting periods in American History;
- the students with whom I participated weekly in a BEATNIK's Poetry Club and a Skateboard Club;
- the students who sat in my office, arms folded across their chest, determined not to let anyone know they were hurting somewhere deep down inside of them;
- the Gifted & Talented learners whom I got to remind on a regular basis how incredible they were even though they were just a little bit different....
and the list goes on.... and on.... I have been SO very lucky.
Education as a profession is viewed in different ways around the globe--some with the utmost respect and honor, some with the notion that teachers are babysitters, and of course, some in between those two ends.
But today as I walked into Herning Gymnasium ready to do what I feel is my life's calling for the 18th year, I felt honored to be doing something that I LOVE to do. Yes, I have been a principal and a coordinator and administrator within these 18 years, but above all else and even while I have worn those other hats, I am a teacher.
So think about the people that you entrust your kiddoes to on a daily basis....the ones your kids love, the ones your kids APPRECIATE even though they are hard and the ones that your kids insist do not like them because they keep expecting so much from them. :-) And as you think about these folks who, most days, see your kids more hours than you do, figure out a way to tell them how much you appreciate them. Not just an "atta boy", but something specific...something they do or have done that you noticed was above and beyond and made a difference for your kid. Because I promise you that most of us try to do those things every single day.
Happy Back to School Season!
Get your pencils sharpened and your backpacks cleaned out because it's time to rock and roll!
5 comments:
Hats off to you and all teachers! I used to be one and it was the most rewarding job I've ever had.
ahhh Congratulations! just know there are so manyh parents who reallhy appreciate what you do! xx
As a daughter of two long time teachers, I thank you too! Ya'll all do such an invaluable job :) Happy first day back!!
Ok in my last comment I said English teachers rock, but I stand to be corrected. All teachers rock!I wanted to be a teacher originally, but ended up on the path to nursing. I hope someday to be able to teach fellow nursing students, and have the best of both worlds. Congrats on your 18 years! All of the students are lucky to have had someone as amazing as you influence their lives!
first of all, congrats on 18 years!!!!!! that is such an amazing feat and it is so cool to see someone who still has the passion like it is their 2nd year of teaching!
i think teachers and military are the most underpaid professions who truly have the most impact on society. my dad at like age 42 or something quit owning his businesses to teach. he said it was the best decision he ever made and wishes he had done it straight out of college.
so congrats to you and here is to many more years of having positive impact on people's lives!
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