Here’s a message from a mother sent to a tutor of one of my students who is a repeating freshman:
Thanks very much for coming out to meet with us so early in the am.
I appreciate all the work you and all the group are doing with —-.
Last year when I had the IEP meeting I left there in tears, the news about his struggles was all negative but this year things were positive.
One of —-’s vocabulary words last year was beacon; he told me “I want to be a beacon for kids who struggle like me.” And I think he has accomplished it.
—- has come a very long way from entering MATCH the 1st day. I’m very proud of him. I went on line and ordered a brand new slick digital voice recorder for him, so I’m hoping he’ll be willing to use it.
Thanks very much.
No, thank you to the mother for sending this message. This is an example of what inspires us to continue to do the work that teachers do.
For the past year or so, I’ve been struggling with what I want to do for the rest of my life. Do I go into event planning? Do I work in non-profit? I wasn’t even thinking about stepping immediately back into a school building after I leave MATCH. However, the closer I get to the end of the school year, the more I cherish the moments I experience with my students and don’t know if leaving education is the best decision. The greatest parts about being a teacher are the relationships I’ve built with my students. I’ll miss my 8th period’s quarterly Books and Cookies party (If you’re wondering, it’s exactly what you think it is – reading and eating cookies at the same time! It’s a wonderful thing!). I’ll miss —— “Hey Miss,” every morning at the homework collection table. I’ll miss —– nervous behavior before a big exam. He silently walks into my room, circles the middle table in my room, pretends to leave and says “Bye Miss!” and waits for me to call him back into the room to talk to him. I’ll miss the challenge of going to the bookstore to find the next pleasure reading books for my students since the books not only have to be around their reading level but they have to be at students’ interest levels too. I realize that I don’t have to miss these experiences though. Am I even ready to leave education? It’s always been a part of me. It’s the one thing I’m extremely passionate about, so why am I thinking of leaving it?
So, I’ve been on the TFA Job Board and Indeed looking at what opportunities are out there. I’ve surprised myself with this desire to apply to jobs in a school. I’ve even registered to take the Praxis II exam so I can work towards certification in other states. Especially in these economic times, I really need to just keep as many options open as possible.
I’m such a mess. Don’t you think? Event planning…non-profit…not working in a school…working in a school. I know eventually this will all be clear to me though. Let’s just hope.
Comments (4)
you should be so proud of yourself!
I see some teachers who do not take their job seriously and deep down that saddens me that our youth is being taught by people who are not passionate about it! They didnt get laid off during the huge budget cut and they really arent happy about being a teacher…they should really make room for the teachers who want to make a difference and educate!
You are doing a great job obviously and be proud of being that teacher who excels, drives, and continues to love their job!
I heart you! Gotta love teaching.
P.S. One of my coaches refer me to teach at international school; maybe you want to look at it too?
I think it will become clearer once you have a few specific opportunities to choose from. The beauty of your choice, and education in general, is that it’s not permanent. If you leave and find out how much you miss the classroom, you can always go back. Or, you might stay and find that a different school and students just don’t hold the magic for you. Either way, the road ahead of you is long – so there’s no need to put so much pressure on yourself!
Doesn’t that make life so fun? The unpredictability of it all. How happy would you be if you knew that … is what you would be doing until god know when. I know it is easier said then done, enjoy the uncertainty. Enjoy the positives because there is too many negatives out there. Where ever you end up it will be where you should be. Thanks for being a great teacher, your impact will affect these kids to the core. Love you & Happy New Year!