Don't you think that we want to be teachers because ultimately, we want to impact children, families, and communities? Isn't that the goal?
As far as impact to what teaching will do to myself - It seems like the longer I teach, the more I know my subject matter better and better. It's amazing how that works!! Teaching doesn't just impact my knowledge, but who I am overall. It takes discipline to be a teacher and it certainly isn't for the lazy (well, depends on who you talk to), or the fainthearted. It takes some guts to get before 20 (okay, it's 30 this year) fifth graders and have some sort of organized learning going on.
Teachers are a crucial part of the community. We chose a place to spend 8+ hours a day in hopes that we can make a difference in our student's lives. We tutor after school, give up lunch time to work with students, offer assistance in anyway possible, hand out essentials (toothbrushes, soap, food, etc.) and literally create a family unit every school year. This definitely impacts our community and what we are able to give to them.
Teaching is a service. I am not in this field to become rich, but to serve the children and families that darken my door every August. The dream I have is that they go on to better society and to become productive citizens in our country.
3 comments:
A lot of teachers will say that they got into the profession to impact kids lives. You suggest spending time with them and sacrifice will better the community and you intend to try to make your students better ciizens. What exactly are you going to do to them? are you instilling values or helping them towards being career orinted. on the issue of making money i know a teacher who retired in dc public schools making $90000 it just depends on how much certification and education you get and where you teach.
Your last paragraph should be every teacher’s motto. I have no professional teaching experience but I feel the same way about what teaching should be about. I want to be able to improve my future student’s lives and outlook on education/learning.
A few questions I have for your philog: I realize that there are far too many students living in poverty but how often do you hand out essentials such as toothbrushes and soap? Teachers are extremely important to our communities and in society in general but how do you deal with the lack of appreciation from society?
You are a great role model for young teachers; you know what kind of sacrifices and determination it takes to be a successful teacher. Thank you for all your insightful and knowledgeable philogs!
Janna,
I have enjoyed reading your blog this semester. You have a joy and enthusiasm that is contagious. I like that you address how teaching will affect you--that aspect of professionalism where we become experts in our field is very important. I think elementary school teachers have one of the largest knowledge base on any other profession--from solar systems to ecosystems. Good luck and thanks for the philogging!
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