This definitely is going to feel like a diary entry, so I've decided to write it as one! Bear with me here...
Dear Teaching Diary,
Summer is waving its sad good-bye, while the new school year is running up to give me a high-five! After 8 years of teaching, getting the classroom set up STILL sets off this chain reaction of emotions. I'm excited, then nervous, then overwhelmed, then excited, then stressed, then excited...
When I was a kid, being a teacher meant that I got to keep being a part of the learning process. Knowing about things was fun, the pursuit of knowledge addictive, and being able to share that with others, while hopefully being able to finger-paint a bit... sign me up! (Seriously, finger-painting was probably my #1 reason.) Now that I've been doing it awhile, I sincerely believe that this is the biggest contribution to society that I will be able to make, one small unit of tiny people at a time.
These perspectives dilute themselves with the demands of the job. Difficult students and parents, lack of curriculum, more data demands, standardized testing/politicians, lack of pay, mounds of hours of work while trying to have a life... it feels like the whole world is on top of you! I think it's true for most teachers that we expect a lot out of ourselves... and that is the hardest thing about a job that already demands so much. Unfortunately, the job doesn't always give back in equal amounts.
Thinking about all of this brought on the inspiration to start a blog. Why?
1. To remind myself that hanging out with 8-9 year olds all day can be pretty amazing! Focusing on the good things that high-school-me loved.
2. To refine my practice. If you're a teacher, you know the whirl wind that happens each day, and I'd like to savor some of the sweet moments that seem to fly by!
3. To give back to those other teachers and bloggers that have provided me with so many resources and ideas from all parts of the world! (Many for free even, BTPT-- Before Teachers Pay Teachers.)
Well Teaching Diary, that is all for now. I have a classroom to set up, and some hopefully adorable and sweet and smart and funny students to get ready for!
Much love,
Mrs. Pi.
Dear Teaching Diary,
Summer is waving its sad good-bye, while the new school year is running up to give me a high-five! After 8 years of teaching, getting the classroom set up STILL sets off this chain reaction of emotions. I'm excited, then nervous, then overwhelmed, then excited, then stressed, then excited...
When I was a kid, being a teacher meant that I got to keep being a part of the learning process. Knowing about things was fun, the pursuit of knowledge addictive, and being able to share that with others, while hopefully being able to finger-paint a bit... sign me up! (Seriously, finger-painting was probably my #1 reason.) Now that I've been doing it awhile, I sincerely believe that this is the biggest contribution to society that I will be able to make, one small unit of tiny people at a time.
These perspectives dilute themselves with the demands of the job. Difficult students and parents, lack of curriculum, more data demands, standardized testing/politicians, lack of pay, mounds of hours of work while trying to have a life... it feels like the whole world is on top of you! I think it's true for most teachers that we expect a lot out of ourselves... and that is the hardest thing about a job that already demands so much. Unfortunately, the job doesn't always give back in equal amounts.
Thinking about all of this brought on the inspiration to start a blog. Why?
1. To remind myself that hanging out with 8-9 year olds all day can be pretty amazing! Focusing on the good things that high-school-me loved.
2. To refine my practice. If you're a teacher, you know the whirl wind that happens each day, and I'd like to savor some of the sweet moments that seem to fly by!
3. To give back to those other teachers and bloggers that have provided me with so many resources and ideas from all parts of the world! (Many for free even, BTPT-- Before Teachers Pay Teachers.)
Well Teaching Diary, that is all for now. I have a classroom to set up, and some hopefully adorable and sweet and smart and funny students to get ready for!
Much love,
Mrs. Pi.
No comments:
Post a Comment