Love. Teaching is nothing without the love and dedication that teachers have for their students. I have been at the long meetings that go through each child who needs extra reading help – brainstorming of what we can do to help. I have seen the worry on teachers’ faces when they hear about problems that a child is having. I have seen tears wipes, backs rubbed, and reassurance given. These teachers are not just teaching children math and reading. No, they are there to ease the anxiety that goes along with everyday life, they are there to offer solutions to everyday problems, they are there to listen and to soothe. If all I did was walk into the classroom, teach, and leave, I would leave this profession. I stay for those smiles, those hugs, those stories — I stay for the kids.
This thought — staying for the kids — has gone through my mind quite often in the last month or so. Yes, I work hard; my mind is always on school. But, do you know what makes it worthwhile? Seeing my kids in the morning. Joking around. Listening to their highs and their lows. Seeing the lightbulbs go on. Smiling and laughing.
So, teachers if you are feeling down, or tired, or lonely. Think of those kids. Don’t let the long hours, hard work, or pressure of this profession get you down!
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