Sometimes...
Sometimes it is so emotionally rewarding to be a teacher!
Sometimes you smile at a student and they smile back.
Sometimes you say "hi," and they say "hi!" back.
Sometimes you tell a joke and the students laugh.
Sometimes you offer advice and the students listen.
Sometimes you show compassion and a student appreciates it.
Sometimes you give extra help and the student says "thanks!"
Sometimes you plan a special lesson and the students say, "that was fun!"
Sometimes a former student visits and says "wow, you were a great teacher!"
Sometimes you see a student doesn't have an eraser left on his pencil during the quiz and you give him one, and he smiles and looks relieved that you noticed him.*
________ but... ________
Sometimes it is so emotionally taxing to be a teacher!
Sometimes you smile at a students and they roll their eyes.
Sometimes you say "hi" and they say nothing.
Sometimes you tell a joke and they just stare at you.
Sometimes you offer advice and it seems to be ignored.
Sometimes you show compassion and it doesn't seem appreciated.
Sometimes you give extra help and the student resents having to be there.
Sometimes you plan a special lesson and the students say, "do we have to?!"
Sometimes a former student visits and says, "wow, this year we get to chew gum and use our phones in class. It is waaaayyy better!"
Sometimes you see a student doesn't have an eraser left on his pencil during the quiz and you give him one, and he say "no thanks, I don't want it." and leaves your gift on the table.*
_______ however... ________
Keep giving smiles, saying "hi," telling jokes, offering advice, showing compassion, giving extra help, greeting former students, and noticing your students. It makes a difference.
Sometimes you smile at a student and they smile back.
Sometimes you say "hi," and they say "hi!" back.
Sometimes you tell a joke and the students laugh.
Sometimes you offer advice and the students listen.
Sometimes you show compassion and a student appreciates it.
Sometimes you give extra help and the student says "thanks!"
Sometimes you plan a special lesson and the students say, "that was fun!"
Sometimes a former student visits and says "wow, you were a great teacher!"
Sometimes you see a student doesn't have an eraser left on his pencil during the quiz and you give him one, and he smiles and looks relieved that you noticed him.*
________ but... ________
Sometimes it is so emotionally taxing to be a teacher!
Sometimes you smile at a students and they roll their eyes.
Sometimes you say "hi" and they say nothing.
Sometimes you tell a joke and they just stare at you.
Sometimes you offer advice and it seems to be ignored.
Sometimes you show compassion and it doesn't seem appreciated.
Sometimes you give extra help and the student resents having to be there.
Sometimes you plan a special lesson and the students say, "do we have to?!"
Sometimes a former student visits and says, "wow, this year we get to chew gum and use our phones in class. It is waaaayyy better!"
Sometimes you see a student doesn't have an eraser left on his pencil during the quiz and you give him one, and he say "no thanks, I don't want it." and leaves your gift on the table.*
_______ however... ________
Keep giving smiles, saying "hi," telling jokes, offering advice, showing compassion, giving extra help, greeting former students, and noticing your students. It makes a difference.
*both of these happened today
That is my favorite quote ever about teaching! Well, I guess it's about a lot of things, but it makes me think of our profession most!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had some of the good with the bad today!
As always, thanks for the comment, Michelle! I love that quote too! It's so good to remember on those days when middle schoolers are having a tough time with their own emotions and it causes them to act out in ways that aren't as kind as we would like!
DeleteWow. I can relate to this post. Your heart is in the right place, though, and that is what matters. You are a good teacher.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leah! I appreciate the compliment! :)
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