I want to be a great teacher. I want to be better. I envision myself being able to control the class flawlessly while students engage with the assignments and ask meaningful questions. They come ready and prepared to learn after using the time between classes to take care of all their bathroom needs. I am able to teach without interruption, except for the occasional clarification question. Student teacher relationships are so great that there is little need to use discipline outside the classroom. This is what I would like to strive for.
However if you were to walk into my class on a random day, you may see a lot of the opposite. Is there stuff I could be doing better? Absolutely! However, I often forget that I cannot control the students’ actions and attitudes towards learning. I attempt to teach in an environment where I care more about their learning than they do, and sometimes even their parents. However I believe it is this attempt that separates you from a poor or mediocre teacher.
It can be very discouraging to see little fruit as we strive to work so hard to provide students with the education they deserve. However, it is important to remember that we may not be ideal, but we are doing good work as long as we are trying. As a coach, I’ve seen it is much easier to help teachers grow who are humble, trying, and flexible. As long as we hold onto these characteristics, better days are coming.
You are enough. You are appreciated. You are doing a tremendous work. You are contributing positively to society. You deserve recognition. I’m proud to share this career with you.
