1. While there may have been times at which I have wondered whether or not being a teacher is what I really want to do with the rest of my life being that I love predictability and teaching is all about putting yourself in unpredictable situations, as I spend more and more time in the classroom, I realize that there is no other occupation that I would rather have. In the classroom and working with kids is where I want to be and is where my heart truly lies. I do not think I could attempt to do anything else and really feel as fulfilled as I know I will feel when I am a teacher. I know that the road will be difficult, painful, and sometimes heartbreaking. But, I also know that, ultimately, if I were to choose to NOT be a teacher, that choice would bring the type of regret which lasts a lifetime.
2. Though I am constantly looking forward to graduation and I cannot wait until I can have my very own classroom, as the days pass, I become more and more apprehensive about the thought of being the lead teacher in a classroom in which I am the one that plans everything, sets up everything, and am in control for the whole day. On one hand, I feel as if I am more than ready to have my own classroom. I know how to differentiate, I know how to write lesson plans and reflect on my lesson plans, I know how to build a classroom library, and I know how to encourage family involvement. However, on the other hand, I feel as if I do not know enough. As I think about it more, though, I become aware of the fact that maybe, just maybe, you can never really know enough. Teaching is a constant learning process and as such, you need to know that you do not know everything and you will make mistakes because there is so much to know that no one could ever know it all! With that epiphany, I can feel a little less anxious about the future and being the lead teacher in a classroom, although I feel that my anxiety can never totally be erased or assuaged by anything.
Next week will be my last week in the field before I enter the classroom once again as a student teacher in August and I just wanted to record the thoughts that have been swirling in my mind as of late. Maybe one day when I'm feeling particularly anxious or have had a bad day in the classroom, I can re-read this post and be uplifted and encouraged.
“Teachers who inspire know that teaching is like cultivating a garden, and those who would have nothing to do with thorns must never attempt to gather flowers." - Unknown
What a wonderfully inspiring post. Well said. It is so critical to realize that we will never know it all, and that's ok. We can keep learning along with our students and share the joy of learning as a model. This is liberating and more honest, I think.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed all the insights you've shared here! Well done
Beth