Some days I question my professional path. Am I doing enough? How can I engage more students? What will work as a motivator? It's part of teaching. I don't know any teachers who go into this profession for accolades or money. Both of those are few and far between. We teach because we can, and we really enjoy kids and the learning process.
This year has been tough. Most of my students are "give it to me now!" types on good days and "back stabbing pit vipers" on bad days. Being insulted by some of my students is almost a daily occurrence. And I'm worn out. Tonight, I congratulated a former student on graduating. The response to me from that student was "you're such a bitch." I shouldn't have been surprised, but I was. I'm used to that as a response to discipline or disappointment, but not as a response to a sincere offering. And that moment overshadowed all the positive moments this evening. And so I question...
1 comment:
Wow! Teaching is hard under the best of circumstances but to work with kids that so easily talk that way to you must be incredibly discouraging. Good work, work that is for the good, is often hard and discouraging and rarely well rewarded. But it is a good work! Whether they recognize it or not you have helped your student achieve a major goal, graduation. That they made it that far is a testament to your efforts and you should be proud of that. Enjoy your summer! Rest and revitalize. Think and ponder and tweak. Refuel your mind and your spirit! Enjoy a well deserved break.
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