Questioning

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...