May 13: Teacher Payday

Teaching is a hard profession. I know some people think that it is a cushy job because teachers get breaks during the year and summers off. If you are one who feels that way, I would like to give you an open invitation to come and teach my class for a day. There is a lot more to teaching than some people realize. I don't mean to sound as if I'm complaining--I'm not. I love my job and I wouldn't want to do anything else. But, there are hard days that make you wonder if everything you do is worth it. Somedays when kids don't listen or turn in their work or when a parent sends a rude email its hard to remember why I love being a teacher.

Today was not one of those days. Today was a payday. Today is a day I will think about when I secretly wish I could throttle my 5th graders. Today I got a surprise visit from one of my former students. Jesse was in my first 6th grade class six years ago and today he brought me a graduation announcement. We sat and talked for almost an hour about high school, friends, memories of 6th grade, and future plans. This is a kid who always had a great sense of humor and knew how to keep his priorities straight, and he still does. He probably isn't a 4.0 student, but he made it through. And not only that, he has a plan for what to do with his life and is working to achieve it.

This is why I teach. I teach to help kids prepare for the future. I teach to give them a foundation to build their lives on. I teach so kids can find a path they want to follow and set goals to achieve their dreams. So, today I am thankful to Jesse. Thanks for reminding me that the hours I put in as a teacher are worth it. I'm am grateful to have played a very small part in helping him get to this milestone in his life. I wish him the best of luck in the future.