1. Sure,
the summer breaks are great, but they’re not the reason I became a
teacher. In fact, many
summers I get another job to supplement my income. I became a teacher because I love
learning. I love my subject
area and want to share it with the world. I love children.
I love your children.
Teaching though is not everything I thought it would be (life
rarely is), and so on some days I may lose sight of why I chose this career. I could use your encouragement.
2. Just
like babysitting does not make one an expert on parenting. Going to school
does not make you an expert on education, nor does volunteering, nor does
substitute teaching. Sometimes I make choices that you don’t agree
with. Please come talk to me
about them in a professional manner at which point I can either explain my
choice or admit my error.
3. I am
on your child’s side. I want
to be part of your team. I am
not your enemy. I am not your
child’s enemy. I don’t pick
on your child. If your child
thinks I do, then we need to talk in person and figure out ways in which
both your child and I can interact differently so that we’ll have a
smoother relationship.
4. Please
don’t send me e-mails dripping with fury or veiled threats or biting
sarcasm. If you are upset
with me, please send me an email requesting a conference and let me know
the subject matter on which you wish to speak beforehand. We will be far more successful
coming to an agreement if we aren’t both seething.
5. Teaching
is a calling. In a perfect
world, my entire workday would be spent teaching your child and planning
to teach your child. Instead, I attend meetings, I take classes to stay on
top of technology, I have conferences with parents, I update websites, I
answer e-mails, I grade papers, I deal with disciplinary infractions, I fill
out reports, I have extra duties (sponsoring clubs, coaching teams,
monitoring the lunch room, organizing buses, etc.). Some weeks I work 70 hours to make
all this happen. I do not
spend my planning time (what
little there is) gossiping in the teacher’s lounge. My job is hard. But those few precious hours in
the classroom watching an incredible lesson unfold, seeing those light
bulbs flick on, now that’s something…that’s what pulls me back every fall.
The other stuff? I guess
that’s why they pay me…
1 comments:
Great teacher. Love your posts. very great
Post a Comment