The teaching life.
I’ve learned a lot being a teacher.
I’ve learned that I love it, despite all the somewhat negative consequences.
I’ve learned that I will almost always be tired for the rest of my career, and that being sick while your teaching is worse than you could ever imagine- no room for ‘checking out’ in this business.
I’ve learned that some days you’re a good teacher, and some days you’re just not the kind of teacher you imagined in your head.
I’ve learned that it’s much easier to teach kids from your same socio-economic status.
I’ve learned that I often dodge my students and their parents every time I’m at the grocery store.
I’ve learned that one funny little kid can give you enough inertia to finish out the week.
I’ve learned that no matter where you go, the politics of a school never fail to be on the forefront of everyone’s mind but your own.
I’ve learned that ‘first year’ naiveté/optimism is inevitable.
I’ve learned that your mind has never felt so numb as after your first performance, or even just a plain old Monday for that matter.
I’ve learned that reflection, correction, and drive, are the keys to staying ahead of the game- as well as the only things that keep you feeling even somewhat successful.
I’ve learned that it feels good to be doing what you want to do- especially when it goes the way you imagined it would.
I’ve learned that there are certain people in the building that will probably never ‘get’ you or even try to do so- and that that’s okay.
I’ve learned that there’s always a reason to stab a perfectly good back- but it feels a lot better to be uninvolved in all that is negative- not a bad time to be naïve.
I’ve learned that I’m a lot more unorganized than I thought.
I’ve learned that I’ve easily come to adore many of my students and have slowly and somewhat successfully claimed ownership on the way things are run.
I’ve learned that the most fun thing is to be excited about a song or event that is creatively yours.
I’ve learned that every kid in the school does not love music, but that’s no excuse not to love them, or the lessons you teach them.
I’ve learned that each year I will improve.
And most importantly, I’ve learned that the kids make it all worth it.
If it didn’t, we’d all be in trouble. : )
