Uncertainties

As the school year comes to a close, there are many uncertainties that we face. Did we prepare them (the students) well enough for the next school year? How well did they do on state assessments?  What will next year's class be like? Will they remember everything we taught them?
But there are far more pressing concerns. Will my students be safe over the summer? Will they have enough to eat? Will they have a roof over their heads or running water? Will next year's teacher care for them they way we did?
For many of our students, these are their realities. Until all students feel safe, loved, well fed, and cared for we cannot hope to compete on an international level. During the school year, schools provide many of these things for the kids and the kids thrive in the structured environment. In the summer, they have no support system or structure.
Teachers are not just teachers anymore. For many kids...too many kids....we are counselors, parents, teachers, nurses, you name it- we try to provide it- even if it comes out of our own pockets. We give up valuable time to teach students manners, dental and physical hygiene, deal with social issues, find them glasses, clothing, or meet other needs.
Our priority is our students. If only the government saw beyond the test scores and looked at the children and made THEM the priority- not the test score.

Frustrations and Celebrations

Teaching is full of frustrations. The politics. Staff. Parents. Standards. Paperwork. You name it. Sometimes we just get overwhelmed with the mountain of frustrations that face us. And then, the kids walk in the door. A good teacher sets aside the frustrations. The old adage, "Never let them see you sweat" is very true. But once you let those kids in the door, their own needs and personalities make it very simple to lay those frustrations aside and begin the work you are trained to do. The kids come first.
Find something to celebrate each day. Improvement from the child you worry about. A positive note. That AHA moment. A successful lesson. Those celebrations will help you get through the day.
This year has been a tough year for me. The stresses have built from a multitude of directions and at times I was completely overwhelmed. For a while, I cried daily for various reasons. Let it out, it's ok. But be ready to turn it off the minute you see the kids.
Find someone you can talk to. Someone who is willing to listen to you vent. Get it off you chest. But choose carefully. Choose someone you trust. It will help in the end.
Yes, teaching is frustrating. But it is also cause for celebration, if we just look for those successes.