Elementary school teacher, Carrie Carter, preparing for the next day.
The Love of Teaching
Seeing this photo not long ago of elementary school teacher, Carrie Carter, working on lesson plans at home, inspired me to write this blog. In my opinion, this photo represents the dedication teachers have in preparing for their students, even if it means sacrificing time at home. This was taken of Carrie during the Christmas holidays.
Retiring as an elementary music teacher eight years ago, I know firsthand the amount of time and energy that goes into preparing to teach. Now as a substitute, I see how much more preparation is required in today’s world because of individualized lesson plans and ever-changing computer programs. After posting a question on Facebook a few weeks ago asking teachers to share why they went into teaching and what their concerns are, I eagerly waited for the responses. Some responded saying they grew up wanting to teach because of a family member who had inspired them. Others went into a little more depth, expressing not only their love of teaching, but also concerns. Here are a few of those …
Kindergarten teacher, Sarah Stepp: I definitely enjoy teaching but my fear is we’re so worried about test scores we’re losing the actual “magical” teaching and learning aspect of education. As a kindergarten teacher, I have to worry so much with testing time frames and what’s on the test, I wonder if the children are going to remember these concepts later, or just remember me as always having to call them over to test. Making a difference in their lives academically, socially, and emotionally is extremely important to me and that’s why I got in this profession. At the end of the day, the children are what’s important and the other stuff is just something we must deal with and integrate the best we can.
Second grade teacher, Dawn Gilland: I enjoy making a difference in a child’s life and feeling like I’ve made an effort to improve the quality of life for future generations is what makes me happy. At times it can be stressful trying to keep up with the “tech craze” because so much emphasis is placed on using technology in the classroom today. Although technology should be taught and used, we shouldn’t be solely dependent upon it. It’s a little frightening— what happens when technology stops working???? Will our children, the future adults, know how to survive without it???
Fourth grade teacher, Stephanie Smith: My favorite teacher was my fourth grade teacher. (Maybe that explains why I’m a a fourth grade teacher now. Hmm…). She knew how to have fun and cared about each of us. At the same time, she knew how to keep us in check when it was time to get down to business. I loved that balance. Now that I’m a teacher, I try to follow her example.
Fourth grade teacher, Kourtney Clark, I always wanted to teach because I’ve always enjoyed working with children. Even though my family moved around alot, my teachers made me feel welcome and accepted. By leaving a positive and lasting inpact, they made such a difference in my life, now that I’m a teacher I want to do the same for my students. As an educator in today’s climate I’m concerned the skills students need to survive in the real world such as perseverance and accountability are skills we can’t test. Are we setting our students up for failure later?
After reading the comments above there’s no doubt teachers care deeply about their students and want them to succeed. To accomplish this goal, however, they need everyone’s support and help, including administration, parents, students and the community. The bottom line is not only is the future of education at stake, but our children and grandchildren’s future as well.
What are you doing to support your child’s teacher or school? Do you ever volunteer to listen to a child read, or help with a project in some way? Leave a comment below, message on Facebook, or email dicysm@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
Dicy
www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog
