Tell me what you really think.
Sublime- and powerful.
We often learn more from the students than they do from us. The comment by the mother who lost her daughter is so touching. Thanks for your writing.
I think many teachers frankly do not understand the logistics of any other kind of job....
I think you're right. Your example of the conference is right on. I add to that, the school my step son went to for 6 years. Christmas concert at 11am on a Tuesday morning.
How ridiculous.
Our son's kindergarten teacher had left a career in the business world to teach so she could be there more when she had kids. Since she had that experience, she could relate to us and our lives, and had the communication skills to ensure meetings with parents went well.
I think sometimes when teachers only live amongst themselves, they forget how to communicate effectively to others, and they usually sound condescending and boorish. Yes, many need to get out more and relate to the community around them instead of holding themselves apart like so many do. Great post!
"We're better off for all that we let in..."
- Indigo Girls
Profound and so so true. I just love you. Please come to CO to teach a lovely 9 year old and 4 year old.
EXCELLENT POST. ONe of your very best!
As a teacher, I am constantly amazed at what I learn from my preschoolers and their parents.
What a wonderful post! I came from the corporate world and have been teaching for the past 7 years. I teach, though, a non-traditional subject (Bible) in an independent school in Georgia. Yet, many of the issues remain the same. I teach privileged children (9th and 12th grade) who very infrequently venture outside of their own "bubble." Because I have had a number of years of corporate experience in addition to graduate school, and being married and having a toddler, I feel I can bring much more than content to my students. It's about caring. It's about letting a student know why the comment they just made was elitist and discuss the implications and reasons for such a comment. It's about discussing the value of relationships in one's life. It's about helping students understand there are people out there in the world who are different than they are, but that will bring much richness into their lives if they allow it. Sometimes it's about letting them peek a little into your world. In any event, with teaching comes great responsibility. It's the hardest job (but I honestly consider what I do as my calling) I've ever done.
This is why you should be named teacher of the year - every year.
can you hear me applauding like mad over here? my husband, my mom, my mil, and my best friend are all educators with a bigger window on the world, but this post says it SO perfectly. bravo!
The love that I read in these pages - the humor and the genuine love and willingness to be open and flexible - moves me to tears. You are a gift.
You hit it on the nose as usual, Mamacita!
Hehe. I remember some of your rants in your younger days as a teacher. I still rant from time to time, but, then again, I'm still a MUCH younger teacher than you are
Wonderful post, as usual. I'm proud to call you my sister, sister.
Love you to pieces!!
Reason #1057 Why I Love Mamacita Best.
Because she gets it.
xoxoxox
Excellent post - what terrific insight. Thanks.
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