Teacher vs. ???
I think my post this week is derived from some frustrations I am feeling as a developing teacher. My frustrations come from the feeling that as I develop my skills and gain the tools and knowledge to try and be a successful teacher, I see lots of roadblocks and grey area in front of me. When I say this, I mean that it seems that teachers are fighting battles on many fronts. They have to deal with large numbers in the classroom, many more special needs students in each class, under staffing, underfunding and a general lack of support for change from within the education system. Teachers also face a lack of a family support at home for children, technology that enhances teaching, yet challenges teachers to stay ahead of the cheating curve.
I think I am more terrified and excited to have an opportunity to have my own classroom, because I think I know what it will be like, but then again I have no real life experience to base that on. I hope to be able to instill great ideas, knowledge, work ethic, respect, communication skills, motivation and other aspects to students. I worry that I am setting myself up for failure or disappointment because all of those things I want to accomplish are possible, yet in my experiences over the last few months it seems that the role of the teacher is so vast that it is hard to accomplish lofty and well thought out goals. I am excited about utilizing all of the great ideas and techniques I have learned to organize and initiate learning for students, along with the technology to inspire and motivate children. What I do not look forward to is the overwhelming pull on teachers to be teacher, friend, parent, social worker. I feel that in my first several years in the classroom, I will be to busy and to preoccupied to utilize new and interesting teaching methods, a I will just fall into a routine of being average teacher. I do not want this and am not sure how to avoid this. I guess, that I hope to find a great school system that supports andencourages young teachers. I hope to find a mentor like teacher to utilize their skills and knowledge to help me to adjust and to inspire me to push my limits and the limits of the students. I guess I will see how this all plays out, but I hope myself and my fellow new teachers have the opportunity to force education to change and for students and teachers to a be able to learn and spread knowledge and skills to make this world a better place.
April 29, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Charlie, research would support your fears, sadly. Too many teachers revert back to the type of teaching that they remember when they were in school. It is the most comfortable. However, teachers who really care and retain a professional mindset do not let that dictate their future. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who can act as resources and sounding boards for you, whether physical or virtual. As you begin to dabble in virtual professional learning networks, you may find that they have more to offer, as you can access them any time rather than only when in your building. You also have a greater professional pool on which to draw.
The first few years are overwhelming. Don’t try to implement every strategy and every learning technology that you have ever learned about. Take small steps and build on those successes.
Just never be satisfied with average. Don’t allow complacency and workplace bitterness dictate the teacher you become. Great teachers rise above all of the “crap” and continue to be professionals… for their students.
May 1, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Charlie I know you and you have seen and dealt with worse in your career as a case manager for the county. Think of all the hats you had to war in that job and how successfull you were. In a school remember to reach out to others and ask for help and guidance. If parents do not show up then so be it we cannot save the world. I know it is harsh to say but reality is you try, you try, yoou move on and save the ones that are giving back. The fact that you are even writing about this shows that someday children will be lucky to hhave you as a teacher.
May 2, 2008 at 9:14 pm
The only thing that should comfort you in these thoughts is that i’m pretty sure every teacher feels (or felt?) that way; myself included. First year teachers are so overwhelmed, especially when they have their own classroom, with what needs to be done. There are so many choices to make when building your classroom and your own personal teaching style. One little change could alter your entire approach (not to scare you even more). My hope (or fear?) is that I won’t get caught up in the confusion.