one of my students, ___, is a gifted girl who's reading at a high school level and is undoubtedly smarter than me at math. Sitting near her is ___, a loud little guy who's still learning how to spell his last name. it is my job to teach them, along with the 23 other students, and actually make them enjoy what they're learning!?!
yes, being a teacher is an extremely demanding, high-pressure, practically impossible job to be good at. there are a rare few in this world who can be called a 'good teacher'. i have noticed that non-teachers often view teaching as a 'cute' profession. like its a job full bubble gum and smiley faces and coloring crayons.
my job is actually full of 25 sweaty adolescents who are absorbed in themselves, their clothes and the dating lives of everyone around them. they could care less about converting improper fractions or the steps of the scientific method.
i would be long gone from this profession if it weren't for the 'cute' things my students do to tell me my efforts are worth it. ___ always draws me 'Miss Newlin' notes in her spare time when she's finished early. And ___ tells me interesting facts that have me laughing out loud each morning: "Miss Newlin, have you ever eaten just plain ketchup? I did once. It made my eye twitch!"
(Lesson Plan: Teach students the difference between your and you're!)
i can't get enough big squeezes with my two adorable nephews, Bennett and Gray. Gray was on a mission. and caught it the act! he always gives us something to smile about :)
